What is tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil is a potent essential oil distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, prized for its strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and skin-calming properties.[1][3]

  • Origin: Extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia, native to Australia’s coastal regions and long used in Aboriginal medicine.[4]
  • History: Used for centuries by Indigenous Australians for wound care and skin infections; now a staple in modern natural skincare.[2][4]
  • Composition: Rich in terpinen-4-ol, gamma-terpinene, alpha-terpinene, and other compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.[1][5]
  • Why We Love It: Fights bacteria and fungus, calms irritation, and helps keep feet healthy, clear, and comfortable, all naturally.[1][2][6]

What is tea tree oil made up of?

  • 30-48%
    Terpinen-4-ol
    → antimicrobial shield
    The main active compound, terpinen-4-ol, fights bacteria and fungus, supporting clear, healthy skin.[5][11]
  • 10-28%
    Gamma-terpinene
    → skin calming
    Gamma-terpinene soothes irritation and supports skin comfort.[5][11]
  • 5-13%
    Alpha-terpinene
    → antioxidant support
    Alpha-terpinene helps neutralise free radicals and protect skin from stress.[5][11]
  • 0.5-15%
    1,8-Cineole
    → deodorising, cleansing
    1,8-Cineole provides a fresh scent and helps reduce odor-causing bacteria.[5][11]
  • 1-6%
    Alpha-pinene
    → skin health support
    Alpha-pinene helps protect skin from microbes and supports overall skin health.[5][11]
  • 1.5-5%
    Terpinolene
    → skin clarity
    Terpinolene supports the oil’s clarifying and refreshing effects on skin.[5][11]

Aboriginal remedy, modern essential

History of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has a lengthy history in Australia, where Aboriginal peoples used crushed leaves for healing wounds and infections. Its reputation for powerful cleansing and soothing has made it a staple in both traditional and modern wellness routines.[2][4][7]

natural cleansing and protection

Why We Use It

We use tea tree oil for its unique ability to fight bacteria, fungus, and irritation. Its natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for active feet, helping to keep them clear, comfortable, and protected.[1][2][6]

pure, sustainably sourced

Where We Get It

Our tea tree oil is steam-distilled from sustainably grown Melaleuca leaves, ensuring purity, potency, and environmental responsibility.[8][9]

safe for you and the planet

Why It Matters

Choosing tea tree oil means choosing a renewable, biodegradable ingredient that’s safe for your skin and the environment. It helps us create products that are effective, naturally fragrant, and free from harsh chemicals - so you can feel good with every step.[1][9][10]

Tea Tree Oil FAQs

Why do The Feats products include tea tree oil?

We use tea tree oil for its ability to keep feet clear, comfortable, and protected, naturally supporting active lifestyles.[1][6]

What does tea tree oil do for my skin?

Tea tree oil cleanses, soothes, and protects skin with its natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping keep feet clear and comfortable.[1][2][6]

Is tea tree oil safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, when used in proper concentrations (like our stuff), tea tree oil is gentle and effective for most skin types, including sensitive skin.[1][2]

How is your tea tree oil sourced?

Our tea tree oil is steam-distilled from sustainably grown Melaleuca leaves, ensuring both purity and environmental responsibility.[8][9]

Does tea tree oil have a strong scent in your products?

Tea tree oil provides a fresh, herbal aroma that’s balanced with other natural ingredients for a pleasant, non-overpowering fragrance.[1][5]

Scientific sources

  1. Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/tea-tree-oil-for-skin
  2. Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263105
  3. Encyclopedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/plant/tea-tree
  4. Encyclopedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/plant/tea-tree
  5. PubChem (NIH): https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Tea-tree-oil
  6. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-113/tea-tree-oil
  7. Pazyar, N., et al. (2012). "A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology." International Journal of Dermatology, 51(7), 784-790. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x
  8. Supplier transparency reports
  9. Ethical Consumer: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/health-beauty/shopping-guide/essential-oils
  10. Environmental Working Group (EWG): https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/702022-TEA-TREE-OIL/
  11. Carson, C. F., & Riley, T. V. (1995). "Antimicrobial activity of the major components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia." Journal of Applied Bacteriology, 78(3), 264-269. https://sfamjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2672.1995.tb05025.x

Key Scientific Papers Supporting Tea Tree Oil Use

  • Pazyar, N., et al. (2012). "A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology." International Journal of Dermatology, 51(7), 784-790. Reviews the dermatological uses of tea tree oil, confirming its antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits for skin care. Link
  • Carson, C. F., & Riley, T. V. (1995). "Antimicrobial activity of the major components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia." Journal of Applied Bacteriology, 78(3), 264-269. Demonstrates the antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil’s main components, especially terpinen-4-ol, against a range of bacteria and fungi. Link
  • PubChem (NIH): Tea Tree Oil Compound Summary. Provides a comprehensive overview of tea tree oil’s chemical constituents and their biological activities. Link
  • Hammer, K. A., et al. (2003). "Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and other plant extracts." Journal of Applied Microbiology, 86(6), 985-990. Confirms the broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects of tea tree oil and its safety for topical use. Link

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