How to Use Tea Tree Oil

The tea tree plant is native to Australia, and for most of history, the rest of the world was pretty much out of luck when it came to finding its potent leaves.^{[1]XResearch source} Today, we're lucky to have access to its oil for cleaning our homes, relaxing in the bath, and even treating skin infections. Tree oil is one of the safer essential oils, but treat it with respect and test your skin for an allergic reaction if you haven't used it before.

1

Treat acne.

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Tea tree oil works slowly, but is less harsh than other options. Twice a day after washing your face with lukewarm water, dip a cotton ball in a 5% tea tree oil gel (or a homemade carrier oil mix).^{[2]XExpert SourceLorena Barcal
Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty SpecialistExpert Interview. 28 June 2020.} Dab this over your acne. It might take a couple months to notice a big improvement. This is less likely to irritate your skin than the stuff you'd typically find at a drug store (like benzoyl peroxide).^{[3]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} (And those drugs aren't much faster anyway.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source})
- Using a stronger mix is a gamble—it might work faster, but you might also become allergic and have to stop using the oil.
- Alternatively, you can use borage seed oil or niacinamide.^{[5]XExpert SourceKaveri Karhade, MD
  Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview. 11 January 2021.}
- It may be better to see a dermatologist and find out what type of acne you have and the best way to treat it.^{[6]XExpert SourceKaveri Karhade, MD
  Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview. 11 January 2021.}

2

Try it on cold sores, skin infections, or warts.

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Use the oil on the skin twice a day. Treat each area with a fresh cotton bud or wipe dipped in a 5% tea tree oil mix. This isn't a cure-all, but there's a good chance it will help keep symptoms down. Besides fighting bacteria, fungus, and viruses directly, tea tree oil can also help with pain and inflammation.^{[7]XExpert SourceLorena Barcal
Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty SpecialistExpert Interview. 28 June 2020.}^{[8]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} It might even help with warts.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} But most warts require intensive treatments.^{[10]XExpert SourceKaveri Karhade, MD
Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview. 11 January 2021.}
- Talk to a doctor first before treating deep cuts or puncture wounds that got infected. Never use tea tree oil to treat burns, whether or not they're infected.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Tea tree oil isn't great for most rashes, but you can use it on rashes caused by an allergy to nickel.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}

3

Clear up athlete's foot symptoms.

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Use a strong tea tree oil mix on athlete's foot twice a day. Wash your feet with soap and water, dry between the toes, then wipe a tea tree oil mix onto your skin wherever you see the fungus. Doing this twice a day for at least a few weeks can help clear up symptoms—or even cure the athlete's foot, if you're lucky.^{[13]XResearch source}
- You'll have better chances if you go strong, between 25% and 50% tea tree oil and the rest carrier oil.^{[14]XResearch source} However, that does mean you're at a higher risk of becoming allergic, which is a pity if you like using tea tree oil for other things.^{[15]XResearch source} If you don't want to risk that, try an athlete's foot treatment from the pharmacy instead.

4

Keep toenail fungus under control.

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Wipe pure tea tree oil onto the nail twice a day. Use a cotton bud to dab the tea tree oil onto the nail wherever you see the fungus. Since this isn't going on your skin, it's good to use 100% oil for maximum fungus-fighting powers. This is a regular maintenance option that can make your nails look better. Complete cures are unfortunately not all that common.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- If you need more oil, use a fresh cotton bud instead of double-dipping.

5

Add tea tree oil to shampoo to fight dandruff.

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Mix a few drops into a bottle of regular shampoo. Shake it up well, and shake again before using it each time with your regular schedule. Over a few weeks, this can make your dandruff-suffering scalp less itchy and greasy.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- If you feel like busting out the scales and droppers, you can measure out a stronger treatment, with up to 5% tea tree oil and the rest shampoo.
- There's a chance that the tea tree oil can separate out and float to the top. Remember to shake it up each time to avoid stinging your scalp. (If you are also mixing in other essential oils that are less safe than tea tree oil, it might be smarter to make a new mix each time in a small dish.^{[18]XResearch source})

6

Add to steaming water for coughs and colds.

