Best pure tea tree oils

Top pick: Plant Therapy Organic Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). It's the one I'd buy: the botanical species is stated on the label, it's steam-distilled and organic, and the brand publishes batch testing — the things that actually tell you a tea tree oil is pure rather than cut with filler. It's the safest bet for undiluted use on skin (always dilute it yourself) or in a diffuser.

Who the others suit:

• Nutricost 100% Pure Essential Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia — the species is named and it's sold as pure essential oil; a good budget-minded pick if you want a straightforward single-note bottle.
• Cliganic Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil — USDA Organic and Non-GMO Verified, steam distilled; best if organic certification matters most to you.
• First Botany 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree — a solid everyday bottle for diffusing and household blends.
• Handcraft Blends Organic Tea Tree — small bottle, steam distilled, handy for trying it out or for a travel kit.

What to check on any bottle: the label should say Melaleuca alternifolia and "100% pure essential oil" with no carrier oil listed. Several listings here don't state the species or whether it's pre-diluted, so read the ingredient panel before buying — and never apply undiluted oil neat to skin.