Ingredient Directory
Low-MediumVegan Evaluator Flag

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil)

Tea tree essential oil

Safety Flags
Allergen: Yes
Safety Notes

Terpinen-4-ol is key antimicrobial active; oxidizes readily, sensitizing peroxides form on exposure to air; packaging and antioxidant addition critical; IFRA limits; common cause of contact allergy from natural cosmetics; EU: allergen assessment required

Function & Common Use

Function

Active (Antimicrobial) / Fragrance

Category

Active Ingredient

Common In

Acne products cleansers natural preservative systems

Origin

Vegetable (tea tree leaf)

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No formal limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

IFRA Cat 4/5: 0.5% leave-on face; 2% rinse-off

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked; EU limit reference: IFRA Cat 4/5: 0.5% leave-on face; 2% rinse-off

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category

Baby restriction: Not for children under 2

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil) safe to use in skincare?

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil) has a High concern rating. Terpinen-4-ol is key antimicrobial active; oxidizes readily, sensitizing peroxides form on exposure to air; packaging and antioxidant addition critical; IFRA limits; common cause of contact allergy from natural cosmetics; EU: allergen assessment required

Is Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil) allowed in India?

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil) is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is No formal limit.

What is Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil) used for in cosmetics?

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil) functions as: Active (Antimicrobial) / Fragrance. It is commonly found in: Acne products cleansers natural preservative systems.

Can Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil) cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil) has an allergen flag (Yes). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

Is Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil) safe for babies?

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil) has baby/child restrictions: Not for children under 2. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on infants unless specifically formulated and labelled for baby use.

TCS Assessment
Low-Medium
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient; standard TGA cosmetic framework applies; no therapeutic goods listing required unless therapeutic claims are made
Canada (NHPID)
Not specifically listed as restricted cosmetic ingredient in NHPID source checked; standard Health Canada cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS68647-73-4
ECN/A

Want to check if your product contains Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil)?

Analyse a Product
WhatsApp Community

Join The Clean Sheet™ community

Science-backed beauty tips, ingredient alerts, and early access. Straight to your WhatsApp.

Join for free →