How to Use Australian Tea Tree Oil for Skin and Scalp
By Desert Essence | Cruelty-Free Skin, Body & Hair Care | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to safely use Australian tea tree oil for skin and scalp care, including proper dilution, application steps, and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
Always dilute Australian tea tree oil with a carrier oil before applying to skin or scalp. Use 1–2 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil for daily care, and never apply undiluted essential oil directly to skin.
Why dilution matters for tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a potent essential oil. When used undiluted, it can cause skin irritation, redness, or a stinging sensation, especially on sensitive areas like the face and scalp. Diluting it with a carrier oil—such as jojoba, coconut, or sweet almond oil—reduces the concentration while preserving the oil's natural cleansing properties. This makes it safe for regular use on skin and scalp.
Choosing the right tea tree oil
Not all tea tree oils are the same. Look for 100% pure Australian tea tree oil sourced from sustainable plantations. Desert Essence has been bringing Australian tea tree oil to the U.S. market since 1978 and sources from environmentally responsible growers. A high-quality oil should be clear and have a strong, medicinal aroma—this indicates the active compounds are intact.
How to use Australian tea tree oil on skin and scalp
- Step 1: Choose your carrier oil: Select a carrier oil that suits your skin type: jojoba for oily skin, coconut for dry skin, or sweet almond for sensitive skin. Measure 1 tablespoon (15 ml) into a small bowl. Avoid using water as a carrier—oil and water don't mix, and the tea tree oil won't be properly distributed.
- Step 2: Add the tea tree oil drops: Add 1–2 drops of 100% pure Australian tea tree oil to the carrier oil. Stir or shake gently to blend. For spot treatments on blemishes, you can use up to 3 drops per tablespoon, but never exceed that ratio. More drops do not equal better results. Over-concentrating can cause irritation without improving effectiveness.
- Step 3: Apply to clean skin or scalp: Using a cotton ball or your fingertips, apply the mixture to the affected skin area or scalp. Gently massage in circular motions for 30 seconds. Leave on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. For scalp use, you can leave it on overnight if you have no sensitivity. Always do a patch test on your inner arm 24 hours before first use to check for any allergic reaction.
Product spotlight
- 100% Australian Tea Tree Oil, 0.5 Fl Oz: Indigenous Australians have long used the clear, potent oil of the Tea Tree plant for its inherently cleansing benefits. Desert Essence was the first company to bring it to the U.S. market in 1978. This heritage-backed purity means you're using a time-tested oil with proven cleansing properties, not a synthetic or diluted alternative.
100% Australian Tea Tree Oil, 0.5 Fl Oz
