Tea Tree Oil? Is it eye-safe for use in cosmetics and skincare?

Tea tree oil has earned a reputation as a natural powerhouse ingredient, commonly found in eye makeup removers, eyelid cleansers, lash scrubs, facial cleansers, and blemish treatments. But when it comes to products used around the delicate eye area, "natural" does not automatically mean safe.

According to doctors Rachna Murthy and Jonathan Roos, consumers should exercise caution when using products containing tea tree oil near their eyes.

Research suggests that tea tree oil exhibits anti-androgenic activity, meaning it may interfere with hormones. Hormonal disruption around the eyes can be particularly concerning because healthy hormone function plays an important role in maintaining the ocular surface and meibomian gland health. Disruption of these systems may contribute to or worsen ocular surface disease and dry eye symptoms.

While tea tree oil may have a role in managing Demodex infestations or fungal conditions such as athlete's foot, its inclusion in products intended for daily cosmetic use around the eyes raises important safety considerations.

Adding to these concerns, scientific studies have reported a possible association between repeated exposure to tea tree oil and abnormal breast tissue development in prepubertal boys (prepubertal gynecomastia), further highlighting its potential endocrine-disrupting effects.

For consumers experiencing dry, irritated, or sensitive eyes, it may be worth taking a closer look at ingredient labels and reconsidering products that contain tea tree oil in the eye area.

Link to our YouTube for the conversation between Founder, Amy Gallant Sullivan, in conversation with Dr. Rachna Murthy and Professor Jonathan Roos as they discuss the impact of cosmetic ingredients on eye health.

For additional scientific background, explore the TFOS Lifestyle Report: Impact of Cosmetics on the Ocular Surface, which identifies eye cosmetics and cosmetic procedures as lifestyle factors that may contribute to, exacerbate, or promote the development of ocular surface disease.

The Report may be viewed here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37061220/