Short description: Tea tree essential oil
Commonly known as: Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil (I.N.C.I.), Tea tree, Melaleuca essential oil.
Botanical name: Melaleuca alternifolia.
Extraction process: Steam distillation of tea tree leaves.
Family: Myrtaceae.
Extracted part of the plant: Leaves.
Cultivation area, origin: Native to Australia, now widespread in the United States, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, China and South Africa.
Blooming: From July to August.
Origin, provenance: Australia, South Africa.
Phytochemical composition: Monoterpenols (linalol, geranil, terpinene-1-ol-4, terpineol), monoterpenes (gamma-terpinene, p-cymene, paracymene, limonene, terpinolene, sabinene, alpha-pinene, alpha-terpinene), sesquiterpenes (aromadendrene), terpene aldehydes (neral, geranial), terpene oxides (1,8 cineole).
Sensory properties: Appearance : Clear mobile liquid ; Color : Colorless to greenish yellow ; Odor : Woody, aromatic, terpenic.
Physical properties: Density : 0,885 - 0,906 g/cm3 ; Refractive index : 1,4750 - 1,4820 ; Soluble in water and absolute alcohol.
Concerns: Photoprotective, fragrant, purifying, antifungal, soothing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, sanitizing, decongesting.
Effect: All skin types and particularly blemished and acne-prone skin.
Details
Use
Face care (creams, serums, exfoliants, cleansing gels, masks, make-up removing oils, mists);
Body care (oils, milks, scrubs, hand and foot creams) ;
Hair care (shampoos, conditioners, masks, oils, lotions);
Hygiene (deodorants, solid soaps, shower gels, toothpastes, intimate toilets).
Preservation
Store at room temperature, in a dry place, away from light and heat.
Contra-Indications and Precautions
Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Do not use for children. With a low to moderate risk of irritation, Tea Tree Oil is generally used pure for greater effectiveness. However, for sensitive skin, it is best used diluted.
Note: It is best to test the essential oil before using it (two drops in the crook of the elbow for at least 24 hours to ensure there is no reaction).