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Best Tea Tree Oil

Updated May 2022
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Artnaturals Tea Tree Oil (.50 fl oz)
Artnaturals
Tea Tree Oil (.50 fl oz)
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Highly rated
Bottom Line

This tea tree oil (melaleuca alternifolia) is native to Australia and has robust antibacterial properties.

Pros

Artnaturals tea tree oil is a cruelty-free product that is harvested from Australia. It contains no synthetic ingredients and can be used for purifying, cleaning, and to promote wellness. Customers consistently give this product a high rating.

Cons

This tea tree oil has a potent scent. For some that is a pro, but others may find it a little too intense.

Best Bang for the Buck
Tea Tree Therapy Tea Tree Oil (2 fl oz)
Tea Tree Therapy
Tea Tree Oil (2 fl oz)
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Good Value
Bottom Line

An affordable 2-ounce container of tea tree oil that is designed to function as an antiseptic.

Pros

While this tea tree oil is water-soluble and can be diluted with 1-to-10 parts water, if a more potent application is needed, it can be applied at full strength. This solution is formulated to be safe for cuts, abrasions, insect bites, and stings.

Cons

This product also lists deionized water, SD-40 alcohol, and polysorbate-60 as ingredients.

Healing Solutions Tea Tree 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil (.33 oz)
Healing Solutions
Tea Tree 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil (.33 oz)
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For Occasional Use
Bottom Line

Those who don't have specific expectations about the aroma may find it worth considering – but it will get expensive for frequent users.

Pros

Earns high marks for its light consistency. Therapeutic grade and pure. Has a dropper cap and glass bottle. Comes with a money back guarantee.

Cons

The bottle contains only .33 ounces, making it quite pricey. The smell may be too strong for some users.

Radha Beauty 100% Pure and Natural Tea Tree Essential Oil (4 oz)
Radha Beauty
100% Pure and Natural Tea Tree Essential Oil (4 oz)
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

You get a lot of tea tree oil for the price, but it comes with some quality concerns that may not be so appealing.

Pros

Comes with a handy squeeze dropper that makes it easy to apply. Therapeutic-grade and pure – contains no additives. Company offers attentive customer service.

Cons

Very strong scent. A few reports of leaking bottles, and some complaints that the product is "thin" compared to other brands.

Artizen 100% Pure & Natural - Undiluted Tea Tree Essential Oil (1 oz)
Artizen
100% Pure & Natural - Undiluted Tea Tree Essential Oil (1 oz)
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Though there have been some reported quality concerns, the upside is the exceptional guarantee from the company if you aren't satisfied.

Pros

Therapeutic-grade quality pure tea tree oil in a protective green glass bottle with dropper. Not only is it guaranteed to be undiluted, it comes with an industry-leading lifetime guarantee.

Cons

Some bottles have a very strong scent, and some have oil that seems too thin or "watery." May require mixing to lessen the strength.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
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Buying guide for Best tea tree oil

Proven to pack a powerful antibacterial punch, tea tree oil has an incredibly wide range of uses. From acne and wound care to sanitizing and cleaning, tea tree oil makes a versatile addition to any bathroom or medicine cabinet. But are some tea tree oils really better than others? And if so, what exactly is it that sets the best tea tree oils apart from the rest?

The BestReviews team is here to help you find the answers you need to get the most out of every purchase. We put in hours of research, seek out expert advice, and test products in our labs to find the best the market has to offer. Free manufacturer samples never enter our labs, as we want our research and opinions to be 100% bias-free.

Carry on reading to find out more about the amazing benefits of tea tree oil and how to choose the best, or skip straight to our product list above to browse our top five tea tree oil picks.

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Prized for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil was an essential element in the first aid kits of Australian World War II soldiers.

Tea tree oil benefits

If you thought tea tree oil was just another passing natural health fad, think again.

