What Is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Australian-native Melaleuca Alternifolia tree through a steam distillation process, explains Julio Pina, the director of R&D Innovation at Innovation Labs (iLABS). “It’s a colorless to pale yellow, clear, mobile liquid with a distinctive aromatic, earthy, pine odor,” Pina says. Tea tree oil is commonly found in personal care products and cosmetics, from moisturizers and toners to soaps, shampoos, and countless other goods. You can also purchase tea tree oil on its own to add to a diffuser or mix with other lotions or serums.
Uses
Because tea tree oil has been used and studied for decades, there’s plenty of research to back up its benefits. Here, experts shed insight on all the uses and advantages of this potent, effective essential oil. “Try to look for acne formulations that address multiple causes of acne, such as oil control, antibacterial properties, redness reduction, and skin-soothing benefits; the formula should synergistically work together to deliver results,” he says. “Utilizing tea tree oil in a formulation can address several acne concerns.” After wiping off old nail polish with acetone, she suggests rubbing tea tree oil all over your bare nails and letting them breathe for a day or two before applying new polish. “It also feels nice to massage residual oil with a foot moisturizer after a long day,” she says. “Wiping your bare toenails with tea tree oil can help prevent the yellowing that occurs with constant polishing.” One study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that using shampoo with 5 percent tea tree oil reduced dandruff in one group by 41 percent, compared to the other group who used a placebo. Participants who used the tea tree oil shampoo also self-reported improvements in the area affected, the severity of dandruff, scalp itchiness, greasiness, and scaliness.
Start Slowly to Avoid Skin Irritation
If you have picky pores that tend to break out or become red when you use a new product, tread carefully with tea tree oil. Aguilar says to begin by applying a small dab behind your ear and wrist. Then, check these areas after 12 and 24 hours for any signs of irritation or allergies. If you’re using tea tree oil on its own, another option is to dilute the formula in a compatible vehicle, like caprylic/capric triglyceride or castor oil, Pina says. “The level of dilution will depend on your skin’s tolerance levels, so start with as low as a 1% solution and increase to 5%.”
Store It Safely
Store your solution in an amber glass bottle at room temperature, as tea tree oil is sensitive to air, light, and heat. “To be cautious and prolong the shelf life of your solution, including an antioxidant such as vitamin E is recommended,” Pina says. “Vitamin E will synergistically improve the benefit of tea tree oil while serving as a natural antioxidant and soothing agent.”
