At New Harmony Soap, we believe tea tree oil is important to healthy skin. And we’re very fortunate to buy directly from people who we believe are the best farmers and distillers of tea tree oil in the world. Pick up one of our Infusion Revolution products, and there is a pretty good chance you’ll see tea tree among the ingredients. Derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia plant, tea tree oil has long been celebrated in skincare routines around the globe.
Tea Tree Oil Benefits in a Nutshell
One of the primary benefits of tea tree oil is its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These antimicrobial qualities stem largely from its active compound, terpinen-4-ol, which has been extensively studied for its ability to disrupt the cell membranes of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This disruption inhibits microbial growth, effectively eliminating pathogens responsible for various skin issues.
Example #1: Speedy Wound Healer
A go-to in first aid kits, its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties help cleanse wounds and reduce the risk of infection. However, it is crucial to dilute tea tree oil properly before applying it to any injury, as undiluted oil can cause skin irritation or discomfort. An ideal dilution uses 2-3 drops of tea tree oil per teaspoon of carrier oil (jojoba, sunflower, castor, for example).
Product Recommendations:
Pure Tea Tree Essential Oil
Infusion Revolution 9-1-1 Skin Repair Balms
Infusion Revolution Bar Soaps
Infusion Revolution Body Wash
Example #2: Acne
Tea tree oil can be your best friend when combating acne. Research has consistently shown that tea tree oil can significantly reduce inflammation associated with acne, decreasing redness and swelling without causing dryness or irritation common with other treatments. Further, it actually balances natural oil production and gently regulates sebum levels, preventing excess oil buildup that often leads to clogged pores and breakouts.
Product Recommendation:
Infusion Revolution Acne Treatment Soap
Example #3: Eczema and Psoriasis
Conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis can benefit immensely from tea tree oil’s calming properties. When applied topically, diluted tea tree oil helps reduce itching, redness, and inflammation, promoting faster healing of irritated skin areas. Its natural antiseptic properties also minimize the risk of infection, particularly in broken or irritated skin.
Product Recommendations:
Infusion Revolution Eczema & Psoriasis Relief Bar Soap
Infusion Revolution Eczema & Psoriasis Relief Balm
Example #4: Dandruff and Scalp Psoriasis
Tea tree oil’s effectiveness extends into hair and scalp care as well. It can be a highly effective remedy for dandruff and scalp irritation, conditions often exacerbated by fungal or bacterial overgrowth. Tea tree oil is particularly effective against dandruff due to its antifungal properties, which help eliminate Malassezia yeast, a common cause of dandruff. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and soothing capabilities reduce scalp itching and irritation. Tea tree oil can also significantly improve symptoms of scalp psoriasis, reducing inflammation, redness, and irritation, and alleviating itchiness associated with flare-ups.
Product Recommendations:
Infusion Revolution 5% Tea Tree Shampoo
Infusion Revolution 5% Tea Tree Conditioner
Meet Our Tea Tree Oil Farmers
Our tea tree is grown and distilled by KwaZulu Botanicals in South Africa. At KwaZulu they have invested years of R&D to produce a strain of tea tree that maximizes the healing benefits discussed above. They grow every plant from their seed stock, and then when the seedlings are ready for transplant, they are given to one of more than 500 small-scale farmers in the surrounding area to grow. This approach is creating a new generation of rural entrepreneurs and employment for thousands of people.
In May, workers strip the leaves from the tea tree plants by hand before transporting them to the distillery. There, the leaves are subjected to a large amount of steam to separate out the essential oil. Once the oil has been extracted, the spent leaves are returned to the field as mulch to keep the soil moist.
When you use our tea tree oil, you can feel good for many reasons. Here are a few:
- Farmed without any herbicides or pesticides
- Seedlings are grown using the water left over from distillation to prevent diseases in the nursery.
- Distillery powered with heat produced using waste product from a nearby macadamia nut farm.
- KwaZulu works hand in hand with local farmers, teaching the best farming practices.
- Before releasing to the market, the essential oil undergoes rigorous, unbiased third-party testing by PhytoChemia. This ensures each oil is completely free of fillers, synthetic fragrances, and contaminants.
- Every batch sent to New Harmony comes with unmatched transparency and detailed documentation.
In conclusion, tea tree oil is a valuable addition to any skincare routine, offering numerous benefits from treating acne and managing oily skin to soothing skin irritations, maintaining scalp health, and even supporting first aid care. With its naturally potent properties and versatility, tea tree oil represents an effective, gentle alternative to chemical-laden skincare products, making it an essential component in the pursuit of healthy, radiant skin.
