Tea tree oil guide: what the evidence shows and how to use it safely
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- 100% tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Best for: Diluted topical use on intact skin. See options on Amazon
- Head and Shoulders Tea Tree Oil Daily shampoo. Best for: Dandruff, with tea tree scent. See options on Amazon
- Carrier oil for dilution. Best for: Diluting essential oils before skin use. See options on Amazon
What tea tree oil is
NCCIH says tea tree oil comes from steam distillation of the leaves of the tea tree, native to New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. Most is produced in Australia, with China and several African countries also producing it commercially. Other names include melaleuca oil and Australian tea tree oil.
Aboriginal people of Australia traditionally used the leaves for wounds, burns and insect bites. Today it is promoted for external use for acne, athlete's foot, toenail fungus, lice and other conditions.
What the evidence shows
| Use | What NCCIH says | Bottom line |
|---|---|---|
| Acne | A small amount of research suggests it might help | More evidence needed |
| Athlete's foot | May help, but may not work as well as standard treatments | Standard treatment first |
| Nail fungus | Too little research, of too low quality, for conclusions | Unproven |
| Head lice | Only tested with other ingredients | Unclear |
| Gum problems, bad breath | Effectiveness of mouthrinses uncertain | Never swallow the rinse |
NCCIH also says several studies have looked at it for eyelid inflammation caused by Demodex mites, also called eyelash mites, but its effectiveness is uncertain.
Never swallow it
NCCIH says tea tree oil should not be swallowed, and taking it by mouth can cause serious symptoms such as confusion, unsteadiness, inability to walk and coma. Mouthrinses containing tea tree oil should not be swallowed either.
The National Capital Poison Center (poison.org) warns more broadly that misused essential oils can cause serious poisoning, that children may be more susceptible, and that essential oil bottles should be locked up out of sight and reach of children and pets. If someone swallows tea tree oil, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Using it on skin
- Expect some people to react. NCCIH says most people use topical tea tree products without problems, but some develop redness or irritation.
- Keep it fresh. NCCIH says reactions may be more likely if the product is old or has been exposed to heat, light or air, so close the cap and store it away from sun and heat.
- Dilute pure oil. Poison.org says diluting essential oils in a carrier oil is the best way to avoid a bad reaction from direct skin contact, and not to use them on damaged skin.
- Stop if a rash appears. Poison.org advises stopping immediately and gently washing it off.
NCCIH says topical tea tree products may be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tell your provider about any herbal products you use, especially if you take medicines.
Read the label: tea tree is not always the active
Many products put tea tree on the front of the package, but the drug that does the work may be something else. On DailyMed, for example, the Head and Shoulders Tea Tree Oil Daily shampoo lists pyrithione zinc 1% as its active ingredient for dandruff, with tea tree leaf oil among the inactive ingredients. Its label says to stop use and ask a doctor if the condition worsens or does not improve.
If you want pure tea tree oil, look for the botanical name Melaleuca alternifolia on the bottle. If you want a proven dandruff or antifungal treatment, compare the Drug Facts active ingredient.
Pets
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center says concentrated tea tree oil may cause problems for pets with only seven or eight drops, and advises against applying essential oils directly to pets. Keep bottles out of reach, and talk with your veterinarian before using any tea tree product on an animal. For diffusing oils at home, see our essential oil diffuser guide, which covers pet and bird safety.
What to look for when you buy
100% tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Best for: Diluted topical use on intact skin
NCCIH says a small amount of evidence suggests topical use might help acne and athlete's foot.
Watch out: Never swallow; store away from heat, light and air.
See options on AmazonHead and Shoulders Tea Tree Oil Daily shampoo
Best for: Dandruff, with tea tree scent
Its DailyMed label lists pyrithione zinc 1% as the anti-dandruff active.
Watch out: Avoid eyes; ask a doctor if dandruff worsens.
See options on AmazonCarrier oil for dilution
Best for: Diluting essential oils before skin use
Poison.org says diluting in a carrier oil is the best way to avoid a skin reaction.
Watch out: Patch test and stop if a rash appears.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Does tea tree oil work for acne?
- NCCIH says a small amount of research suggests it might help, but more evidence is needed.
- Does tea tree oil work on toenail fungus?
- NCCIH says research is too limited and low quality to reach any conclusions.
- Can you swallow tea tree oil?
- No. NCCIH says swallowing it can cause confusion, unsteadiness, inability to walk and coma.
- Is tea tree oil safe for dogs?
- The ASPCA says concentrated oil may cause problems with only seven or eight drops; do not apply it to pets.
- Is tea tree oil safe in pregnancy?
- NCCIH says topical products may be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Sources
- Tea Tree Oil: Usefulness and Safety (nccih.nih.gov), NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
- Essential oils: Poisonous when misused (poison.org), National Capital Poison Center (poison.org)
- Is the Latest Home Trend Harmful to Your Pets? (aspca.org), ASPCA
- Head and Shoulders Tea Tree Oil Daily (pyrithione zinc) shampoo label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine