murphyMelaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) leaf oil
AKA: Narrow-leaved paperbark, Tea tree leaf oil
Plant-Derived
Antioxidant
Fragrance
Australian Native
Not Clean
OriginNative to Australia. Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a tree native to Australia in the Myrtaceae family. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the plant leaves.
Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil is a cosmetic ingredient used as antioxidant, perfuming. Rated moderate hazard by EWG. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
Family
Myrtaceae (Myrtle family)
Plant Part
Leaf
Lifeform
Shrub
Climate
Subtropical
CAS #
85085-48-9 / 8022-72-8 / 68647-73-4
Form
Oil
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Acne
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Antioxidant
Fights free radicals — the unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and stress that break down collagen and cause premature aging.
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
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
6
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 823)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
3 studies / 1 irritating / 2 not irritating (CIR 823)
Dermal Absorption 1.1–4.1%
2 lab (in vitro) studies in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 823)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.003–0.63%
Rinse-off0.0003–0.3%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2019 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR