What is an alternative to tea tree oil?

This post is about alternatives to tea tree oil. You may have heard of tea tree oil if you like to use essential oils in your skincare or household cleaning products. This oil is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is often used to treat acne, dandruff, and other skin conditions. However, tea tree oil can irritate some people, and there may be concerns about its environmental impact. In this post, we’ll introduce you to some alternatives to tea tree oil that offer similar benefits without potential drawbacks. Whether you are looking for a gentler alternative for your skin or a more sustainable home solution, we have covered you. Let us get started!

Benefits of tea tree oil

It has several benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. It helps treat acne and other skin conditions. Its strong antifungal and antibacterial properties are for treating minor cuts and burns. Although it treats fungal infections of the skin, consult your doctor first. It reduces the tension that causes headaches during stress or contributes to the clearing of sinuses.

Skincare 

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can help control skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, and eczema dust. It performs better in treating eczema than some popular pharmaceuticals, such as clobetasone butyrate and zinc oxide.

Tea tree oil is a natural skin moisturizer and cleanser. Its natural solvents remove makeup, and the oil moisturizes. You can also make your cleansing moisturizer by squeezing a bit of your everyday moisturizer into your hand and mixing in one or two drops of tea tree oil. You can make your makeup remover by adding four to five drops of tea tree oil to two tablespoons of coconut or olive oil.

Healing wounds

Use tea tree oil from crushed leaves to heal if you have cuts, burns, and bites. What makes this possible are its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil heals and shrinks wounds when applied. It is even more effective than carbolic acid in killing bacteria. The oil can help soothe insect bites and sunburns.

Treating infections

Tea tree oil is a therapy for chronic infections such as Staphylococcus aureus or staph infection. Its antimicrobial properties can inhibit the growth of dangerous bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, and Escherichia coli, which cause diseases such as strep throat and urinary, bloodstream, and sinus infections (Iowa.gov). The oil can also help treat pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses.

Sanitizer

Due to its antiseptic properties, tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant. If you wish to reduce exposure to bacteria, apply it to anything that needs cleaning and sanitizing. Tea tree is also an agent for cleaning household surfaces such as doorknobs, kitchen counters, and light switches. It removes stains, dirt, and disease-causing microbes and makes a great hand sanitizer.

Dental care

Tea tree oil contains terpenes and cineole, which are healing qualities and disinfect. If you are a victim of dental issues, give the oil a try. The oil contains Porphyromonas gingivalis, which destroys the tissues supporting teeth and can cause tooth loss. Its antiseptic properties may help prevent periodontopathic bacteria and gum disease. It reduces symptoms of oral thrush through rinsing. That is why it makes mouthwash and toothpaste. 

Fungal treatment

Tea tree oil reduces Trichophyton rubrum, which can cause nail fungus and athlete’s foot (Sciencedirect.com). Try adding tea tree oil to a medical cream containing butenafine hydrochloride. It cures toenail fungus.

Hair growth and treatment 

It soothes the scalp and removes dandruff. If you suspect catching head lice, use the oil to kill parasitic insects and eggs. Using tea tree oil on the scalp for five days can eradicate lice.

Odor control

The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil can control body odor. Body odor develops due to bacteria in the mouth, underarms, and feet (Medicalnewstoday.com). You can also make your deodorant by mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with baking soda, cornstarch, and coconut oil.

Who should not use tea tree oil

People with acne sometimes suffer from skin dryness, itching, stinging, burning, and redness with the oil. It should not be used with people suffering from burns or broken skin. 

What oil is similar to tea tree oil

Manuka oil

Manuka oil shares the same wellness benefits as Tea Tree oil. The only difference is that its aroma is more pleasant and soothing than Tea Tree oil. Like tea tree oil, it treats multiple skin infections such as acne, bacterial infections, and fungus.

What can you not mix with tea tree oil?

You cannot mix active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, retinol, retinoids, tretinoin, Retin-A, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, or vitamin c with tea tree oil. 

Alternative to tea tree oil for acne

• Eucalyptus oil

Substitute for tea tree oil for hair

• Peppermint oil

Substitute for tea tree oil for cleaning

• Lemon oil

Substitute for tea tree oil for face

• Manuka oil

What makes each of these oils a good substitute for tea tree oil

Lavender oil

It has a floral and herbaceous aroma that you may find relaxing. Lavender oil is an antiseptic and deodorant that can help you fight infections and body odor. It is also part of aromatherapy products and beauty care routines for skin-soothing effects. It is also helpful with insomnia, respiratory problems, depression, and other psychological issues. Just pay attention to its safety precautions for effective results. 

Eucalyptus oil

It helps with respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and topical analgesics. You may opt for eucalyptus if you need help with hair care and dandruff. 

Neem oil

It has detoxification properties. Neem is soothing to inflammatory conditions. It promotes the health of the skin affected by a bacterial or fungal infection. It is for supporting skin health.

Rosemary oil

It works as an analgesic rub for sore muscles and arthritis pain. It also helps in fighting depression when inhaled. If you have acne or oily skin, you may use rosemary oil. 

Peppermint oil

It also helps with digestion, nausea, and respiratory problems like asthma. Peppermint oil helps with inflammation and pain associated with injuries. This oil is more tolerable than tea tree oil. It has a strong scent and a menthol-like aroma, making it more refreshing. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, use the oil. 

Clove oil

Clove oil works externally to treat colds and headaches and as a dental remedy. It is also for skin infections. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic that helps numb and reduces pain to ease a toothache (Nih.gov). Eugenol also has natural anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce swelling and irritation in the affected area.

Lemon oil

It has a stronger, more fragrant lemon scent than tea tree oil. Lemon oil can kill harmful bacteria that can grow on your skin. It also has protective properties, such as antioxidants, that may brighten and preserve your skin tone.