While you can find tea tree oil available as an oil or as an ingredient incorporated into other products, dermatologists are quick to note that you shouldn’t apply the oil to your skin. Instead, you should always add it to a product—like a lotion, a cream, or another carrier oil—or look for products that include tea tree oil as an active ingredient. Otherwise, the product could further exacerbate the problem or cause redness, irritation, and even contact dermatitis. Consult with a dermatologist if you experience any side effects from using tea tree oil.
We spoke with dermatologists and reviewed dozens of tea tree oil products. We evaluated them for formula, active ingredients, intended use, packaging, price, and more.
Here are the best tea tree oils on the market today.
Price at time of publication: $23
For best use, mix two to three drops of the product into a moisturizer or hair product. “I would also recommend adding it to a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond or jojoba,” says Arno Kroner, DAOM, LaC, a board-certified acupuncturist, herbalist, and integrative medicine doctor and member of the Verywell Health Medical Expert Board. For hair loss, Dr. Kroner recommends mixing it with castor oil.
Price at time of publication: $8
Price at time of publication: $26
Price at time of publication: $19
Price at time of publication: $19
Price at time of publication: $9
We compared each tea tree oil’s benefits to its price tag. While some choices on our list may be more expensive, we wanted to give a wide range that would fit all needs and budgets. Based on all of these factors, we compiled this list of the best tea tree oils for a variety of uses.
What to Look for in a Tea Tree Oil
All-Natural
There are a lot of not-so-natural products out there. When searching for proper tea tree oils, it’s important to pay attention to the label and scan the specific ingredients within the product. You should avoid all GMOs and parabens, as all-natural bottles smell better, are more soothing, and will leave you with many more health benefits.
However, no matter whether the product is all-natural or not, it is important to not use 100 percent pure tea tree oil directly on the skin, because it will irritate. “Since irritant reactions may frequently be avoided by using lower concentrations of the irritant, this supports the idea of using well-formulated products rather than pure oil,” Dr. King says. So if you choose to use pure oil, then the oil must be diluted into another solution by using just two to three drops of that natural oil. That will reduce the risk of skin irritation when using the product.
Type
As you can see, tea tree oil is incorporated into all kinds of products. From shampoo to soap, and more, there are tons of ways to bring it into your beauty routine. For skin ailments, finding a product that comes as a mixture can often be a more beneficial option, because it eases any concerns of causing skin irritation or redness. “The most common mistake people make when incorporating tea tree oil, or other natural oils, into their skincare routine is that they use too much at too high of a concentration directly on their skin, which can cause breakouts in the process,” Dr. Idriss says. The natural oil should never be used directly on the skin alone. If you are looking to keep the solution as natural as possible with few added ingredients, then Dr. Idriss recommends diluting the oil with “some other sort of carrier oil.”
Regardless of how you use it, there’s no denying its effects. Keep an eye out, and be open to the array of options available to you.
Dropper Application
Look for a bottle with a dropper. While many of them come with this feature, it’s not always guaranteed. The dropper is a game-changer for applying the oil. Not only does it make things easier, but more importantly, you’ll be able to control the amount and, in the end, waste less of it.
Why Trust Verywell Health
As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like you find the best products for your daily life.
Signs that you should look out for that can indicate that the oil is too harsh on the skin include red, irritated, or inflamed skin. “Even if your skin is slightly pink or red all the time, without feeling angry or irritated, having constantly inflamed skin is going to do worse for you in the long run than having skin that is calm and soothed without the introduction of any tea tree oil,” Dr. Idriss says. “Anyone with eczema should definitely steer clear of tea tree oil.”
