Description

Melaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil, commonly known as Tea Tree Oil, is derived from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the Tea Tree plant (Melaleuca alternifolia), which belongs to the Myrtaceae family. This essential oil is widely used in the cosmetic and personal care industry for its potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure
Melaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil contains a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to its beneficial properties:

Terpenes: Including terpinen-4-ol, known for its strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Cineole: Provides antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
Alpha-terpineol: Known for its antifungal and antibacterial activities.
Physical Properties
Melaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil typically appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid. It is soluble in oil and alcohol but insoluble in water, making it suitable for various cosmetic formulations. The oil has a characteristic camphoraceous scent, which is potent and medicinal.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications
Antimicrobial: Protects the skin from harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Anti-inflammatory: Helps to reduce redness, swelling, and irritation associated with various skin conditions.

Skin Conditioning: Improves the texture and appearance of the skin, making it softer and smoother.

Antiseptic: Useful in formulations designed for wound healing and infection prevention.

Acne Treatment: Effective in treating acne-prone skin due to its antibacterial properties.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Melaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products when used within recommended concentrations. Sustainable harvesting practices are essential to ensure the preservation of Tea Tree plants and their natural habitats. Proper formulation and testing ensure its safety and efficacy in end products.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions


Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.

Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.

Flavoring agent. The purpose of this ingredient is to modify the solution to impart a certain flavour. Natural flavouring extracts are rather expensive, so the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries resort to synthesised substances that have sensory characteristics mostly similar to natural flavourings or are naturally equivalent. This ingredient is isolated through chemical processes or is synthesised from chemicals. It is also referred to as Aroma.

Skin conditioning agent - Miscellaneous. This ingredient has the task of modifying and improving the condition of the skin when it is damaged or dry, reducing flaking and restoring its elasticity.
Synonyms:

CAS: 85085-48-9 EC number 285-377-1