Tea tree essential oil: allergens for your label
Tea tree oil is not an entry on the EU allergen list by itself, so its name does not have to appear as an allergen. But it contains allergens that do, mainly Alpha-Terpinene, Terpinolene, Terpineol.
Typical allergens in tea tree oil
Approximate values from typical compositions. The real numbers vary between suppliers and batches, so use your supplier's declaration for the final label.
| Allergen | Typical % in the oil | On the list since |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha-Terpinene | 10% | new (2023) |
| Terpinolene | 3.5% | new (2023) |
| Terpineol | 3% | new (2023) |
| Pinene | 3% | new (2023) |
| Limonene | 1% | original 24 |
| Beta-Caryophyllene | 0.5% | new (2023) |
Example: what goes on the label
Examples only, not recommended doses. Check the maximum dose for your product type in your supplier's IFRA certificate.
Soap with 2% tea tree oil (rinse-off, threshold 0.01%)
EU and Canada: Alpha-Terpinene, Terpinolene, Terpineol, Pinene, Limonene.
Great Britain (24 only): Limonene.
Cream with 0.5% tea tree oil (leave-on, threshold 0.001%)
EU and Canada: Alpha-Terpinene, Terpinolene, Terpineol, Pinene, Limonene, Beta-Caryophyllene.
Great Britain (24 only): Limonene.
If you blend several oils, add up the same allergen from each of them before comparing with the threshold.