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Add two or three drops to a pot of hot water and inhale the steam. Drape a towel over your head, similar to a tent, and lean forward over the steam. This is a traditional treatment from the area of Australia where tea tree grows.^{[19]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Talk to your doctor first if you have asthma or other chronic lung or sinus issues.^{[20]XResearch source}
- Do not drink the water. Tea tree oil is toxic to drink.

7

Make a tea tree oil spray for mildew or all-purpose cleaning.

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Shake together 2 teaspoons (9.9 mL) tea tree oil and 2 cups (470 mL) water. Add to a spray bottle and spray directly onto any hard surface that needs cleaning, then wipe off with a sponge or paper towel. On visible mold and mildew that doesn't wipe off, spray until wet, let soak for at least an hour, then scrub with water.^{[21]XResearch source} If the bottle is transparent, store in a pitch-black cupboard so light and heat don't break down the oil.
- You can use distilled white vinegar instead of water.^{[22]XResearch source} This makes your spray a little better for general grime and gunk.
- Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. If you have infants or pets around, block off their access to the room until you have wiped the tea tree oil away. Rinse the surface thoroughly when you're done.
- Oil and water don't mix, so you'll have to shake again thoroughly before each use.

8

Add a few drops of tea tree oil to laundry.

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Add a few drops of pure tea tree oil to the rinse cycle compartment of your washing machine. This could help if your washing machine smells a little funky, or if there are damp clothes sitting too long that need a quick refresh.^{[23]XResearch source}

9

Make a bath mix with fractionated coconut oil.

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Mix up to 20 drops per 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of oil for a soothing bath. Stir the mixed tea tree and fractioned coconut oils together thoroughly. Pour 1 tablespoon (15 mL) into the bathtub to give it a slight tea tree oil scent.^{[24]XResearch source} (This is a pretty strong, piney scent, so take care not to overdo it.)
- Don't add the tea tree oil directly to the bath water. Since oil and water don't mix, the pure oil will float to the top and give your skin a harsh tea tree oil blast instead of a relaxing bath. Mixing it into any vegetable oil will prevent this, but fractionated coconut oil is a good choice since it feels silky instead of greasy.^{[25]XResearch source}
- If you use a lot of essential oils, you can order some alternatives to fractionated coconut oil online that are designed for this.

10

Avoid swallowing tea tree oil.

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Drinking or eating it could make you lose control of your muscles, make you confused or disoriented, or even knock you out out.^{[26]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}

11

Keep tea tree oil away from pets.

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Never use anything with tea tree oil directly on your pet's skin and fur. Even products marketed for pets can kill them.^{[27]XResearch source} When cleaning with tea tree oil, keep pets away and wipe the area with plain water afterward.

12

Test for allergic reactions before using on skin.

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Put a few drops of diluted oil under a bandage and see how you react. Take the product you intend to use (not pure tea tree oil) and put a couple drops onto the pad of a bandage. Leave the bandage on your forearm for 48 hours (or until you react). If your skin gets itchy or red, you're allergic and should avoid putting tea tree oil on your skin.^{[28]XResearch source}
- If you have a bottle of pure 100% tea tree oil, dilute it in a carrier oil first. Avocado oil and jojoba oil are a couple popular options, but any common vegetable or nut oil should work (but not another essential oil). It's best to dilute it to 3 to 5% concentration.^{[29]XResearch source}

13

Use tea tree oil diluted to a safe strength.

