SCCS issues preliminary scientific opinion on the safety of tea tree oil in cosmetics
On May 28, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued a scientific opinion on the use of tea tree oil (TTO) in cosmetics, with the reference number SCCS/1681/25. The initial draft of opinion SCCS/1681/25 is currently under review and feedback is due by August 18, 2025. This hundred page report clarifies the safe usage conditions of tea tree oil and answers long-standing controversies. The following are the core conclusions:
INCIname Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
CAS number 68647-73-4
EC number 285-377-1
one Upper limit of safe concentration
SCCSthink,Tea tree oil asAnti seborrhea and antibacterial agentsIt is safe to use in the following products
Key premise Tea tree oil must comply with international standardsISO 4730:2017Chemical composition requirements.
two Usage restrictions and warnings
1.Prohibit spray products
SCCSemphasize,Tea TreeDo not use in spray or aerosol products Such as spray perfume hair spray ,Prevent consumers from inhaling risks2.Clear allergenicity
Tea tree oil isModerate skin sensitizer,People with sensitive skin should use it with caution.Oxidation products need to be controlled in the formula As for umbrella hydrocarbon content.
3.Stability is a hidden danger
Tea tree oil exposed to light heat Easy to degrade in air,May produce harmful substances.Manufacturers must ensure that the ingredients of the product remain stable during storage and use,Always comply withISOstandard.
three Response to controversial issues
1.Controversy over reproductive toxicity
althoughECHASuggest categorizing tea tree oil as"reproductive toxicity1Bclass" Repr.1B ,onlySCCSAfter evaluation, it is believed that
At a limited concentration,Comprehensive exposure does not pose reproductive risks margin of safetyMoS=120 .
2.Suspected carcinogenic nature
Existing data has not found any genotoxicity in tea tree oil,Therefore, there are no concerns about carcinogenicity.However, attention should be paid to its natural component methyl eugenol Methyl Eugenol The content must comply with the limit values of EU cosmetics regulations.
four Subsequent development
1. SCCSOrganize and evaluate public and industry opinions,Publish the final scientific opinion Final Opinion
2. If the European Commission finally confirms that tea tree oil is classified as Repr.1B substance
2.1 adoptSCCSopinion → Allow continued use under limited concentration and usage.
2.2 no adoptionSCCSOpinions or enterprises do not meet the exemption conditions → Completely prohibit its use in cosmetics.
currentSCCSThe positive evaluation provides scientific basis for exemption,But the final decision rests with the European Commission.
five Advice for Enterprises
✅ The use of tea tree oil must comply withISOstandard
✅ Avoid use in spray products
✅ Control methyl eugenol and other impurities
✅ Evaluate the stability of ingredients and storage conditions in the finished product formula
✅ Follow the European Union CLP and Cosmetics Regulations Changes in Connection,Prepare compliance strategies in advance.
Although natural plant ingredients are good,only natural ≠ harmless .science secure Compliance is the foundation for products to go further.
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