From the Research
For a 500 ml bottle of hand soap enriched with tea tree oil, add approximately 10-15 drops of tea tree oil, as this concentration is gentle enough for regular hand washing while providing antimicrobial benefits. When preparing the hand soap, start by pouring your regular hand soap into a container, add the tea tree oil drops, and mix thoroughly until well combined. This creates a concentration of about 0.5-1%, which is suitable for most skin types. Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that can enhance the cleansing power of your hand soap, as reported in a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice 1. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to start with fewer drops (around 5-10) and increase gradually if no irritation occurs. Avoid getting the soap in your eyes as tea tree oil can cause irritation. Store your enriched soap in a pump bottle for convenience and shake occasionally to maintain even distribution of the oil throughout the soap.
Some key considerations when using tea tree oil include:
- The potential for allergic reactions, as reported in studies published in The Australasian Journal of Dermatology 2, 3 and Contact Dermatitis 4
- The importance of using high-quality tea tree oil with a suitable chemical composition, as discussed in a review published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews 5
- The need to follow proper patch testing procedures to minimize the risk of adverse reactions, as recommended in a study published in Contact Dermatitis 4
By following these guidelines and using tea tree oil in moderation, you can create a hand soap that is both effective and gentle on your skin.