Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) leaf powder
AKA “Tea Tree Leaf Powder”
Extract
Ingredient Facts
Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) leaf powder
AKA: Tea Tree Leaf Powder
Extract · Exfoliant · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Exfoliant
Preservative
Astringent
Skin Conditioner
Australian Native
Extract
Clean
Science: Origin: Botanic/Natural | Process: Drying + Milling Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
Family
Myrtaceae (Myrtle family)
Plant Part
Leaf
Lifeform
Shrub
Climate
Subtropical
CAS #
85085-48-9
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Exfoliant
Removes dead skin cells so fresh ones can come through. Chemical exfoliants (acids) are generally gentler than physical scrubs.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Astringent
Tightens and contracts skin tissue, temporarily shrinking pores and reducing oiliness. That "clean, tight" feeling after toner.
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Fights acne
Causing bacteria
Controls excess oil
Quells irritation
Traditional Use
A dried and powdered form of tea tree leaves used in traditional Aboriginal medicine. Modern cosmetic formulations use it for its antimicrobial properties in masks, scrubs, and specialty skincare products.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Acne
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
4
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 3%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 823).
Regulatory Agencies
Final Report: Safety Assessment of <I>Melaleuca alternifolia</I> (Tea Tree)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology.
Nader Pazyar, Reza Yaghoobi, Nooshin Bagherani, Afshin Kazerouni
International journal of dermatology, 2013
A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology.
Nader Pazyar, Reza Yaghoobi, Nooshin Bagherani, Afshin Kazerouni
International journal of dermatology, 2013
A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology.
Nader Pazyar, Reza Yaghoobi, Nooshin Bagherani, Afshin Kazerouni
International journal of dermatology, 2013
Verified Feb 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR