Is tea tree oil safe for acne while pregnant? Yes in the second and third trimesters, best avoided in the first, and never swallowed.
Navigating pregnancy-safe skincare can be complicated, but as a medical doctor with a focus on cosmetic ingredient safety, I’ve simplified the search for you. Visit my Skincare During Pregnancy: Begin Here guide for a full index of ingredient safety reviews, pregnancy and IVF-safe recommendations, and doctor-vetted product guides.
Today, we discuss tea tree oil: you probably already know that this essential oil works great for acne. You might have used it effectively in the past or seen it as an ingredient in shampoos, creams, and cleansers.
It is a natural ingredient derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, native to Australia, but is tea tree oil safe for pregnancy?
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First Trimester
Tea tree oil in the first trimester
The first trimester is the most critical period of fetal development when all the organ systems are developing and are at their most vulnerable.
It is generally not recommended to use essential oils, including tea tree oil, in the first trimester, as the effects of these oils on this crucial period of development are unknown. Furthermore, some essential oils (not tea tree, though!) are known abortifacients.
It is also found in various products, including shampoos, soaps, creams, body wash, and cleansers. The tea tree oil in these products is typically diluted and might be safe to use in all trimesters under the guidance of your doctor. If you want to exercise extra caution, you can avoid them in the first trimester.
Second and Third Trimesters
Tea tree oil in the second and third trimesters
Is tea tree oil safe for pregnancy in the second and third trimesters?
Yes! Tea tree oil can be used safely in the second and third trimesters in the recommended dosage.
It is still essential to use it only after dilution in a carrier oil.
Tea tree oil can be used safely even as you approach your due date, as it is not an abortifacient.
How To Use
How to use tea tree oil safely while pregnant?
Tea tree oil is an essential oil, which means it is a highly concentrated extract from plants with various therapeutic benefits.
However, just because something is natural, it is not necessarily good for you.
You should always be mindful of what you are using and follow the standard recommendations.
Always discuss the use of essential oils with your doctor. They have a wide range of therapeutic benefits, but may not be suitable for use while pregnant.
Never ingest tea tree oil as it is poisonous when swallowed. Always apply it externally to the skin.
All essential oils are highly concentrated. Always dilute with carrier oil (like almond oil, coconut oil, or grapeseed oil) to avoid skin irritation, redness, and burning.
Here is a general recommendation by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy for dilution rates of essential oils for various modes of use:
NAHA: Methods of Application and Dilution Rates
Tea tree is known to cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and dry skin. If you have never used it before, it is advisable to be cautious when using it, as due to hormonal changes, your skin during pregnancy becomes more sensitive to chemicals.
Always use at the recommended dosage. Excess use is not only of no benefit but also can cause side effects like skin irritation and excessive dryness.
A test patch is recommended. Apply diluted tea tree oil to a body area that will not be easily washed off (like inside the elbow) and leave it on for 24 hours. In the event of any adverse reaction (redness, bumpiness, irritation), do not wait 24 hours; instead, wash it off immediately. This indicates that you may be allergic to it or cannot tolerate that concentration. You can try it with a further diluted concentration.
If you are using it to treat acne while pregnant, there are other pregnancy-safe options that you can consider:
Pregnancy Safe Acne Treatment
Simple Skincare Steps to Improve Your Acne
Never Ingest
Can I consume tea tree oil?
To reiterate, no! Tea tree oil is known to be poisonous when swallowed.
It should not be consumed by anyone, irrespective of pregnancy or not.
It should not be ingested as it can result in diarrhea, hallucinations, unsteadiness, drowsiness, confusion, and coma.
Takeaway
Takeaway
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is safe to use during the second and third trimesters.
It is best to avoid it during the first trimester when the fetal organs are just developing.
Tea tree oil skin care products, such as shampoo and cleansers, are generally safe to use at all trimesters.
It is poisonous when ingested, so it should never be consumed.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tea tree oil safe to use for acne while pregnant?
Yes, in the second and third trimesters, at the recommended dosage and only after dilution in a carrier oil. It is best avoided in the first trimester, when the fetal organs are just developing and the effects of essential oils during that period are unknown.
Why should I avoid tea tree oil in the first trimester?
The first trimester is the most critical period of fetal development, when all the organ systems are developing and are at their most vulnerable. Essential oils in general are not recommended during this period because their effects on it are unknown.
Is tea tree oil an abortifacient?
No. Tea tree oil can be used safely even as you approach your due date, as it is not an abortifacient. Some other essential oils are known abortifacients, which is part of why essential oils as a group are treated with caution in pregnancy.
How should I dilute tea tree oil?
All essential oils are highly concentrated, so always dilute with a carrier oil such as almond oil, coconut oil, or grapeseed oil to avoid skin irritation, redness, and burning. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy publishes general dilution rates for the various modes of use, linked above.
How do I patch test tea tree oil?
Apply diluted tea tree oil to an area that will not easily be washed off, like the inside of the elbow, and leave it on for 24 hours. If any redness, bumpiness, or irritation appears, do not wait the full 24 hours; wash it off immediately. That means you may be allergic or cannot tolerate that concentration, and you can try a further diluted one.
Are tea tree oil shampoos and cleansers safe during pregnancy?
The tea tree oil in shampoos, soaps, creams, body washes, and cleansers is typically diluted and is generally safe to use in all trimesters under the guidance of your doctor. If you want to exercise extra caution, you can avoid them in the first trimester.
Can I swallow tea tree oil?
No. Tea tree oil is poisonous when swallowed and should not be consumed by anyone, pregnant or not. Ingesting it can result in diarrhea, hallucinations, unsteadiness, drowsiness, confusion, and coma.
Questions about pregnancy acne?
If you would like a quick, doctor-vetted review of an acne product’s ingredient list, or help finding a pregnancy-safe way to manage breakouts, I would love to help.
