Tea Tree Leaf Extract
Water or glycol extract of Melaleuca alternifolia leaves. A milder, less potent relative of tea tree essential oil. Antibacterial effect is weaker than the oil's, allergenic potential is lower.
Evidence by route
Topical application
The extract is milder than the essential oil. Evidence base is mostly limited to studies on the oil; RCTs on the extract itself are essentially absent.
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Oily, Combination
- Use with caution
- Sensitive, Dry
About this ingredient
Tea Tree Leaf Extract (INCI Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract) is a water or glycol extract of Melaleuca alternifolia leaves. A less potent but milder relative of tea tree essential oil. Mechanism. Contains terpinoid derivatives (terpineols, cineole) but in much lower concentrations than the essential oil. Antibacterial activity against C. acnes is weaker, allergenic potential is lower. Where applied. Toners, serums, problem-skin creams, scalp products. Final-product concentration 0.5-3%. In Spain – ingredient in Sesderma Acnesis, The Body Shop Tea Tree lines. Evidence base. Direct RCTs on the water/glycol extract are scarce. Most data are on the essential oil (see tea-tree-oil). Extract efficacy is lower than the oil, tolerance is better. Safety. CIR confirmed safety at cosmetic concentrations. Contact allergic reactions are less frequent than with the essential oil. Effective in some acne patients, not in others. Pregnancy and lactation – safe at cosmetic concentrations. Tea tree essential oil in gestation – use with caution; the extract is safer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tea Tree Leaf Extract safe during pregnancy?
Tea Tree Leaf Extract is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Tea Tree Leaf Extract for?
Tea Tree Leaf Extract suits: normal, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive, dry.
What is Tea Tree Leaf Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
Water or glycol extract of Melaleuca alternifolia leaves.
What's the INCI name for Tea Tree Leaf Extract?
The INCI name is Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract. It may also appear as: Tea Tree Leaf Extract.
See Tea Tree Leaf Extract in a product composition right on the store page
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Tea Tree Oil, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract, Trifarotene, Zinc Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf Oil, Piroctone Olamine
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