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Research has shown that tea tree oil appears to be safe overall. However, there are some things to be aware of before using it.
Tea tree oil should not be ingested because it may be toxic if swallowed. Therefore, tea tree oil should be stored out of reach of children. In one case, an 18-month-old boy suffered serious injuries after accidentally swallowing tea tree oil.
Prior to using tea tree oil for the first time, test a drop or two on a small area of your skin and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs. This is important because ironically, some individuals who use tea tree oil develop contact dermatitis, one of the conditions tea tree oil may help treat. Likewise, people with sensitive skin may experience irritation when using undiluted tea tree oil. If your skin is sensitive, it’s best to mix tea tree oil with an equal or greater amount of olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil.
Additionally, using tea tree oil in pets may not be safe. Researchers reported that more than 400 dogs and cats developed tremors and other nervous system problems after receiving between 0.1–85 mL of tea tree oil on the skin or orally. *
Generally safe
When used topically, tea tree oil is generally safe and might be helpful in treating acne and other superficial skin infections. Avoid oral use of tea tree oil, which is toxic when swallowed.
Most people can use tea tree oil topically with no problems. However, tea tree oil can cause:
- Skin irritation
- Allergic skin rash (dermatitis)
- Itching
- Stinging
- Burning
- Scaling
- Redness
- Dryness
Don't use tea tree oil if you have eczema. Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. Serious side effects can occur, including:
- Confusion
- A lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements (ataxia)
- Decreasing levels of consciousness
One study suggests that repeated exposure to lavender oil and tea tree oil might have led to the swelling of the breast tissue (gynecomastia) in young boys. *
