Is Tea Tree Oil Toxic?

If swallowed, it can be. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says tea tree oil should not be swallowed, and that taking it orally can cause serious symptoms such as confusion, unsteadiness, inability to walk and coma.

On the skin, NCCIH says most people can use topical tea tree oil products without problems, but some develop redness or irritation, which may be more likely if the product is old or has been exposed to heat, light or air. It says a small amount of evidence suggests topical tea tree oil might be helpful for acne and athlete's foot, but more studies are needed before definitive conclusions can be reached.

Drug claims draw FDA scrutiny. In a July 9, 2025 warning letter, the FDA said products including tea tree oil eyelid wipes and a tea tree oil eyelid gel were unapproved new drugs introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.