14 Everyday Uses for Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil may offer advantages for topical applications. When used properly, it can target certain microbes and support skin health.

As an essential oil, tea tree oil has multiple uses aimed at maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Beyond its research-supported benefits, tea tree oil is affordable and generally safe when applied as recommended.

This article outlines 14 common uses for tea tree oil and gives advice on how to use it safely and effectively.

What is tea tree oil, and how does it work?

Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree that grows in Australia.

Although M. alternifolia is commonly called the tea tree, it is not the same plant whose leaves produce black, green, or oolong tea.

For centuries, Aboriginal Australians have used tea tree oil as a traditional remedy for coughs and colds and applied it topically for healing skin issues.

You can purchase tea tree oil 100% undiluted (neat) or in diluted formulations, often between 5–50% strength, in products intended for skin use.

Tea tree oil contains various active compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, that act against certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Its antimicrobial properties make tea tree oil a popular natural option for treating bacterial and fungal skin issues, preventing infection, and helping wounds heal.

Continue reading to explore the many uses and advantages of this oil.

Hand sanitizer

Tea tree oil can be an effective natural ingredient for hand sanitizers.

Studies indicate tea tree oil can inactivate several common bacteria and viruses that contribute to illness, such as E. coli, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenzae.

Hand sanitizers formulated with tea tree oil are useful for disinfecting hands, killing microbes without relying on antibiotics.

Insect repellent

Tea tree oil may assist in keeping insects at bay.

Research has shown tea tree oil has activity against both larvae and adult houseflies.

Tea tree oil can also help prevent ants from infesting produce in agricultural settings.

It has been identified as an effective repellent against mosquitoes as well.

One study found tea tree oil could repel mosquitoes more effectively than DEET, a common active ingredient in commercial repellents; however, the research noted that several other essential oils outperformed tea tree oil, including:

• rosemary
• lavender
• eucalyptus
• citronella

Natural deodorant

The antibacterial action of tea tree oil may help control underarm odor associated with sweating.

Sweat on its own does not smell — odor develops when sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin.

Your underarms house a high concentration of sweat glands that contribute to body odor. Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial qualities make it a good natural alternative to commercial deodorants and antiperspirants.

You can create a safe, effective natural deodorant using tea tree oil combined with other simple ingredients.

Antiseptic for minor cuts and scrapes

When the skin breaks, germs can enter and potentially cause infection.

Tea tree oil can disinfect minor cuts and abrasions by combating S. aureus and other bacteria that may infect open wounds.

To disinfect a cut or scrape:

1. Clean the wound thoroughly with plain soap and water.
2. Mix one drop of tea tree oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil.
3. Apply a small amount to the injury and cover with a bandage.
4. Repeat once or twice daily until a scab forms.

May support wound healing

Because it helps prevent infection, tea tree oil may also support wound healing when used alongside standard care.

Research suggests tea tree oil might reduce inflammation and stimulate white blood cell activity that is important in the healing process.

Thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant effects, tea tree oil may decrease inflammation and promote recovery.

In a small 2013 study of 10 people with wounds, adding tea tree oil to conventional wound care shortened healing time for most participants, though larger studies are needed to confirm this benefit.

You can add a few drops of diluted tea tree oil to wound dressings each time you change them.

Reduce acne

Research indicates that tea tree oil may help reduce and manage certain types of acne, particularly acne vulgaris, which often involves skin bacteria.

Tea tree oil’s antibacterial effects can lower bacterial counts on the skin. A 2020 study found that application reduced bacterial activity and eradicated them in lab conditions within 4 to 6 hours.

Nonetheless, reviewers have pointed out that more controlled research is required to firmly support tea tree oil’s use for acne.

You can buy tea tree oil-based acne gels at natural food stores or online.

Alternatively, make a simple treatment by mixing one part tea tree oil with nine parts water and apply to affected spots with a cotton swab once or twice daily as needed.

Get rid of fungus

Fungal nail infections are common and, while not dangerous, can be cosmetically bothersome. Although prescription medications exist, some prefer natural approaches.

Tea tree oil has been shown to help eliminate nail fungus when used alone or with other natural treatments, often with fewer side effects than standard drugs.

In laboratory tests, tea tree oil inhibited growth of nail fungus; depending on the strain, concentrations as low as 0.02% to 0.04% were effective.

Evidence also suggests that when combined with conventional treatments, tea tree oil may enhance effectiveness against fungal skin infections.

