Tea Tree Oil

Synonyms: Melaleuca alternifolia oil, Melaleuca oil, Australian tea tree oil, Narrow-leaved paperbark oil, Terpinen-4-ol oil

Tea Tree Oil is a volatile essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and terminal branches of Melaleuca alternifolia, a narrow-leaved tree of the Myrtaceae family native to the coastal wetlands of northern New South Wales, Australia. Its commercial value rests on a well-defined terpene profile, with terpinen-4-ol as the principal bioactive monoterpene alcohol, supported by γ-terpinene, α-terpinene, 1,8-cineole, and α-terpineol. The oil is standardised to a minimum terpinen-4-ol content of 35% and a 1,8-cineole ceiling of 15%, the two parameters that most reliably predict antimicrobial performance.

Two grades dominate the market: a pharmaceutical/BP grade for topical antiseptic and personal care formulations, and a technical grade for industrial and veterinary use. The BP monograph, together with ISO 4730, defines the chromatographic fingerprint and sets limits on each key constituent, which is why buyers should always request a GC trace rather than rely on a single assay figure. Tea Tree Oil is a pale yellow to nearly colorless mobile liquid with a fresh, camphoraceous, slightly spicy odour.

Demand is driven by its broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses, which makes it a workhorse in dermatological creams, anti-dandruff shampoos, oral care rinses, surface sanitisers, and animal health products. Formulators value it because it performs at low use levels, blends readily with other essential oils, and carries a long-established safety record when properly diluted.

Chemical Structure & Properties

Tea Tree Oil is not a single compound but a complex mixture of roughly 100 terpenoids. The molecule responsible for most of the antimicrobial effect, terpinen-4-ol (C₁₀H₁₈O), is a monocyclic monoterpene alcohol carrying a hydroxyl group on the cyclohexene ring. This lipophilic structure allows it to partition into microbial membranes while the hydroxyl group disrupts membrane-bound enzyme function. The oil is lighter than water, has a refractive index around 1.475–1.485, and typically shows a specific gravity of 0.885–0.906 at 20 °C.

Mechanism of Action

• Membrane disruption: Terpinen-4-ol inserts into the lipid bilayer of bacterial and fungal cells, increasing permeability and causing leakage of cytoplasmic contents.
• Enzyme inhibition: The hydroxyl group interferes with membrane-associated respiratory enzymes, disrupting energy production.
• Broad-spectrum coverage: Active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, dermatophytes such as Trichophyton, Candida albicans, and Malassezia species.
• Anti-inflammatory contribution: Minor constituents modulate local inflammatory mediators, which supports its use in acne and skin-care applications.

Quality Specifications (QC Tests)

Supply & Documentation

• Capacity: 20 MT per month from stock and scheduled production.
• Lead time: 3-5 business days from order confirmation for stock items.
• Documentation: COA, MSDS, TDS, and GC chromatogram issued with every shipment.
• Packaging: 25 kg HDPE drums and 180 kg epoxy-lined steel drums, nitrogen-flushed on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your minimum order quantity?

Our standard MOQ is 25 kg, which corresponds to one drum. Smaller sample quantities can be arranged for evaluation purposes.

How long does delivery take?

Stock items ship within 3-5 business days of order confirmation. We hold regular inventory of BP-grade Tea Tree Oil, so most orders are dispatched immediately.

Can you provide a COA and a sample before we place a bulk order?

Yes. A batch-specific COA and GC chromatogram are issued with every quotation, and a 100 g sample can be sent for laboratory evaluation.

Contact & Ordering Information

• Company: LyvBio Co., Ltd.
• Address: Room 5-0203, Courtyard 205, Lianhu District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
• Email: info@lyvbio.com
• Phone: +86-29-65816888

send us your specification for a quotation.