Tea tree oil is an essential oil that comes from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. Tea tree oil is widely used for skincare and as an ingredient in cleaning products, and it is safe for most people to use in these forms. You may have also heard that tea tree oil has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which is part of the draw with many products you will find on the market.
If you've ever looked for tea tree oil to buy, you might have seen the overwhelming number of products there are. Because it comes in many different forms and each is intended for a different use, we'll break down the best tea tree oils by category to help you make an informed decision. Before we get to the list, it's important to note that tea tree oil is not a supplement or replacement for vitamins—it should never be ingested or consumed.
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Best Tea Tree Oils - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Tea Tree Oil: Naturenics Tea Tree Essential Oil
- Best Tea Tree Oil Shampoo: Tea Tree Special Shampoo
- Best Tea Tree Oil Face Wash: TruSkin Tea Tree Super Facial Cleanser
- Best Tea Tree Oil for Cleaning: Naeterra Aromatherapy Tea Tree & Peppermint Cleaning Concentrate
- Best Cruelty-Free Tea Tree Oil: Veda Tinda Tea Tree Oil
- Best Budget Tea Tree Oil: Ethereal Nature 100% Pure Oil
Common Uses and Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is used in many different cleaning products, shampoos, hand soaps and sanitizers, face washes, and similar products. The uses of tea tree oil are derived from its benefits. If you're wondering if tea tree oil is useful for a specific need, make sure it aligns with the studied benefits.
Antibacterial Properties
Tea tree oil is an effective antibacterial agent against many common bacteria, which means it is a good ingredient to add to topical cleaners. It won't kill bacteria as well as other common products, but it is an all-natural alternative to some of the chemicals that are harsher.
Reduce Inflammation
Some studies suggest that tea tree oil stimulates white blood cell regeneration which helps wounds heal faster. More white blood cells and faster healing mean reduced inflammation around cuts and abrasions.
Skin Care
Tea tree oil can be used as a treatment for acne and dandruff, as well as body odor. These treatments are tied to tea tree oil's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties since these conditions are often tied to bacteria.
How to Choose a Tea Tree Oil
Sustainability
Tea tree oil is a very sustainable product if it is produced by the traditional method of distilling by steam. Not only does steam distillation have limited environmental effects, but the oil it produces is also chemical free which adds sustainability to the products you use it in.
Form
Tea tree oil comes in two main forms: pre-mixed products with diluted oil in varying proportions and undiluted oil that you have to mix yourself. There are pros and cons to both forms and we've included a variety on our list.
Desired Use
Before you buy a tea tree oil product, make sure you know what you want to use it for. Undiluted oil is much more budget-friendly than some of the pre-mixed products, but it also requires you to measure and dilute the oil yourself. If tea tree oil is too concentrated it can irritate your skin, so make it a point to follow the mixing instructions of your product.
Best Overall Tea Tree Oil - Naturenics Tea Tree Essential Oil
SPECS
- Form: 100% oil
- Amount: 1 oz.
- Other key ingredients: None
- Recommended uses: Mixture
Naturenics Tea Tree Oil is 100 percent pure and made to be mixed into everyday products like shampoo, facial cleanser, conditioner, soaps, and other similar personal care products. Naturenics uses the traditional steam distillation method and each bottle is very pure. The dark glass bottle also protects the oil.
Because of its quality and limited quantity per bottle, Naturenics may not be the best choice to mix with surface cleaners. However, it can be used for almost any purpose, so it is our choice for the best overall tea tree oil.
What We Like
- Steam distilled
- Very pure oil that creates strong mixtures with small doses
- Comes with a glass dropper to measure the oil
What We Don't Like
- Only available in 1-oz. size
- Expensive to use for general cleaning products
BUY: Naturenics Tea Tree Essential Oil
Best Tea Tree Oil Shampoo - Tea Tree Special Shampoo
SPECS
- Form: Pre-mixed liquid
- Amount: 33.8 fl. oz.
- Other key ingredients: Peppermint and lavender essential oils, vitamin B5
- Recommended uses: Hairwash
Shampoo is one of the most common uses of tea tree oil because of its natural cleansing and refreshing properties. This shampoo treats dandruff, dry scalp, and other skin-related scalp problems that you may suffer from.
The other essential oils in the formula are useful, too. Peppermint will give your hair the tingly, refreshed feeling that encourages blood flow and hair growth. Lavender is another antibacterial like tea tree oil and can help prevent or kill head lice.
What We Like
- Antibacterial properties to cleanse your hair naturally
- Other essential oils are included in the formula to promote hair growth and scalp health
- Pre-mixed so you shouldn't have to worry about negative reactions under normal circumstances
What We Don't Like
- Not a sulfate-free shampoo
- Expensive
Best Tea Tree Oil Face Wash - TruSkin Tea Tree Facial Cleanser
SPECS
- Form: Gel
- Amount: 4 fl. oz.
- Other key ingredients: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Chamomile, Aloe Vera
- Recommended uses: Face wash for oily skin or dry skin
TruSkin's tea tree oil facial cleanser is a gel that utilizes the natural cleansing and antibacterial properties of tea tree oil to clean your face. Tea tree oil is much gentler on your skin than other chemical cleaning agents that are common in facial cleansers.
