How is this tea tree oil used in cosmetics and personal care?
This tea tree oil is a functional active in cosmetics — used in cleansers, acne care, deodorants, scalp and foot-care formulas at ≤1% for leave-on products, per EU Annex III.
Cosmetic Applications
| Product type | Role | Typical level |
|---|---|---|
| Facial cleansers / washes | Antibacterial, clarifying | 0.1-1% |
| Acne care / spot treatments | Purifying, clarifying | up to 1% |
| Deodorants | Fresh, anti-odor | 0.1-1% |
| Shampoo / scalp care | Refreshing, cleansing | 0.1-1% |
| Body wash / soap | Clean note | 0.1-1% |
| Foot care / anti-fungal creams | Functional support | up to 1% |
- Keep leave-on formulations at ≤1% undiluted oil (EU Annex III; TGA lists TGO 97 at max 1%) to manage sensitization risk
- Stabilize with antioxidants if your formula exposes the oil to light/air long-term
- Combine with a chelator and appropriate emulsifier; the oil is oil-soluble and needs proper emulsification in aqueous systems
- Verify pH stability and avoid high-heat processing steps that can degrade the terpenes
- Always validate the finished formula with a product safety assessment and patch testing
This article was published on 2026-09-07, and last updated on 2026-09-07. The article will be continuously updated.