Skin & Hair Products The 6 Best Tea Tree Oils of 2023 Naturenics Tea Tree Oil is versatile, sulfate-free, and 100% organic By Danielle Zoellner Danielle Zoellner LinkedIn Twitter Danielle Zoellner is a freelance writer with an emphasis in health and wellness. She graduated from the University of Missouri at Columbia. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 06, 2022 Medically reviewed by Chris Vincent, MD Medically reviewed by Chris Vincent, MD LinkedIn Chris Vincent, MD, is a licensed physician, surgeon, and board-certified doctor of family medicine. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Fact checked by Ashleigh Morley Fact checked by Ashleigh Morley Ashleigh is the director of commerce for the Health Group at Dotdash Meredith where she oversees health, fitness, family, and mind content. She has covered the health and wellness space through a variety of lifestyle lenses for more than 10 years. She is also a certified barre instructor teaching at a boutique studio. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Tea tree oil, also known as "melaleuca oil," has a reputation for treating a variety of ailments, such as acne and inflammation. “Tea tree oil is one of the best-known essential oils on the market as it's been used for almost a hundred years for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions,” says Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, founder of Idriss Dermatology in New York City, and creator of the #Pillowtalkderm series on Instagram. Tea tree oil can be "particularly helpful for those with acne-prone skin, particularly if the skin is sensitive,” says Hadley King, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Hadley King Dermatology in New York City. Reviewed & Approved Nautrenics Tea Tree Oil is a versatile oil and our top pick, since it can be mixed into a variety other lotions, creams, or carrier oils. If you're after a shampoo to help treat your scalp, we recommend John Paul Mitchell Systems Tea Tree Special Shampoo. While you can find tea tree oil available as an oil or as an ingredient incorporated into other products, dermatologists are quick to note that you shouldn't apply the oil to your skin. Instead, you should always add it to a product—like a lotion, a cream, or another carrier oil—or look for products that include tea tree oil as an active ingredient. Otherwise, the product could further exacerbate the problem or cause redness, irritation, and even contact dermatitis. Consult with a dermatologist if you experience any side effects from using tea tree oil. We spoke with dermatologists and reviewed dozens of tea tree oil products. We evaluated them for formula, active ingredients, intended use, packaging, price, and more. Here are the best tea tree oils on the market today. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Naturenics Tea Tree Oil at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Artizen Tea Tree Oil at Amazon Jump to Review Best Shampoo: John Paul Mitchell Systems Tea Tree Special Shampoo Jump to Review Best Face Wash: The Body Shop Tea Tree Facial Wash at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Cleaning Around the House: Handcraft Blends Tea Tree Essential Oil at Amazon Jump to Review Best Body Wash: Jason Tea Tree Body Wash at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQs Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall Naturenics Tea Tree Oil 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros USDA-certified organic No parabens or sulfates E-book included Cons Expensive Must be added to another product for safe use The Naturenics Tea Tree Oil is our top pick, because it can address a variety of ailments with just a couple of drops (so long as you are careful to add them to another product). The product is USDA-certified for being 100% organic and pure. Additionally, this formula is pure tea tree oil with no parabens or sulfates. It is also beneficial for a plethora of ailments, including acne, psoriasis, and hair loss. All it takes is to mix a few drops of the oil in your moisturizer or shampoo to let the product do its work. The best part about this product is that an e-book is included with your purchase to guide you on how best to use the oil for whatever ailment you are experiencing, making it well worth the price. Price at time of publication: $23 Additional Ingredients: None | Usage: Toenail fungus, foot fungus, hair loss, psoriasis, acne | Dosage: 2-3 drops mixed Best Budget Artizen Tea Tree Oil Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros UV-Resistant bottle helps prevent oxidation This oil is 100% naturally derived Cons Not organic Must be added to another product for safe use If you are looking for a tea tree oil that will provide benefits at a fraction of the cost, then the Artizen Tea Tree Oil is an optimal choice. The oil costs less than $10, which makes it incredibly affordable, compared to others on the market. It boasts 100% pure and natural tea tree oil, so you know you are getting the highest quality to use on your body. For best use, mix two to three drops of the product into a moisturizer or hair product. "I would also recommend adding it to a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond or jojoba," says Arno Kroner, DAOM, LaC, a board-certified acupuncturist, herbalist, and integrative medicine doctor and member of the Verywell Health Medical Expert Board. For hair loss, Dr. Kroner recommends mixing it with castor oil. Price at time of publication: $8 Additional Ingredients: None | Usage: Acne, hair loss | Dosage: 2-3 drops mixed Best Shampoo John Paul Mitchell Systems Tea Tree Special Shampoo 4.4 Amazon