Safety of Tea Tree Oil Questioned

BRUSSELS, Belgium—Tea tree oil can induce skin and eye irritation, and its safety uncertain, according to an opinion issued by the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP), C&T reported. SCCP noted tea tree oil must be carefully handled during formulation to optimize stability and control oxidation. While there was inadequate data to assess safety, there were questions regarding the impact of systemic exposure and appropriate concentrations; if such studies become available, SCCP may revisit the question of tea tree oil’s safety.