What sets TruSkin apart is that it embraces gentle cleansing with its other ingredients as well. Aloe vera is a known ingredient that repairs skin and supports healthy cell growth, MSM is a sulfate alternative that will work alongside the tea tree oil for cleansing, and chamomile is an herb with a long history of use for its soothing properties.
What We Like
- Sulfate free
- Supports healthy skin growth
- Lower risk of adverse effects and skin irritation
What We Don't Like
- Need supplemental products for maximum effectiveness
- Natural ingredients mean more allergen possibilities, including ragweed from chamomile
BUY: TruSkin Tea Tree Facial Cleanser
Best Tea Tree Oil for Cleaning - Naeterra Aromatherapy Tea Tree and Peppermint Cleaning Concentrate
SPECS
- Form: Pre-mixed cleaning concentrate
- Amount: 64 fl. oz.
- Other key ingredients: Peppermint oil
- Recommended uses: Cleaning mix
Naeterra Aromatherapy Tea Tree Concentrate is a heavy-duty cleaner that should last you for quite a while once you buy. The recommended mixture ratio is 1 tablespoon of concentrate for every 8 fluid ounces of water.
This concentrate contains other natural ingredients, but it is chemical free which is great for your home and safe to use around kids. What we love most about Naeterra's concentrate is that the essential oils also have an aromatherapy component so you're safe to clean without worry of harmful fumes.
What We Like
- Natural ingredients make it safer than other cleaners
- Aromatherapy from essential oils
- Large container means it will last for a long time
What We Don't Like
- Will kill most but not all bacteria, which is important to know for a surface cleaner
- Best used with a spray bottle which is not included
BUY: Naeterra Aromatherapy Tea tree and Peppermint Cleaning Concentrate
Best Cruelty-Free Tea Tree Oil - Veda Tinda Tea Tree Oil
SPECS
- Form: 100% oil
- Amount: 4 fl. oz.
- Other key ingredients: None
- Recommended uses: Skincare, aromatherapy
Veda Tinda tea tree oil is a pure oil that is sourced in Australia and distilled by steam in the traditional way. Essential oils are not often tested on animals, but Veda Tinda is very clear that they are cruelty-free.
Another aspect that sets Veda Tinda apart is that it is clear about its mission. They make no outlandish claims and make sure the consumer knows what they are buying and what it is used for. Veda Tinda wants to offer aromatherapy and skincare that is sourced in nature and nothing else.
What We Like
- Never tested on animals
- Clear communication and honest claims
- Sourced ethically
What We Don't Like
- Needs to be diluted heavily because of the oil's purity
- Some reviews say the product was pre-diluted upon arrival
Best Budget Tea Tree Oil - Ethereal Nature 100% Pure Oil
SPECS
- Form: 100% Oil
- Amount of Tea Tree Oil: 1 oz.
- Other Ingredients: None
- Recommended Uses: Mixture
Ethereal Nature's tea tree oil is a quality product that is budget-friendly. It has many of the same properties as our best overall pick: It is antibacterial, good for cleaning, good for skin care, and antifungal. It is comparable in size and use recommendations. Best of all, it is half the cost.
However, the difference is in purity. Ethereal Nature is affordable because it is less pure than some of the more expensive brands. All that really means is that you will have to use more in your mixtures to get the same results, so if you're on a budget but want to try tea tree oil, Ethereal Nature is a no-brainer.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Pure oil with all the same benefits as more expensive options
- High user ratings
What We Don't Like
- Many reviews say the packaging was leaking upon arrival
- Need to use more of the oil to get the same effects as purer options
BUY: Ethereal Nature 100% Pure Oil
FAQs About Tea Tree Oil
How do I dilute tea tree oil?
Tea tree oil can be diluted in multiple ways. The most common diluting technique is to mix tea tree oil with another oil, called a carrier oil. Other possibilities include mixing tea tree oil in existing soaps, candles, lotions, body wash, shampoos, or other similar products. Tea tree oil can also be diluted with water for cleaning purposes.
Are there different grades of tea tree oil?
Tea tree oils are graded but it is not a grading system that is regulated by the FDA. The highest grade is therapeutic grade, and many oils lay claim to this. However, almost all essential oils available over the counter have a similar grade with terpinen-4-ol content within a percentage range. Because of that, it is difficult to find an advertised grading system.
How long does it take tea tree oil to work?
If you're using tea tree oil as an antibacterial or antifungal treatment on an already infected area, the amount of time it takes to work is dependent on what you're treating. The more severe an infection the longer it will take to heal. If you're using tea tree oil as an acne or skin care product, the amount of time it takes to work is dependent on how your skin responds to the treatment.
Can I apply tea tree oil directly on my face?
Tea tree oil should always be diluted before applying it to your skin in any area, especially your face. The exception to this is a product that is pre-mixed and specifically formulated for use on your skin, such as a facial cleanser, shampoo, or soap. Applying pure tea tree oil to your skin could cause a negative reaction.