Sourced from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, indigenous to Australia, tea tree oil has long been used in traditional medicine. More recently, scientific studies have unearthed a slew of health benefits directly linked to the strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of terpinen-4-ol, the powerhouse behind the oil’s efficacy.

In fact, when it comes to treating conditions such as athlete’s foot, acne, and fungal infections, tea tree oil has been proven to be as effective as popular synthetic over-the-counter treatments. When used correctly, tea tree oil offers a safe and natural alternative to chemical-laden treatments.

However, the most appealing aspect of this essential oil lies in its sheer versatility. A single bottle of tea tree oil will readily serve an entire household. Whether you need to soothe skin irritation, disinfect wounds, ease respiratory issues, fight bad breath, remove mold, freshen laundry, or repel pests, you can count on tea tree oil to be up to the job.

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Caution
Tea tree oil isn't recommended for use on babies under the age of six months.
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Tea tree oil uses

Often referred to as a “miracle oil” and a “medicine cabinet in a bottle,” tea tree oil has a long list of scientifically backed benefits. Let’s delve a little deeper to find out more about some of its incredible uses.

Remarkably, the below list of tea tree oil uses only scratches the surface, and it’s easy to see why so many consider it the ultimate cure-all essential oil.

Acne

If you’re looking for a natural solution for acne, tea tree oil is a great option. Studies suggest that a 5% tea tree oil solution is as effective as a 5% dose of benzoyl peroxide, the active ingredient found in leading chemical-based acne treatments.

"Psoriasis, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions have been shown to respond well to tea tree oil treatments."
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Toenail fungus

Applying pure tea tree oil directly to affected toenails has been shown to work just as well as over-the-counter antifungals.

Athletes foot

Thanks to its powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, diluted tea tree oil effectively fights athlete's foot and relieves associated symptoms like itching, burning, and scaling.

Cuts and scrapes

As little as a single drop of tea tree oil is enough to clean minor cuts, scrapes, and abrasions, and keep infection from taking hold.

"Tea tree oil should never be ingested. Doing so can lead to severe complications, including gastrointestinal upset, hallucinations, drowsiness, and even coma."
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Insect repellent

A simple solution of tea tree oil and water mixed in a spray bottle can be used to keep pests like mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and ants at bay.

Insect bites

Already been bitten or stung? Tea tree oil acts as a natural anti-inflammatory to relieve itching and burning while it's antibacterial properties work to prevent infection.

Nasal and bronchial congestion

A few drops of tea tree oil added to boiling water produces vapors that can help soothe inflamed mucous membranes and ease congestion.

"While tea tree oil can be safely blended with a variety essential oils, the addition of lavender may cause irritation for sensitive skin."
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Bad breath

Gargling with tea tree oil and water can instantly freshen breath and help eliminate odor-causing bacteria.

Hair and scalp

Tea tree oil soothes dry, flaky skin and can be used to make natural dandruff shampoo.

Mold

Diffusing tea tree oil can help kill mold.

Cleaning

A solution of water, vinegar, lemon essential oil, and tea tree oil makes an excellent antibacterial household cleaner.

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Expert Tip
To freshen laundry and fight germs, add a few drops of tea tree oil to your wash.
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Tea tree oil: what to look for

Once you know the basics, selecting a top-notch tea tree oil is a breeze. Here's what to look for while you shop.

Purity

Purity is important. Some tea tree oils are pre-diluted with other essential oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint. While these oils may smell great, dilution unfortunately makes for a less-powerful product. For the best results, look for 100% pure tea tree/melaleuca oil.

Organic

Even if you have no interest in jumping on the organic lifestyle bandwagon, we strongly recommend that you consider an organic tea tree oil. This is for the simple reason that most organic tea tree oils are known to boast higher levels of purity and increased concentrations of bacteria-fighting terpinen-4-ol.