View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Vegan formula Paraben-free Scent Cons Can be drying Price Invigorate the scalp with the John Paul Mitchell Systems Tea Tree Special Shampoo. This vegan formula is formulated with all-natural tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and lavender oil. When massaged onto the scalp, the product works to remove any impurities that could be causing damage. Instead, it leaves behind strands that are moisturized, and with an added shine. The product also can reduce any dandruff or itching that you might be experiencing on the scalp. Just apply a small amount to damp hair, and then rinse it out after massaging it through from your scalp to the end of your hair. Price at time of publication: $26 Additional Ingredients: Peppermint, lavender | Usage: Dandruff, itchy scalp, oil reduction | Dosage: Quarter-sized amount Best Face Wash The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash Amazon View On Amazon View On Thebodyshop.com View On Ulta Pros Price Cruelty-free Cons Not organic Can be drying Target stubborn acne and blemishes with The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil Clearing Face Wash. The affordable cleanser incorporates tea tree oil into its formula to help fight breakouts, cleanse impurities from the skin, and remove any excess oils that might linger on the surface. All it takes is washing the skin with a small amount of the product in the morning or evening, or both, before applying the rest of your skincare products. However, be warned that the product can have a drying effect on the skin, so it works best for people who are prone to acne or have oily skin. The cleanser should leave the skin feeling refreshed and free of any impurities when used. Price at time of publication: $19 Additional Ingredients: Glycerin | Usage: Acne, oil reduction | Dosage: Nickel-sized amount The 9 Best Soaps for Acne of 2023 Best for Cleaning Around the House Handcraft Blends Tea Tree Essential Oil Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros 100% pure and natural oil Tested independently in a lab Cons Price Can cause irritation Creating a tea tree oil mixture for your cleaning supplies, instead of using chemicals, is a natural solution for anyone who is tired of using harsher products when tidying up. The Handcraft Tea Tree Essential Oil works great to create your cleaning product, because all it takes is two to three drops mixed with a solution like hot water and vinegar. When these three liquids are mixed, they create a natural all-purpose cleaner. A word of warning, though: You do not want to use a solution like this on granite or marble, because it can damage the surface. This tea tree oil is optimal as a cleaning solution because it is 100% pure and natural. The company also guarantees that the solution is independently tested for being pure tea tree oil. Price at time of publication: $19 Additional Ingredients: None | Usage: Cleaning products, acne, psoriasis, itchy scalp, dandruff | Dosage: 2-3 drops mixed Best Body Wash Jason Purifying Tea Tree Body Wash Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Vitacost Pros Includes moisturizing ingredients Cruelty-free Inexpensive Cons Faulty pump Strong scent One issue with products that include tea tree oil is that they sometimes can cause excess drying on the skin. But Jason Natural Body Wash & Shower Gel is formulated to be gentle enough for people with sensitive or dry skin. Besides including tea tree oil in the formula, the body wash incorporates moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5. These nutrient-rich ingredients help bring moisture into the barrier of your skin. The tea tree oil then works to remove any impurities from the surface to smooth and balance the barrier. The body wash is also cruelty-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. Price at time of publication: $9 Additional Ingredients: Vitamin 5, pro-vitamin B5, aloe vera | Usage: Cleanses, moisturizes | Dosage: Nickel-sized amount The 8 Best Exfoliators of 2023 Final Verdict If you are looking for an all-around tea tree oil that you can use for a variety of ailments, we recommend Naturenics Tea Tree Oil. For a shampoo that will help with dandruff, we like John Paul Mitchell Systems Tea Tree Special Shampoo. How We Selected the Best Tea Tree Oils When selecting tea tree oils, we spoke with dermatologists and spent hours combing the web for the best and most effective products. We determined which to feature based on a few key criteria as recommended by dermatologists: all-natural, type, and dropper packaging. We compared each tea tree oil’s benefits to its price tag. While some choices on our list may be more expensive, we wanted to give a wide range that would fit all needs and budgets. Based on all of these factors, we compiled this list of the best tea tree oils for a variety of uses. What to Look for in a Tea Tree Oil All-Natural There are a lot of not-so-natural products out there. When searching for proper tea tree oils, it’s important to pay attention to the label and scan the specific ingredients within the product. You should avoid all GMOs and parabens, as all-natural bottles smell better, are more soothing, and will leave you with many more health benefits. However, no matter whether the product is all-natural or not, it is important to not use 100 percent pure tea tree oil directly on the skin, because it will irritate. “Since irritant reactions may frequently be avoided by using lower concentrations of the irritant, this supports the idea of using well-formulated products rather than pure oil,” Dr. King says. So if you choose to use pure oil, then the oil must