After several years of debate regarding the safety of tea tree oil (TTO) in cosmetic products, the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published its final opinion on 14 November 2025. The SCCS concluded that TTO can be considered safe as an anti-seborrhoeic and anti-microbial ingredient in four specific product categories, subject to strict concentration limits:

• Shampoo: up to 0%

• Shower gel: up to 0%

• Face wash: up to 0%

• Face cream: up to 1%

Only TTO compliant with ISO 4730:2017 may be used, and formulations must be designed exclusively for adults and in non-aerosol formats to avoid inhalation exposure.

A key focus of the opinion concerns is the lack of stability data. Tea tree oil is susceptible to degradation by light, heat, air, and moisture. The SCCS stressed that finished products must maintain TTO composition within ISO limits throughout their shelf life.

The final opinion provides clarity for formulators and brands by defining concentration thresholds while underscoring the need for stringent stability and quality controls.

The differing regulatory assessments between the EU and Great Britain may lead to diverging permitted concentrations of tea tree oil in cosmetic products. As result, practical challenges for supply chains may arise.

Below you can find a comparision table between the EU and UK current information and requirements for the use of Tea Tree Oil.