Tea Tree Oil

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about tea tree oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

Please note: Some studies on this page tested tea tree oil for acne and dandruff, which are medical conditions. We share them for transparency. ORY^® tea tree oil products are cosmetics and are not intended to treat acne, dandruff, infections, or any other condition.

How to read this page

Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews.

Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY^® uses.

Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly.

1. General Description and Role

Claim: Tea tree oil is the steam-distilled essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia, a shrub native to Australia. In ORY^® cosmetics it helps skin look clearer and less oily, helps the scalp feel clean and refreshed, and adds its fresh, herbal scent.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Tea tree oil is one of the few essential oils studied in clinical trials. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded tea tree-derived ingredients are safe in cosmetics at current levels of use when formulated to be non-sensitizing. Tea tree oil is not an FDA-approved acne or dandruff drug ingredient.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2026). Safety assessment of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 45(3 Suppl), 5S–64S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818261460875
  - What it shows: CIR conclusion: safe as used when formulated to be non-sensitizing.
- Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
  - What it shows: Review of tea tree oil composition and research.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
  - What it shows: FDA’s list of approved OTC acne actives, which does not include tea tree oil.

2. Composition and Production

Claim: Tea tree oil contains more than 100 compounds. The main one is terpinen-4-ol. Quality is defined by the international standard ISO 4730. When the oil is exposed to air and light, it oxidizes into compounds that are more likely to cause allergic reactions, so freshness and storage matter.

Verification: Supported. Composition, the ISO standard, and the effect of oxidation are documented.

Citations:

- Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
  - What it shows: Describes composition and terpinen-4-ol.
- Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., Riley, T. V., & Nielsen, J. B. (2006). A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 44(5), 616–625. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16243420/
  - What it shows: Describes oxidation products and allergy risk.
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2026). Safety assessment of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 45(3 Suppl), 5S–64S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818261460875
  - What it shows: CIR notes that oxidized tea tree oil is a known sensitizer.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Claim: Tea tree oil suits oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin in diluted, low-level products. Dry and sensitive skin should use it only at low levels, if at all.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Clinical studies used 5% gels on acne-prone skin. Irritation and allergy risk rise with higher strengths, oxidized oil, and sensitive skin.

Citations:

- Bassett, I. B., Pannowitz, D. L., & Barnetson, R. S. (1990). A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Medical Journal of Australia, 153(8), 455–458. https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.1990.tb126150.x
  - What it shows: Compared 5% tea tree oil gel with 5% benzoyl peroxide in 124 people with acne.
- Enshaieh, S., Jooya, A., Siadat, A. H., & Iraji, F. (2007). The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 73(1), 22–25. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/
  - What it shows: Placebo-controlled study of 5% tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne.
- Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., Riley, T. V., & Nielsen, J. B. (2006). A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 44(5), 616–625. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16243420/
  - What it shows: Irritation and allergy data.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Claim: In haircare, tea tree oil is used in shampoos and scalp products to help the scalp feel clean, fresh, and less oily.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. A placebo-controlled trial of 126 people found a 5% tea tree oil shampoo used daily for four weeks improved dandruff scores and itch compared with placebo. Dandruff is a medical condition and tea tree oil is not an FDA-approved dandruff ingredient, so ORY^® tea tree shampoos are cosmetics and do not make dandruff claims.

Citations:

- Satchell, A. C., Saurajen, A., Bell, C., & Barnetson, R. S. (2002). Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 47(6), 852–855. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12451368/
  - What it shows: Placebo-controlled 5% shampoo study.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
  - What it shows: FDA’s list of approved dandruff actives, which does not include tea tree oil.

5. Benefits

Claim: Tea tree oil helps skin look clearer and less oily, helps the scalp feel clean and refreshed, and adds a natural fresh scent.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Lab studies show tea tree oil is active against bacteria and yeasts, and clinical studies found benefits in acne and dandruff. Those are drug uses, so ORY^® limits its claims to how skin and scalp look and feel.

Citations:

- Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
  - What it shows: Lab evidence for antimicrobial activity.
- Enshaieh, S., Jooya, A., Siadat, A. H., & Iraji, F. (2007). The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 73(1), 22–25. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/
  - What it shows: Clinical acne study (medical use).
- Satchell, A. C., Saurajen, A., Bell, C., & Barnetson, R. S. (2002). Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 47(6), 852–855. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12451368/
  - What it shows: Clinical dandruff study (medical use).

