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Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil suppliers and sourcing guide

Tea tree oil is the essential oil steam-distilled from the leaves and terminal branches of Melaleuca alternifolia, a tree native to Australia and now also grown elsewhere. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid made mostly of terpenes, with terpinen-4-ol as the main component. Brands buy it by the composition standard it meets, most often the ISO 4730 profile, for use at low levels in skin, hair and household products.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil · melaleuca oil · tea tree essential oil
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of tea tree oil

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • ISO 4730 grade

    Oil meeting the ISO 4730 composition ranges, which set limits for terpinen-4-ol, 1,8-cineole and other components.

  • Pharmacopeial grade

    Oil made to the European Pharmacopoeia monograph for tea tree oil.

  • Organic

    Oil from certified organic plantations.

  • Solubilized blends

    Tea tree oil pre-mixed with a solubilizer for water-based products, at a stated oil percentage.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

GC composition profile
Terpinen-4-ol, 1,8-cineole, gamma-terpinene, alpha-terpinene and p-cymene by GC against ISO 4730 ranges.
Peroxide value
Oxidation level; peroxides and p-cymene rise as the oil ages.
Physical constants
Refractive index, relative density and optical rotation as identity checks.
Adulteration screen
GC or chiral GC to detect added synthetic terpinen-4-ol or other oils.
Pesticide residues
Pesticide screen, especially for non-organic oil.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store tea tree oil in full, tightly closed amber glass or lined metal containers in a cool, dark place, ideally under nitrogen once opened. Air, light and heat oxidize it. Shelf life comes from the supplier, and opened stock should be checked for peroxide value before use.

Lots and expiry dates

Composition varies with plantation, harvest and distillation, so compare each lot GC profile to ISO 4730 and to previous lots. Record peroxide value at receipt and use the oldest stock first.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Tea tree oil suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking tea tree oil suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of tea tree oil can brands buy?

Common forms include iSO 4730 grade, pharmacopeial grade, organic and solubilized blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for tea tree oil include?

Expect gC composition profile, peroxide value, physical constants, adulteration screen and pesticide residues, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should tea tree oil be stored?

Store tea tree oil in full, tightly closed amber glass or lined metal containers in a cool, dark place, ideally under nitrogen once opened. Air, light and heat oxidize it. Shelf life comes from the supplier, and opened stock should be checked for peroxide value before use.

What is the regulatory status of tea tree oil?

FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant. Health Canada's aromatherapy essential oils monograph lists tea tree essential oil from the leaf and leafy twig of Melaleuca alternifolia.

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