The essential oil of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), also known as tea tree oil, has been extensively studied for many years as an alternative antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and even anticancer agent. While these properties are increasingly well-characterised, the available data on the safety and toxicity of this essential oil remain relatively limited. This article provides the key information you need to know on this subject.
Tea tree essential oil: is it dangerous for topical application?
Summary
Published on October 4, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 8 min of reading
Themes:
The essential oil of tea tree, potentially irritating to the skin.
This essential oil contains allergenic biochemical components in small quantities: limonene (≤ 2%); linalool (≤ 1%) and also 1,8-cineole, a component known to be a skin irritant.
Several studies have been conducted to analyse the irritant nature of this essential oil. The irritant capacity was studied using patch tests at various concentrations. Irritation reactions were very rare and entirely dependent on the concentration. They were not dependent on prior exposure to the irritant agent.
Furthermore, other studies have been conducted to establish the risk of contact allergies associated with the application of this essential oil. Once an allergic reaction to this essential oil has occurred, it is likely that all subsequent exposures to the same ingredient, regardless of the concentration, will provoke further allergic reactions. This is referred to as contact dermatitis.
These reactions can be avoided by using lower concentrations of the irritant agent. Therefore, it needs to be diluted in a vegetable oil before any skin application (20% essential oil with 80% vegetable oil).
Note : It is advisable to test the essential oil before using it (two drops in the crook of the elbow for at least 24 hours to ensure that there is no reaction).
A correlation between poor preservation and skin irritation.
Patch tests conducted on three individuals allergic to the components of tea tree essential oil showed that they primarily reacted to the sesquiterpenoid fractions but not to the pure monoterpenes. It has been suggested that the oxidation products formed in the essential oil during prolonged storage are to blame.
Indeed, freshly distilled tea tree essential oil appears to have a relatively low sensitising power, whereas that stored for extended periods has a significantly increased sensitising capacity. The same study also suggests that the main allergens formed could be terpinolene, alpha-terpinene, ascardiole and 1,2,4 trihydroxymethane.
Therefore, it is important to store Tea Tree essential oil away from light, as the oxidation of paracymene can cause skin irritations.
What contraindications does this essential oil present?
The essential oil of tea tree is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in children under 3 years old. It is also contraindicated in cases of proven allergy to tea tree or to oleoresins of pines, firs.
Individuals suffering from a skin condition such as eczema should also not apply this pure essential oil directly to the skin, as it could exacerbate their condition. However, when diluted in a carrier oil, it can be of great help in combating this condition.
However, in aromatherapy, inhaling an excessive amount of tea tree oil, or prolonged inhalation, can lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. It should never be used for inhalation if you have asthma. Furthermore, tea tree oil should never be used internally (orally, by ingestion). It can be toxic and potentially lethal if ingested. In case of ingestion, symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, uncoordinated movements (ataxia), and loss of consciousness.
The tea tree essential oil in our products.
Some of our treatments contain this essential oil due to its excellent antibacterial and purifying properties. However, we would like to clarify that it is introduced at a low percentage and that the final formulas pose no risk to human health, as these are subject to mandatory and regulated toxicological studies.
We have incorporated this essential oil at a low percentage for its purifying virtues into the following four treatments.
Thepurifying botanical blendwithpeony: This night serum helps to purify the skin through the sebum-regulating and anti-inflammatory actions of 7 botanical extracts.
Theanti-blemish shower gelwithglycolic acidandtea tree extract. This formula, rich in exfoliating and purifying active ingredients, unclogs pores, reducesblemishesand fights against the appearance ofingrown hairs.
Thepurifying body serummade fromzinc PCAandtea tree extract. This serum is applied locally to blemishes, only in the evening. It helps to combat spots that do not only appear on the face but can also be found on the body.
The targeted blemish care bakuchiol 1% + tea tree extract has been formulated to dry out blemishes and promote skin renewal to minimise marks. Its poultice-like texture soothes inflammation and reduces the sensation of heat.
We only advise against thepurifying botanical blend for pregnant women as it contains slightly more tea tree essential oil than our other three treatments mentioned above.
Sources:
HORNFELDT C. S. & al. Melaleuca oil poisoning. Journal of Clinical Toxicology (1994).
OSTERHOUDT K. C. & al. Consumption of tea tree oil (Melaleuca oil) by a 4-year-old boy. Paediatric Emergency Care (2003).
RILEY T. V. & othersMelaleuca alternifolia(tea tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews (2006).
TATE B. & al. Allergy to tea tree oil: Retrospective review of 41 cases with positive patch tests over 4.5 years. Australasian Journal of Dermatology (2007).
JACOB S. E. & et al. Tea tree oil. Dermatitis (2012).
ANWAR F. & others. Essential oils utilised in aromatherapy: a systematic review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine (2015).
SCHMIDT E. & al. Tea tree oil: contact allergy and chemical composition. Contact Dermatitis (2016).
Mayo Clinic Staff. Tea Tree Oil (2017).
