7.0
ISS Score
D+ — Score based on regulatory approval status in 2 jurisdiction(s) and route-level risk assessment; no public toxicology studies available
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
antimicrobial · anti-inflammatory
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Molecular Formula
C15H24O
Molecular Weight
220.36 g/mol
Category
essential_oil
Bottom Line: Tea Tree Oil is generally considered safe for topical use, though individual reactions may vary based on skin sensitivity.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in diluted form for topical applications.
- Patch tested prior to widespread use.
- Used in appropriate concentrations.
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin or allergies.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You are using other topical medications.
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to tea tree oil.
- You experience irritation or adverse reactions.
- You are using on broken skin.
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C15H24O |
| Molecular Weight | 220.36 g/mol |
| Solubility | soluble in alcohol and oils, insoluble in water |
Common Use Cases
1 Categories
Cosmetic
General products. Verify suitability for specific formulation and intended use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to Tea Tree Oil is generally safe when used in diluted forms. However, some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Oral ingestion of Tea Tree Oil is not recommended due to potential toxicity. Limited data is available on its safety when ingested.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation of Tea Tree Oil vapors may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Caution is advised when using in diffusers.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Very High
Tea Tree Oil should not come into contact with the eyes as it can cause severe irritation and damage.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- Pregnant Individuals — Limited data on safety during pregnancy.
- Infants and Children — May cause severe skin reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- General Adult Population — Generally well tolerated when used appropriately.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| General Adult Population | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults when used topically in diluted forms. Individual reactions may vary. |
| Pregnant Individuals | Insufficient Data | Limited data on the safety of Tea Tree Oil during pregnancy. Caution is advised. |
| Infants and Children | Very High | Tea Tree Oil may cause severe skin reactions in young children. Use is generally not recommended. |
Toxicology Data
0 Endpoints
Tea Tree Oil has been used traditionally for its antiseptic properties, but formal safety assessments are limited.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Tea Tree Oil has been used traditionally for its antiseptic properties, but formal safety assessments are limited.
- Widely used in cosmetics and personal care products.
- Known for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Safety data is limited for certain populations.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
Pending formal assessment
Report: No formal safety assessment identified
Year: 2026
Conclusion: This ingredient has not been formally assessed by major regulatory or scientific bodies based on available records.
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory restrictions apply in some jurisdictions. Peroxide value must be low; fresh oil recommended Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED WITH PEROXIDE LIMIT RESTRICTIONS
Peroxide value must be low; fresh oil recommended
United States
FDAPERMITTED IN COSMETICS
None specified
Frequently Asked Questions
Tea Tree Oil is commonly used for its antimicrobial properties, often found in skincare products aimed at treating acne and other skin conditions.
While generally safe for adults when diluted, Tea Tree Oil may cause irritation in sensitive individuals and is not recommended for infants.
Ingestion of Tea Tree Oil is not recommended due to potential toxicity and lack of safety data.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| v1.0.0 | 2023-10-01T00:00:00Z | — | Initial creation |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.