Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) leaf powder
AKA: Narrow-leaved paperbark, Tea Tree Leaf Powder
Plant-Derived
Australian Native
Clean
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Powder is a cosmetic ingredient used as abrasive. 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
Powder
Functions
Abrasive
Fights acne
Causing bacteria
Controls excess oil
Quells irritation
Traditional Use
A dried and powdered form of tea tree leaves used in traditional Aboriginal medicine. Modern cosmetic formulations use it for its antimicrobial properties in masks, scrubs, and specialty skincare products.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 3%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 823).
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Acne
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR