Tea tree oil shows up in more nail and skin products than almost any other essential oil. Here's why.
Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, a compound studied for its ability to disrupt the cell membranes of certain fungal organisms.
Tea tree oil is one of the more extensively studied natural antifungal botanicals for topical use, though most available research examines the isolated oil rather than combination formulas that include it alongside other ingredients.
Tea tree oil can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin or a specific allergy to it. A patch test before full use is a reasonable precaution.