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Tea tree oil is safest when diluted. Pure tea tree oil on your skin is pretty low-risk, but it can cause skin rashes in some people.^{[30]XResearch source} Using products with only 5% or less tea tree oil is a good rule of thumb for your skin.^{[31]XResearch source}) If you have no reaction to that, then it's okay to try strong mixes (10% and up) for fighting infections like athlete's foot.^{[32]XResearch source}
- Stop using tea tree oil on your skin if it causes irritation or redness.^{[33]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} You can become allergic to it even if you've been fine in the past.
- Store tea tree oil away from light, air, and heat, which break it down and make it more irritating to skin.^{[34]XResearch source} An opaque, airtight container in the fridge is a good option.
- Use at your own risk if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.^{[35]XResearch source} There may also be side effects in prepubescent children.^{[36]XResearch source}
- If you have pure tea tree oil, you can dilute it yourself in a carrier oil, weighing out the amounts with a sensitive scale. Counting drops is much less accurate, but as a *very rough* estimate, 1 drop of essential oil for every 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) carrier oil makes a 1% concentration.^{[37]XResearch source}

14

Talk to a doctor about oral or vaginal treatments.

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Get personalized medical advice for sensitive places. Wet, interior places ("mucosal membranes") like the mouth, nose, vagina, eyes, and ears are extra sensitive. Most essential oils are way too strong for them. Tea tree oil is an exception that has been used in these areas, for instance against yeast infections.^{[38]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} However, that doesn't mean it's safe to experiment at home. Talk to your doctor first, and use a commercial product that's been tested for that use instead of making your own medicine.
- Since tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed, using it in the mouth is especially risky. Use low concentration (2.5%, for instance) products only, do not swallow, and do not let children use it.

Expert Q&A

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Question
What can you use to treat acne instead of tea tree oil?
Kaveri Karhade, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Kaveri Karhade, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Answer
If tea tree oil irritates your skin, you can use borage seed oil or niacinamide to treat acne.
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How can you use ice to help treat acne?
Kaveri Karhade, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Kaveri Karhade, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Answer
Ice can temporarily calm inflammation and swelling. It can help to shrink painful or swollen acne bumps. Using ice is helpful for those who are prone to brown spots after acne, as they occur due to inflammation.
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What should you do before a facial?
Kaveri Karhade, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Kaveri Karhade, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Answer
Ensure your skin is free of inflammation or acne breakouts because they can worsen due to a facial. Your skin should be clean, dry, and without makeup.
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Tips

Store the tea tree oil in a sealed, opaque container at room temperature. Air, light, and heat all make the tea tree oil more irritating to skin.^{[39]XResearch source}
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Some tea tree oil bottles come with a small nozzle or dropper. Some do not. If you are having troubles measuring out the drops, consider getting an eye dropper and using that.
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You can put tea tree oil in a diffuser to use for aromatherapy. However, pure tea tree oil has a strong, turpentine-like scent that some people find unpleasant at high strengths.
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Warnings

Talk to a doctor before using tea tree oil around sensitive areas, including the eyes, ears, and vagina. It's generally safe to treat the skin around your mouth and nose, but use low concentrations (5% at most) and don't lick the area.
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Tea tree oil can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and potentially other pets.^{[40]XResearch source} Never use it directly on them at any concentration. Use low concentration products only (5%, for instance) anywhere the pet might contact the oil.
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Although it's not known for certain, tea tree oil may have caused breast growth in a few young boys.^{[41]XResearch source} It may be risky for children to use it repeatedly on their skin.
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Do not swallow tea tree oil. This can result in confusion, loss of muscle control, or unconsciousness.^{[42]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} If you think a child might have swallowed an essential oil, have them drink water, and keep an eye on them for the next six hours. If they get any symptoms, go to the hospital immediately.^{[43]XResearch source}
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In some people, tea tree oil on the skin causes irritation, redness, or itching. Keep an eye out for this even if you've been fine in the past. It is possible to become sensitive over time.^{[44]XResearch source}
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Use at your own risk if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.^{[45]XResearch source} Avoid putting it directly on your breast while breastfeeding.^{[46]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
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