POSTED: 20 Jan 2025

All the Benefits of Tea Tree Oil for Skin & Hair

Tea tree oil is one of Australia’s most famous exports and has become a staple in many a skincare routine. This is largely thanks to its powerful anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. These provide a range of benefits for skin and hair. In this article, we’ll explore what are the benefits and uses of tea tree oil for skin, scalp and hair. We’ll also review how to use it in your hair and skincare routine for best results.

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

This is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, a tree indigenous to Australia. Tea tree oil’s journey began with the Aboriginal communities of Australia. They would crush the leaves to create dressings for wounds and brewed them into infusions to treat respiratory ailments. It gained a global audience in the 1920s, when its antiseptic properties were scientifically published. Since then it has been widely available as an essential oil and in many beauty and healthcare products. The main active compounds responsible for tea tree oil’s healing properties and wide ranging uses include:

  • Terpinen-4-ol: This is the primary component responsible for tea tree oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. It helps reduce bacterial growth, calm redness and soothe skin irritation.
  • Gamma-Terpinene: Known for its antifungal properties, this compound aids in combating dandruff and fungal skin conditions.
  • 1,8-Cineole: This compound contributes to tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties, making it effective against bacteria and fungi. In small amounts, it can help soothe minor skin irritations and promote healing. However, excessive 1,8-Cineole may cause irritation, highlighting the importance of using properly formulated tea tree oil products for safe and effective application.

Benefits of Tea Tree Oil for Skin, Scalp & Hair

Tea tree oil’s natural antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties make it a versatile ingredient with many uses for addressing a variety of skin concerns. The main benefits of tea tree oil for skin include:

  • Treats Acne & Blemishes: Tea tree oil’s ability to kill acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) makes it an effective treatment for breakouts. It also reduces redness and inflammation which helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes and post acne erythema.
  • Calms Irritation & Redness: For those with eczema, rosacea or sensitive skin, tea tree oil can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritation.
  • Controls Oily Skin: Tea tree oil helps regulate sebum production and so can be of benefit for managing oily skin. This also reduces the likelihood of clogged pores which can cause acne.
  • Fades Dark Spots & Scars: As tea tree oil encourages skin renewal, it can fade post-acne marks, hyperpigmentation and superficial scars over time.
  • Combats Fungal Skin Conditions: Tea tree oil’s antifungal properties can help treat conditions like athlete’s foot and ringworm.

In addition to its skin effects, tea tree oil also has a number uses in scalp and hair care. The key benefits of tea tree oil for the scalp and skin include:

  • Stimulates Hair Growth: Tea tree oil can help increase blood circulation to the scalp and unclog hair follicles. This promotes thicker and healthier hair growth.
  • Reduces Dandruff & Itchy Scalp: Through its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can target the yeast that causes dandruff. This helps reduce itchiness, flakiness and irritation.
  • Strengthens Hair: Tea tree oil can help nourish and hydrate the scalp. This can reduce breakage and improve hair strength.
  • Protects Against Lice: As a natural insecticide, tea tree oil can prevent and treat lice infestations.

How to Use Tea Tree Oil in Your Beauty Routine

It’s really easy to add tea tree oil to your skin, scalp or hair care routine. You can either use it as an oil or purchase beauty products that contain it depending on your preference.

Tea tree oil is widely used in skincare for its ability to address acne, redness and irritation. Here are our top tips for the best ways to use tea tree oil in your skincare routine:

  • Spot Treatment: Dilute 1 drop of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil. Apply directly to new spots or blemishes using a cotton bud to reduce redness and swelling.
  • Boost Your Cleanser: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your regular facial cleanser to enhance its antibacterial properties. This is particularly effective for oily or acne-prone skin.
  • Add to Mask or Toner: Mix a drop of tea tree oil into your favourite clay mask or toner to target ongoing skin problems like acne or very oily skin.
  • Tea Tree Oil Skincare Products: If DIY isn’t your thing, there are many cleansers, toners and spot treatments that contain tea tree oil as well as other complimentary ingredients such as anti-inflammatory or anti-microbial agents.

