murphyMelaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) leaf extract
AKA: Narrow-leaved paperbark, Tea Tree Leaf Extract
Plant-Derived
Fragrance
Skin Conditioner
Australian Native
Extract
Clean
OriginNative to Australia. Derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a tree native to Australia in the Myrtaceae family. Extracted from leaves using solvent extraction methods to isolate the active botanical compounds.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract is a cosmetic ingredient used as perfuming, skin conditioning. Rated low hazard by EWG. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
Family
Myrtaceae (Myrtle family)
Plant Part
Leaf
Lifeform
Shrub
Climate
Subtropical
CAS #
85085-48-9
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Acne
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Fights acne
Causing bacteria
Controls excess oil
Quells irritation
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 823)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
1 study / 1 mixed / reactions mild (CIR 823)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0001%
Rinse-off0.001%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2019 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR