Tea tree oil, a plant-derived essential oil, demonstrates strong anti-dandruff properties. A 5% tea tree oil shampoo significantly improved clinical severity scores, reducing scaliness, itchiness, and greasiness after four weeks of daily use, with no reported adverse effects. Reviews highlight its antimicrobial action against Malassezia yeasts, a key dandruff pathogen, and other essential oils show similar potential. While conventional treatments may cause side effects, tea tree oil offers a safe, effective alternative, though further clinical studies are needed to confirm long-term efficacy.
Publications
- Treatment of Dandruff with 5% Tea Tree Oil Shampoo; Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, et al.; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Vol. 47(6), 852–855, 2002
- Promising Essential Oils/Plant Extracts in the Prevention and Treatment of Dandruff Pathogenesis; Kumari KMU, Yadav NP, Luqman S; Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, Vol. 22(13), 1104–1133, 2022
- Essential Oils as Potential Source of Anti-dandruff Agents: A Review; Jain S, Arora P, Nainwal LM; Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening, Vol. 25(9), 1411–1426, 2022
