Tea tree oil has become a go-to natural remedy for many Filipinos, thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Whether you're dealing with pimples, oily skin, dandruff, or minor irritations, this essential oil is a powerful addition to your skincare and wellness routine. But with so many options on Lazada and Shopee, how do you know which one is pure, safe, and effective?
To help you choose wisely, Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Angelie Chua shares expert tips on finding high-quality tea tree oil that meets your needs. From checking ISO certifications to selecting the right formulation, this guide will ensure you get the most out of this versatile essential oil.
Quick List - Top Tea Tree Oil
Dr. Angelie Chua is a dedicated Thomasian physician specializing in dermatology, with board certification from the Philippine Dermatological Society. She completed her residency at UST Hospital and is currently pursuing a fellowship in Trichology (hair disorders). Passionate about beauty, health, history, music, and travel, she fosters continuous learning and expertise in diverse fields. Dr. Chua is committed to providing exceptional care and staying at the forefront of dermatological advancements for the benefit of her patients.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Tea tree oil is widely used for skincare, haircare, and aromatherapy, but not all products offer the same benefits. Below, Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Angelie Chua shares expert-backed recommendations to help you choose the best tea tree oil.
Not all tea tree oils are made equal. Some are diluted, adulterated, or contain synthetic ingredients that may reduce their effectiveness. To ensure you’re getting a pure and potent product, here’s what to look for.
Higher purity tea tree oil ensures better antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, with fewer irritants.
For the best results, go for 100% pure tea tree oil with no added ingredients. To ensure you’re getting high-quality tea tree oil, check if the product adheres to ISO 4730 standards, which define the chemical composition and purity requirements of authentic tea tree oil. Choosing a product that meets this standard guarantees that it contains the right balance of active compounds for optimal effectiveness.
A key quality marker is the terpinen-4-ol content, which should be at least 30-40% as this compound is primarily responsible for tea tree oil’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Some brands also adhere to ISO 16128-1 & 16128-2, which indicate natural origin and ingredient criteria.
Fake or diluted tea tree oil may contain synthetic additives that reduce its effectiveness. Buying from reputable brands can help confirm authenticity.
Counterfeit tea tree oil is widespread, so choosing a reputable brand is essential. Opt for established essential oil companies that are transparent about sourcing and quality control. Brands that highlight third-party testing or ISO certifications offer an extra layer of authenticity.
In the Philippines, Human Nature and The Body Shop are well known for their high-quality tea tree oil. When purchasing from platforms like Lazada or Shopee, always verify that the seller is an authorized distributor to avoid counterfeit products. Additionally, checking customer reviews can help, as genuine products typically have consistent feedback on scent, texture, and effectiveness.
Here are some tests you can do to check if your tea tree oil is authentic:
Scent test: Authentic tea tree oil has a strong, medicinal scent, while fake or diluted versions often have a perfume-like fragrance.
Oil ring test: Place a drop of tea tree oil on a piece of paper. Pure tea tree oil should evaporate completely without leaving an oily residue.
Tea tree oil is widely used for skincare, but different skin concerns require different formulations and dilutions. Here’s what to look for depending on your needs.
Undiluted tea tree oil can cause irritation, so it must be properly diluted for safe use.
Tea tree oil is well-known for treating acne due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, using it undiluted can cause irritation. For acne-prone skin, here are some safe dilution ratios to consider:
Spot treatment: mix 1-2 drops of tea tree oil with 12 drops of carrier oil.
Full-face application: Blend 1-2 drops of tea tree oil into 5mL (about 1 teaspoon) of carrier oil.
General dilution ratio: Aim for a 5% concentration, which is 1 part tea tree oil to 19 parts carrier oil.
Additionally, look for formulations that specify safe dilution guidelines and pair well with carrier oils like jojoba, rosehip, almond, or grapeseed, which help balance oily skin.
High concentrations of tea tree oil can be too strong for sensitive skin and may cause irritation.
If you have sensitive skin, tea tree oil should be used with caution. Higher concentrations can be too strong, leading to redness or irritation. To avoid this, look for pre-diluted tea tree oil products with concentrations below 2%, which are gentler on the skin.
Always check if the product is labeled suitable for sensitive skin. Additionally, tea tree oil should never be applied near the under-eye area, as this region is particularly sensitive.
Tea tree oil can help with dandruff but should be formulated for scalp application to avoid excessive dryness.
Tea tree oil can help with dandruff by reducing itchiness and flakiness, but using it correctly is key. For scalp application, choose tea tree oil specifically formulated for hair and scalp care.
To prevent excessive dryness, it should ideally be infused with moisturizing carrier oils like coconut, argan, or olive oil. Some products are also blended with gentle surfactants, making them easier to incorporate into shampoos and hair treatments.
Aromatherapy applications require high-quality tea tree oil to maximize its relaxing and air-purifying properties.
The therapeutic benefits of tea tree oil depend on its aroma profile, which should be fresh and medicinal.
Tea tree oil is commonly used in aromatherapy for its ability to promote relaxation and relieve stress. Choose a 100% pure essential oil with no synthetic additives to ensure the best results.
Look for a product that highlights aromatherapy benefits on the label and comes in smaller bottles, as essential oils tend to degrade over time when exposed to air. Tea tree oil can be blended with other oils like peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, chamomile, and marjoram for enhanced effects.
Not all tea tree oils have the same antibacterial potency—the effectiveness depends on terpinen-4-ol levels.
