Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a green essential oil with a fresh, medicinal aroma and a top note. Steam distillation from leaf, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Lavender, Eucalyptus (Radiata), Lemon (Cold Pressed). For topical use, keep dilution at or below 15%.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a green essential oil, steam-distilled from the leaf, produced in Australia. Its aroma is fresh, medicinal, sitting as a top note in a blend. It's commonly paired with Lavender, Eucalyptus (Radiata), Lemon (Cold Pressed), Rosemary (Cineole). Keep topical use at or below 15% — everyday blends are usually 1-3%. It is noted for oxidation risk, strong. Always patch-test first.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Top |
| Aroma family | Green |
| Chemical family | Monoterpenol |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | leaf |
| Origin | Australia |
| Blending factor | 3 |
| Volatility index | 2 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 2.0 |
| CAS number | 68647-73-4 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 15% |
| Max facial dilution | 5% |
| Pregnancy | No specific caution recorded |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~6 years) |
| Cats | Not recommended |
| Dogs | Not recommended |
Safety flags
Evidence: Strong — Carson et al., 2006 -- published tea tree research review.
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Not sure how much to use? Try the free dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Used in these blends
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Compare Tea Tree with
Frequently asked questions
What does Tea Tree smell like?
Tea Tree has a fresh, medicinal aroma, classed as a green oil with a top note.
What is the safe dilution for Tea Tree?
For topical use, keep Tea Tree at or below 15%, and 5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Tea Tree safe to use during pregnancy?
Our dataset records no specific pregnancy caution for Tea Tree. That is not the same as it being established as safe — always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any essential oil during pregnancy.
Is Tea Tree safe to use around children?
Tea Tree is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 6 years old). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Tea Tree safe around pets?
For cats — avoid; not considered safe; dogs — avoid; not considered safe. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Tea Tree blend well with?
Tea Tree pairs well with Lavender, Eucalyptus (Radiata), Lemon (Cold Pressed), Rosemary (Camphor ct.), Peppermint.