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Claim: Tea tree oil is used in all four ORY^® product lines at controlled levels.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. The levels reported to the CIR were below 1% (0.3% leave-on, 0.63% rinse-off in recent data), while clinical studies used 5%. Higher levels increase the chance of irritation. We found no data on how much tea tree oil survives cold-process soapmaking; in soap its main role is scent.

Product line	Typical level	How ORY^® uses it
Skincare	0.5–2% leave-on; up to 5% rinse-off	Spot gels, serums, cleansers, toners, clay masks, and foot and body products.
Haircare	1–5% shampoo; 0.5–2% leave-in	Clarifying shampoos, scalp treatments, and conditioners.
Handmade Soap	1–3% of oil weight	Added at trace for scent.
Cosmetics	0.1–0.5%	Concealers and primers at low levels.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2026). Safety assessment of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 45(3 Suppl), 5S–64S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818261460875
  - What it shows: Reported use concentrations and safety conditions.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
  - What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.

7. Pros

Claim: One of the most studied essential oils, botanical, does not bleach fabric, and works across skin, scalp, and soap.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Supported by clinical research, though most of that research is on medical uses ORY^® does not claim.

Citations:

- Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
  - What it shows: Review of the research base.

8. Cons

Claim: Tea tree oil can cause allergic reactions, especially when oxidized; it irritates when undiluted; it has a strong scent; and it is toxic if swallowed.

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

- Allergy. Oxidized tea tree oil is a known skin allergen. ORY^® buys fresh oil and stores it away from light and air.
- Irritation. Never apply undiluted oil to skin.
- Toxic if swallowed. Keep away from children and pets, including cats and dogs.
- Children. A published case series linked repeated use of products containing lavender and tea tree oils to breast growth in three young boys, which resolved after stopping. The evidence is limited, but ORY^® does not market tea tree products for young children.
- Strong scent. The medicinal aroma may not suit everyone.

Citations:

- Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., Riley, T. V., & Nielsen, J. B. (2006). A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 44(5), 616–625. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16243420/
  - What it shows: Toxicity review, including allergy and ingestion risks.
- Henley, D. V., Lipson, N., Korach, K. S., & Bloch, C. A. (2007). Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils. New England Journal of Medicine, 356(5), 479–485. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa064725
  - What it shows: Case reports in prepubertal boys.
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2026). Safety assessment of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 45(3 Suppl), 5S–64S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818261460875
  - What it shows: Sensitization findings for oxidized oil.

9. Safety Notes

Claim: Always dilute, patch test, and keep away from children and pets.

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Never apply undiluted tea tree oil. Never swallow.
- Keep away from eyes, mucous membranes, children, and pets.
- Store tightly closed, away from heat and light; do not use products that smell sharp or changed.
- Stop use if redness, itching, or rash occurs.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

- Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., Riley, T. V., & Nielsen, J. B. (2006). A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 44(5), 616–625. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16243420/
  - What it shows: Source for safety precautions.

10. Product-line notes

- ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY^® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

- Bassett, I. B., Pannowitz, D. L., & Barnetson, R. S. (1990). A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Medical Journal of Australia, 153(8), 455–458. https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.1990.tb126150.x
- Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
- Enshaieh, S., Jooya, A., Siadat, A. H., & Iraji, F. (2007). The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 73(1), 22–25. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/
- Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2026). Safety assessment of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 45(3 Suppl), 5S–64S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818261460875
- Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., Riley, T. V., & Nielsen, J. B. (2006). A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 44(5), 616–625. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16243420/
- Henley, D. V., Lipson, N., Korach, K. S., & Bloch, C. A. (2007). Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils. New England Journal of Medicine, 356(5), 479–485. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa064725
- Satchell, A. C., Saurajen, A., Bell, C., & Barnetson, R. S. (2002). Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 47(6), 852–855. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12451368/

Government and regulatory sources

- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap

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Tea Tree Oil

1. General Description and Role

2. Composition and Production

3. Skin Type Suitability

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

5. Benefits

6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines

7. Pros

8. Cons

9. Safety Notes

10. Product-line notes

11. References

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines