The ingredient, explained

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil has published research relevant to the stated experimental context.

AntioxidantPerfuming

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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil is the oil distilled from the leaves of the Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Antioxidant: Limits oxidation, including deterioration of formulation ingredients. This label alone does not show a clinical antioxidant effect in skin.
Perfuming: A formulation role for perfume and aromatic raw materials that give a product its scent.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗ · Danish Environmental Protection Agency: Cosmetic fragrance functions ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Laboratory and human research

A 90-day study in 40 young men compared oil formulations with vehicle and measured penetration and skin morphology; formulation-dependent penetration and morphological changes were reported.

What this does not tell us

All groups received SPF50 sunscreen, and the oil source should be matched to leaf-derived tea tree oil. Findings in young men and formulation-dependent delivery do not establish all anti-aging claims.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 35668682 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Selective exact-identity review of 44 supplied local candidates and the targeted primary-source search recorded below. Bounded review, not a systematic search.

Review source 1 ↗

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.

Read the 1 selected study

Laboratory and human research · n=40
Cosmetic Formulations with Melaleuca alternifolia Essential Oil for the Improvement of Photoaged Skin: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. ↗
Photochemistry and photobiology · 2023

Follow the formula

Products containing this ingredient

All 54 products ↗

From the Serenfold edit. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.

Dermalogica

Daily Microfoliant

Targeted treatments · 19 linked ingredients

Inside the formula

Names and identifiers

Registry identity