Where to Find Tea Tree Oil Near Me - Buyer's Guide

Where to Find Tea Tree Oil Near Me

With its wide range of benefits, tea tree oil has become a popular natural remedy for many households. But where can you find tea tree oil products locally?

In this article, we'll explain what tea tree oil is, its many uses, where to find it in stores near you, and important information on how to select quality tea tree oil products.

What is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, which is native to Australia. It has been used for centuries by the Aboriginal people there both medicinally and as an antiseptic.

This oil contains a number of active compounds such as terpinen-4-ol that give it antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil is usually clear to very pale golden in color.

Benefits and Uses of Tea Tree Oil

Here are some of the most common benefits and uses of tea tree oil supported by scientific research:

• Acne treatment - helps kill bacteria on skin and reduce inflammation
• Natural anti-fungal - can treat fungal infections like athlete's foot
• Oral health - reduces plaque and gingivitis when used in toothpaste
• Wound healing - accelerates healing of cuts, burns and scrapes
• Dandruff treatment - reduces itchy, flaky scalp when used in shampoo
• Natural deodorant - fights underarm odor causing bacteria
• Cleaner and sanitizer - removes germs and freshens household surfaces

How to Use Tea Tree Oil Safely

It's important to use tea tree oil correctly, as it is very potent. Some tips for safe usage:

• Always dilute - mix with a carrier oil or lotion before applying to skin
• Do a patch test first to check for allergic reaction
• Use a few drops - 5% solutions or less are ideal for topical use
• Don't ingest - tea tree oil should not be swallowed
• Keep out of eyes and ears - rinse immediately if accidental contact
• Store properly - keep bottle tightly sealed and away from light

Where to Buy Tea Tree Oil Locally

Now that you know the benefits of tea tree oil, where is the best place to buy it near you? Here are some of the most common local retailers that carry tea tree oil products:

Health Food Stores

Health food stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts or Natural Grocers are excellent places to find pure tea tree oil. They typically have a selection of essential oils and carriers oils.

You can usually find tea tree oil in small bottles of 1 to 4 ounces. Prices range from $5 to $15 depending on bottle size and brand. Popular options include Now Foods, Desert Essence, and Nature's Truth.

Health food stores also carry tea tree oil infused products like shampoos, toothpastes, sanitizers and skin care. Look for it in the beauty section.

Vitamin and Supplement Shops

Stores focused on vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements are another good retail source of tea tree oil. Think GNC, Vitamin Shoppe or Vitamin World.

Like health food stores, you'll find pure essential oils along with personal care products containing tea tree oil. Prices and selection are usually similar.

Pharmacies

Major pharmacy retailers including CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid have tea tree oil products available on their shelves. But selection is more limited than dedicated health stores.

You may find a small 1 oz bottle of pure tea tree oil for $10-15 in the alternative medicine section. There will also be antiseptic creams, first aid sprays and toothpastes with tea tree oil.

Big Box Stores

General merchandise retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kmart also carry a selection of tea tree oil products in their beauty departments and medicine aisles.

But again, selection is hit or miss. You may find a store brand pure essential oil or products like shampoos and body washes infused with tea tree oil.

Online Retailers

If your local stores have limited options, buying tea tree oil online opens up many more possibilities. Amazon, iHerb and Vitacost all have a huge selection of tea tree oil products.

This allows you to easily compare prices, reviews, sizes and brands. And anything can be delivered conveniently to your door.

What to Look for When Buying Tea Tree Oil

With so many choices available, it's important to know how to select a high quality tea tree oil.

Here are the key things to look for when buying pure tea tree essential oil:

100% Pure and Natural

Make sure any tea tree oil you buy is 100% pure oil from Melaleuca alternifolia leaves. Avoid products diluted with other ingredients or fragrances.

Therapeutic Grade

This isn't an official grading but ensures the oil is high quality and free of contaminants. It should specify "therapeutic grade" on the label.

Origin in Australia

Tea tree oil is native to Australia so authentic products will state Australian origin. This region has ideal climate and soil for the melaleuca plant.

Clear Glass Bottle

Essential oils degrade with exposure to heat, oxygen and light. Opt for tea tree oil sold in small, dark glass bottles to maintain potency.

Manufacture Date

Check the bottle for an expiration or manufacture date, as the compounds in oils break down over time. Use tea tree oil within a year or two for full benefits.

Organic

While not required, choosing an organic tea tree oil ensures no pesticides or chemicals were used in growing the plants.

Key Takeaways on Tea Tree Oil

If you want to harness the cleansing and healing properties of tea tree oil, now you know exactly where to look for it locally. Here are some key tips to recap:

• Check health food stores, vitamin shops, pharmacies and big box retailers
• Look for 100% pure Australian Melaleuca alternifolia oil
• Select therapeutic grade dark glass bottles for potency
• Dilute before applying and avoid ingesting
• Buy online for wider selection and price comparisons

Tea tree oil is a versatile natural product that's easy to find near you. Just make sure to buy high quality oil and use it safely. Your skin and home will reap the wellness benefits of this aromatic essential oil.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.