What is tea tree oil?
Tea tree oil, an essential oil, is distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. The plant itself (and, in turn, tea tree oil) is native to Australia, but given how many benefits it possesses, it has become an increasingly popular natural ingredient in skin, hair, medicinal and home products across the world!
What are the benefits of tea tree oil?
One of the most widely celebrated benefits of tea tree oil is its antiseptic properties. Studies have shown tea tree oil boasts the ability to kill several common bacteria, which is why you’ll often find it in products like household cleaners, hand washes and sanitisers.
It also has some really potent antifungal qualities, with many turning to tea tree oil as a natural alternative to fungal-killing medications for conditions like Athlete’s Foot, nail fungus and even dandruff and other scalp conditions.
Given its ability to kill bacteria, tea tree oil is becoming an increasingly popular ingredient in dental hygiene products, like natural toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Tea tree oil benefits for the skin
Beyond what it can do around the home, tea tree oil has a number of uses for acne, inflammation, cuts and wounds.
Those with acneic skin will have no doubt heard of what tea tree oil can do for pimples. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient, with studies showing that just a 5% concentration of tea tree oil can reduce the severity of pimples a whopping six times more effectively than a placebo.
Those anti-inflammatory properties also make it an effective ingredient to have on hand in case cuts, scratches or other wounds arise. Combine that with its antiseptic qualities, and tea tree oil works to disinfect minor cuts, reduce the inflammation created by wounds, as well as helping them heal quickly.
Tea tree oil products we love
Dr Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap - Tea Tree
One of our all-time favourite multi taskers (not just in the tea tree category!) is the Dr Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap. This product has 18 uses for both the skin and the home, including working as a surface cleaner, an acne killer and a dandruff treatment!
Grants Fresh Mint with Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste
Reap the antibacterial properties of tea tree oil with the Grants Fresh Mint with Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste. This natural toothpaste combines tea tree oil with magnesium and calcium to promote healthy, clean teeth and gums as well as helping to reduce the inflammation caused by conditions like gingivitis.
100% Pure Tea Tree & Willow Clarifying Astringent
Formulated for oily, acne-prone and combination skin, the 100% Pure Tea Tree & Willow Clarifying Astringent harnesses the antibacterial properties of tea tree oil to help detoxify congested skin, while Witch Hazel helps to unclog the pores and balance the skin’s natural oil production.
ECO. Pimple Clear Essential Oil Blend
If you’re after a more targeted pimple treatment, we recommend the ECO. Pimple Clear Essential Oil Blend. This spot treatment combines tea tree oil with lavender oil, working to kill acne causing bacteria while soothing the skin and calming inflammation.
100% Pure Lysine Lip Balm
Cold sore sufferers will love the 100% Pure Lysine Lip Balm, which combines tea tree oil with Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Lemon Balm Essential Oils to ease discomfort and Lysine, which is an amino acid known to naturally reduce both the incidence and discomfort of persistent cold sores.
What's next?
Shop our range of natural, tea tree oil-rich products online now.
Read more about the benefits of magnesium and vitamin C.
Certain essential oils are flammable liquids.. Keep out of the reach of children. Always read the label, and if symptoms persist consult your healthcare practitioner. This advice is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
