Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) leaf water
AKA “Tea Tree Leaf Water”
Mineral
Ingredient Facts
Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) leaf water
AKA: Tea Tree Leaf Water
Mineral · Exfoliant · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Exfoliant
Skin Conditioner
Australian Native
Mineral
Clean
Science: Origin: Botanic/Natural Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
Family
Myrtaceae (Myrtle family)
Plant Part
Leaf
Lifeform
Shrub
Climate
Subtropical
CAS #
85085-48-9
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Exfoliant
Removes dead skin cells so fresh ones can come through. Chemical exfoliants (acids) are generally gentler than physical scrubs.
Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Fights acne
Causing bacteria
Controls excess oil
Quells irritation
Traditional Use
A hydrosol or floral water byproduct from tea tree oil distillation. Contains trace amounts of tea tree's active compounds and is used in modern cosmetics for its mild antiseptic and skin-soothing properties.
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