Tea tree oil

Dermatitis. 2012 Jan-Feb;23(1):48-9. doi: 10.1097/DER.0b013e31823e202d.

Abstract

Tea tree oil is an increasingly popular ingredient in a variety of household and cosmetic products, including shampoos, massage oils, skin and nail creams, and laundry detergents. Known for its potential antiseptic properties, it has been shown to be active against a variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites. The oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree via steam distillation. This essential oil possesses a sharp camphoraceous odor followed by a menthol-like cooling sensation. Most commonly an ingredient in topical products, it is used at a concentration of 5% to 10%. Even at this concentration, it has been reported to induce contact sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis reactions. In 1999, tea tree oil was added to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group screening panel. The latest prevalence rates suggest that 1.4% of patients referred for patch testing had a positive reaction to tea tree oil.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Allergens / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / analysis
  • Cosmetics / adverse effects*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patch Tests / methods
  • Tea Tree Oil / adverse effects*
  • Tea Tree Oil / analysis
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Cosmetics
  • Tea Tree Oil