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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Tea Tree Oil

  • Terpene solvents
  • CAS 68647-73-4
  • IUPAC: Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea Tree Oil (CAS 68647-73-4) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Mildly irritating to skin and eyes at concentrated levels; generally well tolerated at use concentrations in conditioner formulas. Strong eucalyptol/terpinen-4-ol odour. Not classifiable as hazardous at typical formulation levels.

Tea tree oil is a steam-distilled essential oil from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, native to Australia. It is widely used in personal care and household products for its antimicrobial properties. In leather conditioners, it serves as a minor conditioning aid and natural fragrance contributor, with a distinctive medicinal eucalyptol note that some users find strong.

At typical product concentrations in conditioning formulas, tea tree oil does not generate GHS hazard classifications. However, it is documented to be toxic to aquatic organisms (terpene constituents carry aquatic toxicity at ingredient level), which is relevant to the environment score calculation. The odor is distinctive and concentrated products may be polarizing for users sensitive to strong medicinal scents.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Natural antimicrobial and fragrance agent; minor conditioning component

Common questions about Tea Tree Oil

What is Tea Tree Oil used for in car care?
Natural antimicrobial and fragrance agent; minor conditioning component
Is Tea Tree Oil a VOC?
No. Tea Tree Oil is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Tea Tree Oil on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Tea Tree Oil is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Tea Tree Oil biodegradable?
Yes. Tea Tree Oil has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.