FlavScents AInsights Entry: Tea Tree Oil (CAS: 68647-73-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is a natural complex material derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for tea tree oil is 68647-73-4. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Other identifiers include its IFRA reference, which is relevant for fragrance applications. The composition of tea tree oil can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Tea tree oil is characterized by a fresh, camphoraceous odor with a slightly medicinal and woody undertone. Its intensity is moderate to strong, making it a prominent impact note in formulations. The oil is not typically used for its flavor but rather for its aromatic properties. The sensory role of tea tree oil is often as a modifier or impact note in fragrance compositions, providing a clean and invigorating scent profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Tea tree oil is naturally sourced from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. The oil is obtained through steam distillation of the leaves. It is considered a natural fragrance and flavor material, although its primary use is in fragrances. The natural designation is important for products marketed as "natural" or "organic."

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Tea tree oil is not commonly used in flavor applications due to its strong, medicinal aroma. When used, it serves as a background realism note in herbal or medicinal flavor profiles. Typical use levels in food are very low, often below 1 ppm, to avoid overpowering the flavor profile. Stability considerations include its sensitivity to heat and oxidation, which can alter its sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Tea tree oil is widely used in fragrance formulations, particularly in personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, and skin care items. It belongs to the herbal and medicinal fragrance families and serves as an impact note or modifier. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity. It contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Tea tree oil's composition includes several key constituents such as terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene, and α-terpinene, which are responsible for its characteristic aroma. The concentration of these constituents can vary based on factors like origin and processing. Terpinen-4-ol is often the most abundant component, contributing significantly to the oil's antimicrobial properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, tea tree oil is not specifically listed as GRAS by FEMA but is used under general flavor and fragrance guidelines. In the European Union, it is regulated under the general provisions of Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavorings. The UK follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, regulations vary, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for essential oils. In Latin America, countries like Brazil regulate it under general fragrance and cosmetic guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Tea tree oil is generally considered safe for topical use in cosmetics, although it can cause irritation or sensitization in some individuals. Oral exposure is not common due to its strong taste and potential toxicity at higher doses. Inhalation exposure is typically safe at low concentrations used in fragrances. The risk profiles differ between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent controls in place for dermal exposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Tea tree oil is valued for its antimicrobial properties and fresh, clean scent. It synergizes well with other herbal and citrus notes. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to a medicinal or overpowering aroma. It is often underused in formulations seeking a natural or organic label due to its strong scent profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on tea tree oil is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and key constituents. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data for oral exposure. Industry practices often rely on historical usage and empirical data.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1-9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• Includes section 5a for complex natural material

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-05-14 04:32:52 GMT (p2)