Tea tree oil is one of the most popular essential oils for its wide variety of uses and amazing benefits that are as diverse as curing a pesky pimple overnight or deep cleaning a bathroom sink. The chemicals in the oil may kill bacteria and fungus (and has been used for centuries as an antiseptic for cuts or burns), and can even reduce allergic skin reactions (aka its safe for even the most sensitive skin). Potentially the best part of the OG essential oil? It’s completely all-natural, which means you know it’s safe for your skin, your home, and even for your children. You can use it to replace a multitude of potentially harmful or unnatural products in multiple areas of your lifestyle, all in just one little bottle. And trust me, it’s a product that will not let you down.
Tea tree oil is basically the miracle do-all, and should be a staple in everything from your skincare routine, to your first aid kit, to your cleaning supplies. We talked to an expert from Thursday Plantation, our favorite company for finding the most natural oils, to find out the best ways to use the multi-faceted product, and how to know you’re getting the best quality.
What exactly is tea tree oil?
Tea Tree Oil comes from the melaleuca plant that is indigenous to Australia. It is well-known for its powerful antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
What are some common ways to utilize tea tree oil?
There are so many uses for Tea Tree Oil! Here are just a few of our favorites:
- Create a DIY all-purpose cleaner (great for countertops, yoga mats, and more)
- Use as a spot treatment to clear blemishes
- Add to shampoo to reduce dry, flaky skin
- Use as an antiseptic for cuts and scrapes
- Deter pests like pantry flies and ants
- Eliminate odors from shoes and mildewed laundry
- Use on dry cuticles
- Adding it to a diffuser for fresh smelling air
What are the benefits of using tea tree oil?
A major benefit includes knowing that you’re using a natural product. There are no additives, no crazy ingredients, no parabens or sulfates. Another benefit is that it is multi-use and budget friendly. You can get a bottle for less than $10, use it around the house, as first aid, in your beauty regimen, as a pest deterrent, the list goes on and on.
Source: Lynzy & Co
How long does it take before tea tree oil can have positive health and beauty effects?
Everyone is different! Some people say they apply tea tree oil to a blemish and it is gone overnight. Others say it takes a longer. It just depends on your skin and the way you use it!
Who could benefit from tea tree oil?
Moms — It’s a first aid kit in a bottle. It’s small enough to carry in your purse for when kids get cuts and scrapes.
Holistic Shoppers — For those who prefer natural products to products with a long list of ingredients, tea tree oil is it.
Budget Shoppers — This product has SO many uses, and with a small price tag.
Skincare Aficionados — Tea tree oil is great at minimizing blemishes and redness of the skin.
READ: 8 Ways to Use Essential Oils That You’ve Never Thought Of
Are there potential concerns to know before trying tea tree oil?
Tea tree oil is not to be ingested, only used as a topical treatment. Additionally, everyone’s skin is, of course, different. Some people can apply tea tree oil directly to their skin without issue, and other may need to mix the oil in a carrier oil like jojoba or macadamia nut oil before applying the oil.
What else should someone know about adding tea tree oil to their health and beauty routines?
There is a right way and a wrong way to bottle tea tree oil. Tea tree oil requires a dark bottle to maintain its efficiency and potency, much like beer. Light allows the oil to oxidize, which breaks down the oil and renders it ineffective. It also needs to be stored in glass instead of plastic in order to protect the quality and shelf life of the oil. Plastic will actually absorb one of the important compounds in tea tree oil, which will turn the oil rancid.
Also, it is important to check the ingredients to ensure the tea tree oil is not diluted. There are brands out there that sell tea tree oil in a clear, plastic bottle which is a big NO! Thursday Plantation tea tree oil is 100% pure and 100% natural, sustainably sourced in Australia, where tea tree is indigenous, and is now available in the U.S.
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