The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has issued its final opinion on the use of tea tree oil (TTO) in cosmetic products.
Adopted on October 30, 2025 and published on November 14, the document states that the SCCS considers the use of TTO as an anti-seborrheic and anti-microbial agent safe in four product types: up to the maximum concentration of 2.0% in shampoo, 1.0% in shower gel, 1.0% in face wash and 0.1% in face cream.
The Committee highlights that his opinion is only applicable to TTO with chemical composition that conforms to the updated International Standard ISO 4730:2017 in final dermally applied cosmetic products, exclusively for adults, and not in aerosolised or sprayable delivery formats.
The SCC adds that based on the data provided, TTO is a moderate skin sensitiser, the stability of which must be guaranteed in the final product.
While not being is currently regulated under the Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, Tea Tree Oil (TTO) known with the INCI name ‘Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil’, is used in various skin and hair care products as well as oral care products as an antioxidant, skin conditioning, anti-microbial and perfuming agent.
The new decision from the Scientific Committee clarifies the conditions for the safe use of this ingredient.
