Tea tree essential oil, also called tea tree oil, is extensively used in cosmetics for its antimicrobial and purifying properties and is particularly recommended for oily or acne-prone skin. However, facial application requires specific precautions. How can you safely benefit from tea tree essential oil? Typology provides you with a practical guide.
How should tea tree essential oil be applied to the face?
Summary
Published on January 10, 2023, updated on January 28, 2026, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 5 min of reading
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Tea tree essential oil, in brief.
The tea tree essential oil is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a tree native to Australia. Used for centuries by Aboriginal peoples to cleanse wounds and limit infections, it did not have its antiseptic and antibacterial properties scientifically demonstrated only in the early 20th century, notably by the chemist Arthur DE RAMAN PENFOLD in 1922. Anecdotally, the anti-infective virtues of the tea tree oil led to its inclusion in the first aid kits of the Australian Army and Navy during World War II.
The tea tree essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves, a process requiring about 100 kg of plant material to yield 1 to 2 liters of essential oil. It is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic woody aroma. Its composition is dominated by monoterpene alcohols, particularly terpinen-4-ol (approximately 45%), as well as monoterpenes such as γ-terpinene, α-terpinene, and limonene. These compounds are responsible for its purifying and sanitizing properties, which explain its cosmetic interest, notably for oily skin prone to blemishes.
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How to prepare a facial treatment based on tea tree essential oil?
Tea tree essential oil should never be applied undiluted to the skin.
Highly concentrated in active compounds, including allergens, it can cause irritation and redness if applied neat, particularly on thin, sensitive skin such as that of the face. This is why using tea tree essential oil on the face necessarily involves its dilution in a carrier oil. To prepare a facial treatment, we recommend blending tea tree essential oil with a lightweight carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, hazelnut oil, or grape seed oil, which is particularly well suited to oily or blemish-prone skin.
The typical dilution for facial application is around 10%, equating to about 1 drop of essential oil for every 10 drops of carrier oil.
The mixture is prepared in a small, clean, dry amber glass vial to limit oxidation. This formulation can be applied topically to blemishes, preferably in the evening, once a day. To do this, after thoroughly washing your hands, dispense one drop of the formulation and apply a drop to each blemish. It is also worth noting that, although tea tree essential oil is not photosensitizing, a nighttime application remains preferable.
Before any use, it is essential to perform an epicutaneous test by applying a small amount of the mixture to the inner elbow and observing the reaction for 24 hours.
Tea tree essential oil should not be applied near the eyes or on mucous membranes, as it may cause significant irritation. As a precaution, like most essential oils, its use is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as for young children.
Sources
KAZEROUNI A. & al. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. International Journal of Dermatology (2013).
ÇALISKAN K. U. & al. Tea tree oil and its use in aromatherapy. Current Perspectives on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (2018).
EL-ESAWI M. A. & al. River tea tree oil: Composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, and potential applications in agriculture. Plants (2021).
DA GRAÇA MIGUEL M. & al. Tea tree oil: Properties and the therapeutic approach to acne – A review. Antioxidants (2023).