"Tea tree oil is in no way related to Camellia sinensis, the plant used to make black, green, and oolong teas."
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Terpinen-4-ol concentration

While a number of compounds work together to make tea tree oil the natural wonder that it is, terpinen-4-ol is the undisputed star of the show. Much of the oil’s impressive antibacterial properties stem from terpinen-4-ol, and higher concentrations of this compound translate to improved overall efficacy.

Concentrations typically start out at around 10% and are capped at 45%, as this is the highest naturally occurring percentage of terpinen-4-ol. Brands claiming concentrations higher than 45% have most likely been chemically modified.

Bottle color

The manner in which tea tree oil is packaged can have an impact on its potency. In addition to air and heat, light has been shown affect the stability of essential oils, speeding up oxidation and in some cases rendering it completely useless. Furthermore, light exposure has been shown to increase levels of para-cymene, a known skin irritant.

For the best results, choose a dark brown glass bottle, and store your tea tree oil in cool, dark, and dry conditions.

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Did you know?
By quelling inflammation and promoting blood flow, tea tree oil can help relieve joint and muscular aches.
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Tea tree oil prices

Tea tree oil is packaged in bottles containing as little as 0.33 ounces all the way up to 16 ounces.

A four-ounce bottle typically costs anywhere between $10 and $30. While many excellent tea tree oils are priced somewhere in between, budget options are more likely to be mixed with other oils and, in some cases, even chemicals.

Regardless of the price, it's best to inspect the label before you buy.

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Expert Tip
It may be tempting to buy tea tree oil in bulk, but keep in mind that it has a shelf life of approximately six months.
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Tips

There are hundreds of great tea tree oil recipes and concoctions to try out, but that doesn't mean you have to purchase a long list of ingredients before you open the bottle. These simple tea tree oil tips can be used immediately.

  • Use tea tree oil to clear the air. Coughs and sneezes can often leave a lot of nasties floating around. Using tea tree oil in a diffuser or diluted with water in a spray bottle will help eliminate airborne bacteria.

  • Use tea tree oil to rejuvenate your skin. Sprinkle a drop or two of tea tree oil into your bath water to revitalize your skin and fight off infections.

  • Give your toothpaste an antibacterial boost with tea tree oil. Adding just a drop to your toothpaste each time you brush can improve oral hygiene and promote the healing of mouth ulcers.

  • Create an effortless antibacterial hand and body soap using tea tree oil. You can make your own chemical-free sanitizing soap by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to liquid Castile soap.
     

That should be just about enough to get you started. If you're interested in learning about more ways to harness the natural power of tea tree oil, a wealth of information can be found on the internet.

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For aromatherapy use, tea tree oil blends especially well with certain other oils, including cinnamon and clove essential oils.

FAQ

Q. What's the best way to use tea tree oil for acne?

A. Everyone's skin is unique, and when trying out any new remedy for the first time, it's safest to test a small amount on a localized area first. With that in mind, here are two easy ways to use tea tree oil as an acne treatment.

  1. Spot treatments: Dip a Q-tip into one or two drops of undiluted tea tree oil. Gently dab onto pimples and bumps, taking care not to rub or spread it over larger areas. Repeat two to three times per day. Alternatively, you could dilute the oil with water before dabbing it onto skin.

  2. Cleanser: Dilute one part tea tree oil in nine parts water and mix well. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution to affected areas. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing. Repeat twice a day.

Q. I heard that tea tree oil can be used to treat head lice. Is this true?

A. While tea tree oil is not a cure for lice, it can be used as a deterrent if there has been an outbreak near you. To use tea tree oil as a preventative measure, you can apply a few drops (no more than that) directly to the scalp. Alternatively, you can mix about 10 drops of tea tree oil with another oil, such as olive oil, and allow it to sit for several hours on the hair before washing it away.

Notably, tea tree oil should not be applied to the skin of babies, young children, and pregnant women. If you or someone in your household is battling lice, we encourage you to speak with your physician before using tea tree oil as a preventative measure.

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