Tea tree oil is also an excellent for maintaining scalp health, alleviating dandruff and promoting hair growth. It can also be used to strengthen hair, prevent breakage and improve overall texture. Below are our top tips for using tea tree oil for your scalp and hair care routine:

  • Scalp Treatment: Dilute 3–4 drops of tea tree oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil). Massage the mixture into your scalp and leave it on for 15–20 minutes before rinsing. This can help soothe itchiness and flakiness.
  • Shampoo Booster: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo to combat dandruff and maintain a healthy scalp. Use regularly to help control excess oil and irritation.
  • Conditioning Treatment: Mix 2–3 drops of tea tree oil with your conditioner or hair mask. Apply to damp hair, focusing on the scalp and ends then leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
  • Hair Oil Blend: Combine tea tree oil with a nourishing carrier oil, like argan or castor oil, and apply to dry or brittle hair. This helps lock in moisture and protect against damage.
  • Tea Tree Oil Hair Products: You can easily find shampoos and conditioners infused with tea tree oil. These products often combine tea tree oil with nourishing ingredients to cleanse and refresh the scalp while supporting hair health.

Risks & Side Effects

Tea tree oil is generally safe when used correctly, but it’s important to be aware of some potential risks. Possible side effects of tea tree oil include:

  • Irritation: In particular, undiluted tea tree oil can cause redness, itching or burning.
  • Allergic Reactions: These are rare but discontinue use if you experience swelling, itching, redness or rash.
  • Pregnancy Precautions: It is best to consult your doctor before using tea tree oil during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This is because its effects on foetal or baby development are not well-studied.

In addition to being aware of possible risks, rgere are a dew precautions you should to take to reduce likelihood of side effects. Our top tips to increase safety of tea tree oil include:

  • Always Dilute: Never apply undiluted tea tree oil directly to the skin, scalp or hair. Mix it with a carrier oil or water-based product before use.
  • Perform a Patch Test: Apply a small amount of diluted tea tree oil to a discreet area of skin to check for any allergic reactions or sensitivity before full application.
  • Avoid Eyes or Ingestion: Tea tree oil is for external use only and should be kept away from the eyes and mouth as it can be toxic if ingested.
  • Limit Frequency: Overuse can lead to dryness or irritation. Start with a maximum of 2–3 applications per week and adjust based on how your skin or hair responds.

How it Stacks Against the Competition

By now, it should be clear why tea tree oil has so many uses for the skin, scalp and hair. Beyond its benefits you can easily add it to your existing beauty products to boost their effects or but it in read-made skincare or hair products. That being said, tea tree oil isn’t the only natural beauty oil with antimicrobial and soothing skin, scalp and hair benefits. Here are some of its its main competitors:

  • Witch Hazel: Whilst tea tree oil excels at killing acne-causing bacteria, witch hazel is better for soothing inflammation and tightening pores. They can work well together in a skincare routine.
  • Rosehip Oil: This is a hydrating antioxidant powerhouse. As such rosehip oil is better for anti-ageing and hydration whilst tea tree oil is more effective for acne and oily skin.
  • Argan Oil: Although argan oil deeply moisturises and strengthens hair, it lacks the anti-fungal properties of tea tree oil. As such tea tree oil may have the edge for dandruff and scalp issues.
  • Neem Oil: Like tea tree oil, neem oil has strong antimicrobial properties. It’s particularly effective against fungal infections and is often used to treat scalp conditions like dandruff or itching. However, neem oil has a heavier consistency and a stronger scent, which some people may find less appealing for regular use. Tea tree oil’s lighter texture makes it more versatile for everyday beauty routines.
  • Jojoba Oil: This is renowned for its ability to mimic the skin’s natural sebum, making it an excellent option for balancing oily or acne-prone skin. Whilst tea tree oil has more targeted antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties, jojoba oil excels at hydrating without clogging pores. You can combine the two to get the best of both their benefits.

Tea tree oil offers a combination of antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties which permit a number of invaluable uses for the skin, scalp and hair. You can daily add it to your skincare or hair routine to get the most out of its benefits. With correct and regular use, tea tree oil can help you achieve clearer skin and healthier stronger hair. As with everything in life, not everything works for everyone so ensure that you use it carefully at first to ensure it is suitable for you and reduce the risk of side effects.

At City Skin Clinic, we are obsessed with personalised skincare and beauty. We offer safe and effective compound skincare treatments with prescription-strength ingredients including Tretinoin and Hydroquinone where appropriate through our online skin clinic. Our doctors treat a range of conditions such as acne and scars, hyperpigmentationmelasmaskin ageing. To start your personalised skincare plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin starts here.

Authored by:

Dr Amel Ibrahim
Aesthetic Doctor & Medical Director
BSC (HONS) MBBS MRCS PHD
Founder City Skin Clinic
Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
Associate Member of British Association of Body Sculpting GMC Registered - 7049611

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