What do you know about Tea Tree Oil and its benefits in skincare and haircare?

The only thing I and many people know Tea Tree Oil as an anti-bacterial agent for treating acne. Well you guessed it, that is correct! But did you also know that using too much or too strong of this essential oil can damage your skin?

Now lets start from the beginning of time…

Did you know?

Tea Tree Oil comes from the Australian native plant Melaleuca Alternifolia. Aboriginal Australians used this as a traditional medicine for cuts and wounds [1]. Since then it used widely in therapeutic and also cosmetic products.

It is all about the Chemistry!

Steam distillation is used to extract the oil from the leaves and terminal branches of Melaleuca Alternifolia.The oil is usually clear to pale yellow with a fresh, camphor-like smell. The essential oil is composed of terpene hydrocarbons, mainly monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and their associated alcohols [2].

Terpinen-4-ol is the chemical that makes up 30% of the oil. It is the chemical that makes it antibacterial and anti-inflammatory [2].

Skincare benefits

A lot of skin care products contain the essential oil as it can help reduce redness and helps with acne.

One scientific study has found that 5% of tea tree oil is an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne [3].

However, the effects are a bit slower when compared to benzoyl peroxide (a common synthetic chemical used to treat acne) [4]. Benzoyl Peroxide works but is also a very nasty, skin damaging chemical if not used correctly.

So why not choose Tea Tree Oil instead? Though I would recommend diluting it to 5% or less. You don’t want to damage your skin. I usually dilute it with either Olive or Macadamia Oil. These oils also adds nourishing and moisturising benefits.

Haircare benefits

Do you have dandruff and want an natural alternative to synthetic Zinc Pyrithione? Well, you guessed it!

One scientific study has found that using 5% of the essential oil in shampoo successfully helps with treating dandruff [5].

I personally haven’t tried using products with Tea Tree Oil since I don’t have dandruff. But studies have shown it works, so why not?

The Verdict?

If you’re not a fan of the strong smell, then Tea Tree Oil is not right for you. But if you don’t mind the smell and love using organic natural alternatives, then give this a go.

Comment below on whether you’ve tried Tea Tree Oil shampoo to fight dandruff before? How else do you use this essential oil?

Read some interesting facts on ingredients that may be in your products!