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6 min read / 3 February 2022 / Laura Garvin Gomez

Benefits and Uses of Lemon Tea Tree Oil

Cleansing and freshening lemon tea tree is native to Australia and New Zealand.

Lemon tea tree is often misjudged as a blend of lemon and tea tree essential oils.

In actual fact, lemon tea tree is a unique substance, in the same aromatic family as tea tree but extracted from an entirely separate plant altogether.

Used by Australian aboriginal tribes and the Māori people of New Zealand to treat infections and skin irritations, lemon tea tree essential oil is now commonly used for its cleaning and aromatic properties.

We'll be going through all the facts you need to know on the benefits of lemon tea tree oil, its history, and how to use it.

What is lemon tea tree essential oil?

Sharp and citrusy with soft herbal notes, lemon tea tree oil is extracted via steam distillation from the leaves of the lemon-scented tea tree shrub - native to Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.

Also known by the botanical name Leptospermum Petersonii, lemon tea tree oil is generally clear to pale yellow in colour and is an excellent choice for masking and combatting overly potent aromas.

Some sources claim that the lemony notes of lemon tea tree are even more distinctive than those in lemon essential oil.

What are health benefits of lemon tea tree essential oil?

Despite frequent confusion between lemon tea tree and regular tea tree oil, both oils carry distinct differences that make each one a great addition to your wellness collection.

Some of the most impactful lemon tea tree oil benefits include:

  • Antimicrobial properties
  • Abilities to treat skin conditions
  • Natural air-freshener and deodorant
  • Insect repellent

Lemon tea tree in a garden.

Is Lemon tea tree essential oil antimicrobial?

A popular ingredient in household cleaners, lemon tea tree oil shares its strong antimicrobial properties with both of its namesakes.

These properties are due to the presence of aldehydes in the oil – namely citral. Lemon tea tree oil is, on average, 70-80% citral.

This component has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help lemon tea tree essential oil to effectively clean surfaces and leave homes more hygienic.

Can lemon tea tree oil help treat skin conditions?

The antimicrobial properties lemon tea tree oil also make it an effective facial cleanser.

Lemon tea tree oil is able to attack unfriendly bacteria in the pores of the face and leave skin cleaner and less oily.

It is also said to promote healing around spots and other irritated areas through cell regeneration, and its anti-inflammatory properties are often used to combat conditions such as acne and eczema.

Caution should be taken before applying lemon tea tree oil to the face, as it is a potent oil that can potentially be irritating to sensitive skin.

Make sure to heavily dilute the oil before use, and speak to a medical professional if unsure.

Can lemon tea tree oil be used as a natural air-freshener and deodorant?

Lemon tea tree oil is well-known for its aromatic properties, and some people consider it to have a stronger, more fragrant lemon scent than lemon essential oil itself.

These aromatic properties make it a great remedy for combatting odours, and it is often diffused or used in aromatic products in order to dispel unpleasant smells.

A small amount of diluted lemon tea tree essential oil dabbed onto the person can also act as a natural deodorant and help to mask personal odour.

Does lemon tea tree essential oil repel insects?

There has been a history of those in hot countries using lemon tea tree oil to repel pests such as mosquitos.

People claim that the strong, lemony smell of the oil drives away insects and acts as a natural repellent. This can also be said of similar oils like citronella or lemongrass.

In fact, lemon tea tree itself is rich in the components citrol and citronellal - both of which can be found in other popular insect repellent oils.

Diffusing lemon tea tree oil or adding it to candle recipes may help to get rid of pests. You can also try your hand at making your own bug repellent spray using essential oils.

Lemon tea tree in a field.

How to use lemon tea tree essential oil

1. Aromatherapy

The citrusy aromas of lemon tea tree oil can not only refresh your spaces and clear them of airborne bacteria, but also leave your home with a pleasant scent of cleanliness throughout the day.

Add a few drops of lemon tea tree essential oil to your electric diffuser or oil burner and allow the combination of herbs and citrus to work their magic.

You can also try sprinkling a few drops of lemon tea tree into your bath if you fancy an energising boost.

2. Skincare

One of lemon tea tree oil's strongest assets is against skin conditions like acne and eczema.

Combining some lemon tea tree oil with a non-comedogenic carrier oil - like grapeseed oil - can help clear breakouts in the skin as well as hydrate drier areas. This mixture can also be used as a substitutes for facial cleansers.

It's important to note, however, that lemon tea tree oil can be very potent on certain skin types, so always perform a patch test before use and consult with your doctor before applying it on chronic skin issues.

3. Cleaning

Lemon tea tree oil, like both of its namesake oils, carries very strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

This makes it a great choice for using in homemade cleaning sprays, which can be spritzed around the surfaces of the home to provide them with a refreshing boost.

4. Soaps & Candles

The herbal and the citrusy notes of lemon tea tree oil make it a great scent asset to candles, soaps, and more - particularly in the summertime.

Check out our growing selection of candle and soap making supplies to try your hand at crafting with this distinctive essential oil.

What is the history of lemon tea tree essential oil?

Both tea tree and lemon tea tree were used extensively by Australian aboriginal tribes for open wounds and infections, as well as by the Māori people of New Zealand.

Throughout history, these oils have been used interchangeably despite their botanical and chemical differences.

Lemon tea tree specifically was first described by Richard Challinor, Arthur Penfold, and Edwin Cheel in 1918, where it gained some popularity in the fragrance industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tea tree oil and lemon tea tree oil the same thing?

Despite their similar names and benefits, lemon tea tree oil is not the same as regular tea tree oil. Both come from separate botanicals and contain different chemical constituents.

Is lemon tea tree oil good for all skin types?

Once diluted, lemon tea tree oil is generally safe for skin, but should be used sparingly for those with oily or sensitive complexions. Those with dry skin conditions should also consult with their doctor before use.

What is lemon tea tree oil used for?

Lemon tea tree oil can be used as a home cleaner, as an air freshener, as an insect repellent, and in skincare among other uses.

Even though it exists very much in the shadow of its two more famous namesakes, lemon tea tree oil is a useful oil in its own right.

Its aromatic citrus scent is not only pleasant but cleansing, and the oil has been found to have an invigorating effect that lifts the spirit and awakens the senses.

Product Name

100% Pure Lemon Tea Tree Essential Oil
Botanical Name Leptospermum Petersonii
Scent Type Citrus
Benefits & Uses Insect Repellent, Cleaning Agent, Anti-Inflammatory
Suitable for Diffusers? Yes, this lemon tea tree essential oil is perfect for diffusers.
Suitable for Candles and Soaps? Yes, this lemon tea tree essential oil is perfect for candle and soap making.
Extraction Method Steam Distillation
Bottle Type Tamper proof and UV resistant

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Medical Disclaimer

The content in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please consult your personal physician for any advice or treatment regarding specific health questions. Neither the article editor, writer, nor the organisation of Nikura takes any responsibility for possible health consequences following the information given in any article. All readers should consult their physician before taking any advice given within these articles.

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