be diluted into another solution by using just two to three drops of that natural oil. That will reduce the risk of skin irritation when using the product. Type As you can see, tea tree oil is incorporated into all kinds of products. From shampoo to soap, and more, there are tons of ways to bring it into your beauty routine. For skin ailments, finding a product that comes as a mixture can often be a more beneficial option, because it eases any concerns of causing skin irritation or redness. “The most common mistake people make when incorporating tea tree oil, or other natural oils, into their skincare routine is that they use too much at too high of a concentration directly on their skin, which can cause breakouts in the process,” Dr. Idriss says. The natural oil should never be used directly on the skin alone. If you are looking to keep the solution as natural as possible with few added ingredients, then Dr. Idriss recommends diluting the oil with “some other sort of carrier oil.” Regardless of how you use it, there’s no denying its effects. Keep an eye out, and be open to the array of options available to you. Dropper Application Look for a bottle with a dropper. While many of them come with this feature, it’s not always guaranteed. The dropper is a game-changer for applying the oil. Not only does it make things easier, but more importantly, you’ll be able to control the amount and, in the end, waste less of it. Frequently Asked Questions What is tea tree oil good for? Tea tree oil acts as an antifungal and antiseptic. “Tea tree oil has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which can be helpful for acne,” Dr. King says. “And it is non-comedogenic, so it is unlikely to clog pores and make acne worse.” One study compared tea tree oil to benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of acne, and it found that the oil has similar antibacterial properties. “Benzoyl peroxide also has mild comedolytic properties, and according to this study, tea tree oil does as well,” Dr. King says. However, she adds that there is still “more data to establish the efficacy of benzoyl peroxide for fighting acne,” whereas the data about tea tree oil remains limited. Tea tree oil can also be used to treat athlete's foot (tinea pedis), toenail fungal infections (onychomycosis), and acne, and it may be beneficial (but there is no good scientific proof) for treating cuts, burns, dandruff, skin infections, eczema, psoriasis, skin tags, or hair loss.“There is also some evidence that tea tree oil may be an endocrine disruptor,” Dr. King adds. Does tea tree oil remove dark spots? Currently, there are limited studies to look into the benefits that tea tree oil could have in removing black spots or dark spots on the skin. “It has very minor resurfacing properties, almost like an exfoliating acid, so on the margin, it can slightly help reduce dark spots, but it is not a full-on dark spot corrector,” Dr. Idriss says. Why can't you put tea tree oil directly on skin? No matter one’s skin type, undiluted tea tree oil should never be placed directly on the skin because of its likelihood of irritating the surface. “It does contain amounts of limonene, which is a very common allergen, especially if you are sensitive or prone to eczema or have allergies in general,” Dr. Idriss says. “Anytime you use tea tree oil, it should be used in a diluted fashion, and it should be formulated with other ingredients.”Signs that you should look out for that can indicate that the oil is too harsh on the skin include red, irritated, or inflamed skin. “Even if your skin is slightly pink or red all the time, without feeling angry or irritated, having constantly inflamed skin is going to do worse for you in the long run than having skin that is calm and soothed without the introduction of any tea tree oil,” Dr. Idriss says. “Anyone with eczema should definitely steer clear of tea tree oil.” Does tea tree oil repel mosquitos? Some research has suggested that tea tree oil might be more effective at repelling mosquitos, compared to DEET, which is an established mosquito repellant. Another study also found that a natural-based repellent that included tea tree oil could be just as effective as other synthetic products on the market. However, research remains limited, so be careful if you choose to switch out your current mosquito repellent for tea tree oil without understanding the potential risks. Why Trust Verywell Health As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like you find the best products for your daily life. 6 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Larson D, Jacob SE. Tea tree oil. Dermatitis. 23(1):48-49. doi:10.1097/DER.0b013e31823e202d Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Aust. 1990;153(8):455-458. doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.1990.tb126150.x Endocrine Society. Chemicals in lavender and tea tree oil appear to be hormone disruptors. Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Bagherani N, Kazerouni A. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. Int J Dermatol. 2013;52(7):784-790. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x. Adams TF, Wongchai C, Chaidee A, Pfeiffer W. “Singing in the Tube”--audiovisual assay of plant oil repellent activity against mosquitoes (Culex pipiens). Parasitol Res. 2016;115(1):225-239. doi: 10.1007/s00436-015-4739-x. Greive, K.A., Staton, J.A., Miller, P.F., Peters, B.A. and Oppenheim, V.M.J. Development of Melaleuca oils as effective natural-based personal insect repellents. Australian Journal of Entomology, 49: 40-48. doi:10.1111/j.1440-6055.2009.00736.x See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit