Tea Tree Essential Oil: Is it dangerous for topical application?

This essential oil contains allergenic biochemical components in small quantities: limonene (≤ 2%); linalool (≤ 1%) and also 1,8-cineole, a component known to be a skin irritant.

Several studies have been conducted to analyze the irritant nature of this essential oil. The irritant capacity was studied using patch tests at various concentrations. Irritation reactions were very rare and entirely dependent on the concentration. They did not depend on prior exposure to the irritant agent.

Furthermore, other studies have been conducted to establish the risk of contact allergies related to the application of this essential oil. Once an allergic reaction to this essential oil has occurred, it is likely that all subsequent exposures to the same ingredient, regardless of the concentration, will provoke further allergic reactions. This is referred to as contact dermatitis.

These reactions can be avoided by using lower concentrations of the irritant agent. Therefore, it needs to be diluted in a vegetable oil before any skin application (20% essential oil with 80% vegetable oil).

Note : It is advisable to test the essential oil before using it (two drops in the crook of the elbow for at least 24 hours to ensure that there is no reaction).

Patch tests conducted on three individuals allergic to the components of tea tree essential oil showed that they primarily reacted to the sesquiterpenoid fractions but not to the pure monoterpenes. It has been suggested that the oxidation products formed in the essential oil during prolonged storage are to blame.

Indeed, freshly distilled tea tree essential oil appears to have a relatively low sensitizing power, while that stored for extended periods has a significantly increased sensitizing capacity. The same study also suggests that the main allergens formed could be terpinolene, alpha-terpinene, ascardiole, and 1,2,4 trihydroxymethane.

Therefore, it is important to store Tea Tree essential oil away from light, as the oxidation of paracymene can cause skin irritations.

The essential oil of tea tree is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in children under 3 years old. It is also contraindicated in cases of confirmed allergy to tea tree or to oleoresins of pines, firs.

Individuals with a skin condition such as eczema should also not apply this essential oil directly to the skin, as it could worsen their condition. However, when diluted in a carrier oil, it can be greatly beneficial in managing this condition.

However, in aromatherapy, inhaling too much tea tree oil, or inhaling it for an extended period, can lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. It should never be used for inhalation by individuals with asthma. Furthermore, tea tree oil should never be used internally (orally, by ingestion). It can be toxic and potentially lethal if ingested. If ingested, symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, uncoordinated movements (ataxia), and loss of consciousness.

Some of our treatments contain this essential oil due to its excellent antibacterial and purifying power. However, we would like to clarify that it is introduced at a low percentage and that the final formulas pose no risk to human health, as these are subject to mandatory and regulated toxicological studies.

We have incorporated this essential oil at a low percentage for its purifying virtues in the following four treatments.

• Thepurifying botanical blendwithpeony: This night serum helps to purify the skin through the sebum-regulating and anti-inflammatory actions of 7 botanical extracts.

• The anti-blemish shower gel with glycolic acid and tea tree extract. This formula, rich in exfoliating and purifying active ingredients, unclogs pores, reduces blemishes, and fights against the appearance of ingrown hairs.

• Thepurifying body serumis based onzinc PCAandtea tree extract. This serum is applied locally to blemishes, only in the evening. It helps to combat pimples that do not only appear on the face but can also be found on the body.

• The targeted blemish care bakuchiol 1% + tea tree extract has been formulated to dry out blemishes and promote skin renewal to minimize marks. Its poultice-like texture soothes inflammation and reduces the sensation of heat.

We only advise against thepurifying botanical blend for pregnant women as it contains slightly more tea tree essential oil than our other three treatments mentioned above.

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