Overview

Tea tree oil is applied to the skin, hair, or nails for many different reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects include pain, itching, burning, stinging, irritation, or redness. Serious side effects are rare but may include allergic reactions. Before using tea tree oil, tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking. Tea tree oil should be mixed before use. Do not apply pure tea tree oil to your skin.

Uses

What is tea tree oil used for?

Tea tree oil is applied to the skin, hair, or nails for many different reasons. However, the benefits of tea tree oil are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use tea tree oil include the following.

• Acne
• Athlete’s foot
• Dandruff
• Insect bites
• Toenail fungus
• Other skin and nail infections

Note: The FDA has not reviewed tea tree oil for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about essential oils here.

How does tea tree oil work (mechanism of action)?

Tea tree oil is made from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). This tree is native to Australia, so the oil is sometimes called Australian tea tree oil. You may see other oils made from similar trees (Melaleuca trees), such as cajeput oil and niaouli oil. Even though they are made from similar trees, these oils are not the same and can have very different effects on the body than tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil is an essential oil. It is made by heating up the tea tree leaves until certain chemicals, called volatile aromatic compounds, are released. These volatile aromatic compounds are made into tea tree oil.

The chemicals found in tea tree oil can reduce swelling (inflammation). Applying tea tree oil to irritated skin may help calm the skin and reduce irritation. These chemicals may also have the ability to kill the microbes that cause infections, such as bacteria and fungi. But it is not clear if tea tree oil can help treat any skin or nail infections. It is also not clear if tea tree oil can help with other skin problems, such as dandruff or acne.

Herbal products, such as tea tree oil, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific tea tree oil product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store tea tree oil?

You should store tea tree oil according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of tea tree oil?

The most common side effects of tea tree oil are pain, itching, burning, stinging, irritation, or redness near where it is applied. These side effects may vary depending on the amount of oil you apply or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of tea tree oil that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of tea tree oil?

While less common, the most serious side effects of tea tree oil are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Tea tree oil may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using tea tree oil and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Skin Reactions. Tea tree oil can cause skin reactions, such as rashes, blisters, and burns. This risk seems to be higher in people who use large amounts of tea tree oil or those who use products containing high concentrations of tea tree oil. In some people, these skin reactions may be caused by an allergy to tea tree oil (contact dermatitis). Stop using tea tree oil and contact your health care provider right away if you have a skin reaction.

Precautions

Who should not use tea tree oil?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use tea tree oil.

• Melaleuca alternifolia
• Tea tree
• Tea tree oil
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific tea tree oil products they stock.

What should I know about tea tree oil before using it?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep tea tree oil out of the reach of children.

Tea tree oil is for use on the skin, hair, or nails only. Drinking tea tree oil can cause serious health problems. Keep tea tree oil away from your mouth and eyes. If you get tea tree oil in your eyes, wash them right away with water.

Tea tree oil is a liquid that may be added to other products that are applied to the skin. Some tea tree oil products contain 100% pure tea tree oil. Pure tea tree oil can cause blisters and burns and should not be applied directly to your skin. It must be mixed before use. Most products recommend mixing about three drops of tea tree oil into one teaspoon (5 milliliters) of water, oil, cream, lotion, or shampoo. Follow the instructions on the product label.

If you are using tea tree oil for skin or nail problems and your symptoms get worse or do not get better, stop using tea tree oil and contact your health care provider. Follow the directions on the package label.

Herbal products, such as tea tree oil, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific tea tree oil product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested tea tree oil products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. There are no third-party organizations that test essential oils to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals.

What should I tell my health care provider before using tea tree oil?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if tea tree oil is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Sensitive skin.Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation and skin reactions, especially in people who have sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your health care provider before using tea tree oil.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how tea tree oil could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if tea tree oil passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does tea tree oil interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between tea tree oil and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect tea tree oil.

Does tea tree oil interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between tea tree oil and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between tea tree oil and medicines are not fully understood. As with most essential oils, the research on drug interactions with tea tree oil is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking tea tree oil with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much tea tree oil?

If you or someone else has used too much tea tree oil, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Tea tree oil is available in products that can be applied directly to the skin, hair, or nails, and as a pure oil that must be mixed before use. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use tea tree oil safely. Do not take tea tree oil by mouth.