Apply a few drops of tea tree oil by itself or mixed with an equal amount of coconut oil or another carrier oil to the affected area, and wash your hands afterward to avoid spreading the fungus.

Read more about using tea tree oil for nail fungus.

Chemical-free mouthwash

Some studies indicate tea tree oil may combat microbes that contribute to tooth decay and bad breath.

A 2020 study found tea tree oil mouthwash was effective in reducing gingival inflammation.

To make a simple, chemical-free mouthwash, add one drop of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water, mix, and swish in your mouth for about 30 seconds.

As with other mouthwashes, do not swallow tea tree oil — it can be harmful if ingested.

All-purpose cleaner

Tea tree oil makes an excellent all-purpose cleaner that also sanitizes surfaces. Its activity against certain bacteria and fungi suggests it may have the ability to disinfect and help prevent transmission of coronaviruses, including COVID-19.

It cleans without leaving behind chemical residues that you may not want around family members or pets.

Try this easy recipe for an all-natural cleaner:

1. Combine 20 drops of tea tree oil, 3/4 cup water, and 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well until thoroughly mixed.
3. Spray onto surfaces and wipe clean with a dry cloth.
4. Shake the bottle before each use to remix the oil and other ingredients.

Soothe skin inflammation

Tea tree oil may help calm inflamed skin.

Contact dermatitis is a common irritation that happens when skin touches an allergen (such as nickel), causing itchy, irritated, and sometimes painful skin.

Applying tea tree oil may lessen the severity of these symptoms.

In a comparison of treatments for contact dermatitis, tea tree oil reduced symptoms by about 40%, outperforming some standard topical medications.

Ocular demodicosis — inflammation of the eyelids and area around the eyes caused by Demodex mites — may be helped by tea tree oil; it can reduce mite counts and associated inflammation, though more research is needed.

To help soothe inflamed skin:

1. Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil.
2. Stir well and store in a sealed container.
3. Apply to the affected area up to twice daily until symptoms improve.

Read more about the potential benefits of using tea tree oil on your skin.

Manage dandruff

Dandruff — flaky dead skin shedding from the scalp — is not dangerous but can be bothersome.

Adding tea tree oil to shampoo may help reduce dandruff, likely because of its antifungal effects. Its slight acidity compared with skin may also help lift dandruff scales.

In laboratory studies, tea tree oil shampoos reduced growth of Candida albicans (a yeast that can contribute to dandruff), though human studies are still needed.

To try it at home, add a few drops of tea tree oil to a dollop of shampoo when you wash your hair.

Treat athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a contagious fungal infection of the feet that can spread to toenails and hands. Symptoms may include:

• peeling
• cracking
• blisters
• skin discoloration

While antifungal medications are standard, some evidence suggests tea tree oil may be an effective alternative to relieve symptoms.

Try this natural remedy for athlete’s foot:

1. Combine 1/4 cup arrowroot powder, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 20–25 drops of tea tree oil.
2. Mix and store in a covered container.
3. Apply to clean, dry feet twice daily.

Reduce mold on fruits and vegetables

Fresh produce can be prone to gray mold (Botrytis cinerea), especially in warm, humid conditions.

Research indicates tea tree oil’s antifungal components, terpinen-4-ol and 1,8-cineole, may help reduce mold growth on fruits and vegetables.

To help protect produce, add 5–10 drops of tea tree oil to water before rinsing, then dry the items thoroughly.

Help deter lice

Some people use tea tree oil to prevent or help treat lice infestations.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes limited research suggesting it could be useful for lice.

Reviews indicate applying tea tree oil to the scalp may suffocate lice and could be effective for head and body lice, particularly those resistant to conventional treatments.

Precautions when using tea tree oil

Overall, research indicates tea tree oil is generally safe when used appropriately.

However, it should never be swallowed because it can be toxic if ingested. Keep it out of reach of children.

Tea tree oil can cause side effects in some people. Before widespread use, test 1–2 drops on a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours to check for a reaction.

Some people develop contact dermatitis from tea tree oil. Those with sensitive skin may experience irritation from undiluted oil; if your skin is sensitive, dilute tea tree oil with equal or greater parts olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil.

Also, using tea tree oil or other essential oils on pets can be unsafe; consult a veterinarian before applying to animals.

The bottom line

Tea tree oil can be an affordable, natural alternative for various skin and nail conditions, personal care uses, and household disinfecting. However, larger controlled human studies are still required to confirm its effectiveness for many applications.

It is not a cure-all, and some users may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions after using it.