To ensure optimal antibacterial properties, choose one with at least 30-40% terpinen-4-ol content. Products that comply with ISO 4730 standards contain between 30% and 48% terpinen-4-ol, ensuring they meet specific composition requirements. Some reputable brands may also list the terpinen-4-ol content on their packaging or product information.
Also, check if it is labeled safe for use in diffusers or humidifiers. Keep in mind that tea tree oil should not be diffused near children or pets, as inhaling high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation. If you want to blend it with other oils, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, chamomile, and marjoram are excellent choices.
Tea tree oil is sensitive to light and air exposure, which can degrade its quality over time.
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality of tea tree oil. Since essential oils are sensitive to light and air, amber or dark glass bottles are recommended to prevent oxidation and degradation. Avoid plastic containers, as tea tree oil can corrode plastic and compromise its quality. For added protection, opt for tightly sealed caps or droppers, which help minimize exposure to air and maintain potency.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Usage | ISO Certified | Dark-Colored Bottle | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Human Nature Natural Tea Tree Oil | ![]() | Soothe Skin Naturally With Gentle Tea Tree Oil | Skincare | 30mL | |||
2 | Craftology Tea Tree Essential Oil | ![]() | Purifying Tea Tree Oil for Diffusers and Home Use | Skincare、Aromatherapy、Diffuser | 5mL | |||
3 | wowhappy Tea Tree Aromatic Essential Oil | ![]() | Soothing Tea Tree Oil for Massage and Aromatherapy | Skincare、Aromatherapy、Diffuser | 10mL | |||
4 | The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil | ![]() | Fair Trade, Vegan Tea Tree Oil for Clearer Skin | Skincare | 20mL | |||
5 | Varganation Spring Tea Tree Oil | ![]() | Multipurpose Tea Tree Oil for Skin, Hair, and Home Use | Skincare、Aromatherapy、Diffuser | 10mL | |||
6 | Ecò Tea Tree Essential Oil | ![]() | Steam-Distilled for Maximum Purity | Skincare、Aromatherapy | 5mL | |||
7 | LAIKOU Anti Acne Serum Australia Tea Tree Essence | ![]() | Non-Greasy Tea Tree Serum for Acne and Oil Control | Skincare | 17mL | |||
8 | Organic Blendz Tea Tree Essential Oil | ![]() | Therapeutic-Grade Tea Tree Oil for Daily Wellness | Skincare、Diffuser | 10mL | |||
9 | Greenika Tea Tree Pure Essential Oil | ![]() | Gentle Tea Tree Oil for Skin Irritations and Redness Relief | Skincare、Aromatherapy、Diffuser | 15mL | |||
10 | NOW Tea Tree Oil | ![]() | Lab-Tested, Non-GMO Tea Tree Oil for Pure Wellness | Aromatherapy | 30mL |
Usage | Skincare |
---|---|
ISO Certified | |
Dark-Colored Bottle | |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Usage | Skincare、Aromatherapy、Diffuser |
---|---|
ISO Certified | |
Dark-Colored Bottle | |
Net Weight | 5mL |
Usage | Skincare、Aromatherapy、Diffuser |
---|---|
ISO Certified | |
Dark-Colored Bottle | |
Net Weight | 10mL |
Usage | Skincare |
---|---|
ISO Certified | |
Dark-Colored Bottle | |
Net Weight | 20mL |
Usage | Skincare、Aromatherapy、Diffuser |
---|---|
ISO Certified | |
Dark-Colored Bottle | |
Net Weight | 10mL |
Usage | Skincare、Aromatherapy |
---|---|
ISO Certified | |
Dark-Colored Bottle | |
Net Weight | 5mL |
Usage | Skincare |
---|---|
ISO Certified | |
Dark-Colored Bottle | |
Net Weight | 17mL |
Usage | Skincare、Diffuser |
---|---|
ISO Certified | |
Dark-Colored Bottle | |
Net Weight | 10mL |
Usage | Skincare、Aromatherapy、Diffuser |
---|---|
ISO Certified | |
Dark-Colored Bottle | |
Net Weight | 15mL |
Usage | Aromatherapy |
---|---|
ISO Certified | |
Dark-Colored Bottle | |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Overuse of tea tree oil can cause irritation, endocrine disruption, and cytotoxicity.
While tea tree oil offers many benefits, improper use can lead to unwanted side effects. Overuse or applying undiluted tea tree oil directly to the skin can cause irritation, redness, or allergic reactions.
For skincare and scalp care, always follow the recommended dilution ratios mentioned on the product label. In diffusers and humidifiers, excessive use should be avoided, particularly in enclosed spaces with children or pets.
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce acne. However, it is best used as an adjunct treatment rather than a standalone solution. Combining it with other acne-fighting ingredients can improve its effectiveness.
Studies have shown that tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects, making it effective for skincare, scalp care, and aromatherapy. However, the potency of the oil depends on the quality and formulation of the product.
Tea tree oil is generally safe for daily use when properly diluted. However, overuse or applying it undiluted can lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions. Always do a patch test before incorporating it into your routine, and avoid excessive use in diffusers, especially around pets and children.
Looking for more natural oils to enhance your skincare and relaxation routine? Explore the best jojoba oils for deep hydration, sunflower oils for a radiant glow, and aromatherapy oils to create a calming atmosphere at home.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Human Nature |Natural Tea Tree Oil
No. 2: Craftology|Tea Tree Essential Oil
No. 3: wowhappy|Tea Tree Aromatic Essential Oil
No. 4: The Body Shop|Tea Tree Oil
No. 5: Varganation|Spring Tea Tree Oil
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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