Kunzea oil is an essential oil steam distilled from Kunzea ambigua, a native Australian plant endemic to Tasmania and southeastern Australia. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is listed by the Australian TGA as a therapeutic substance for skin conditions. It's often described as a gentler alternative to tea tree oil.

Is kunzea better than tea tree oil?

Kunzea and tea tree have similar antimicrobial properties, but kunzea is generally gentler and less likely to cause skin irritation. It also has a more pleasant, less medicinal aroma. For those who find tea tree too harsh or strong-smelling, kunzea is an excellent alternative that offers comparable benefits with better tolerability.

What is kunzea oil good for?

Kunzea oil is beneficial for problem skin, acne, skin infections, eczema, psoriasis and scalp conditions. It has antimicrobial properties that help control bacteria and fungi, anti-inflammatory effects that calm irritated skin, and analgesic properties that soothe discomfort. It's traditionally been used by Indigenous Australians for skin healing and pain relief.

Why is kunzea called tick bush?

Kunzea is commonly called tick bush because Australian farmers observed that cattle rubbing against the plant suffered less from ticks and other parasites. Native animals have also been seen sleeping under kunzea bushes, apparently seeking relief from insects. Research has confirmed kunzea's insect-repelling properties.

Can I use kunzea oil on sensitive skin?

Yes, kunzea is generally well-suited to sensitive skin due to its lower irritation potential compared to tea tree oil. Research notes that kunzea provides a gentler sensation when applied to skin. However, as with any new product, patch testing is recommended, and kunzea should always be used diluted in carrier oils rather than applied neat.

Kunzea Essential Oil

In brief: Kunzea is Australia's best-kept skincare secret - a native essential oil that offers the antimicrobial benefits of tea tree with a gentler touch and a far more pleasant aroma. Endemic to Tasmania and coastal regions of southeastern Australia, kunzea has been used by Indigenous Australians for centuries for its pain-relieving and skin-healing properties. We chose it over tea tree for our problem-skin products because it's effective without being harsh, and because we believe Australian skin deserves Australian ingredients.

Quick Reference

INCI Name: Kunzea ambigua Oil

Common Names: Kunzea oil, white kunzea, tick bush oil

Category: Essential oil, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory

Source: Natural - steam distilled from leaves and twigs of Kunzea ambigua, native to Tasmania and southeastern Australia

Skin Types Suited To: Problem skin, stressed skin, sensitive skin, scalp conditions

Cautions: Essential oil - always used diluted in carrier oils. Patch test recommended.

What It Is

Kunzea (Kunzea ambigua) is a flowering shrub native to the coastal strip and plateaus of Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family - the same family as tea tree, eucalyptus and manuka - but has carved out its own identity as a gentler, more versatile essential oil.

The plant is commonly called "tick bush" for an interesting reason: Australian farmers noticed that cattle would rub against kunzea bushes and suffer less from ticks and other insects. Native animals have been observed sleeping under kunzea plants, seeking relief from parasites. Indigenous Australians recognised its therapeutic value centuries ago, using crushed leaves and stems to treat aches, pains, wounds and skin conditions.

Kunzea oil has been listed by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as a therapeutic substance for topical treatment of various dermatological conditions. This isn't just folklore - it's a regulated therapeutic ingredient with genuine research behind it.

How It Works

Antimicrobial action. Kunzea oil demonstrates activity against a range of bacteria and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus (including antibiotic-resistant strains), Candida albicans and other common skin pathogens. This makes it valuable for problem skin prone to breakouts and infections.

Anti-inflammatory effects. The oil contains compounds including alpha-pinene, globulol and viridiflorol that contribute to significant anti-inflammatory activity. This helps calm irritated, red or reactive skin - which is why kunzea has been used traditionally for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Analgesic properties. Kunzea is known for pain-relieving effects, traditionally used for muscle aches, joint pain and arthritis. For skincare, this translates to soothing uncomfortable, stressed skin and helping to calm the discomfort associated with scalp conditions.

Low irritation potential. Unlike tea tree oil, which can cause sensitivity reactions in some people, kunzea has a lower concentration of potentially irritating compounds. Research notes that kunzea provides a "gentler and non-irritant sensation" when applied to skin, making it suitable for those who find tea tree too harsh.

Sebum regulation. Kunzea may help regulate sebum production, keeping pores cleaner and reducing the conditions that lead to congestion and breakouts.

Kunzea vs Tea Tree

We're often asked why we chose kunzea over the more familiar tea tree oil. The answer comes down to three things.

Gentleness. Tea tree is notorious for causing sensitivity reactions in some people - redness, irritation, contact dermatitis. Kunzea offers similar antimicrobial benefits with a much lower risk of irritation. For sensitive or stressed skin that's already reactive, this matters.

Aroma. Let's be honest - tea tree smells medicinal in a way that many people find unpleasant. Kunzea has a cleaner, fresher, more rounded scent with subtle spicy notes. It's often described as reminiscent of the Australian bush - earthy and invigorating rather than sharp and chemical.

Philosophy. We're an Australian brand making products for Australian skin. Kunzea is endemic to our region - it's evolved here, it's been used here for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples, and it represents the unique botanical heritage of this country. Using kunzea feels right in a way that imported ingredients don't.

Both oils belong to the Myrtaceae family and share antimicrobial properties. But kunzea is the option we'd choose for ourselves - and that's what we put in our products.

Benefits

Primary Benefits

Kunzea excels at calming stressed, reactive skin. Its combination of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties addresses both the causes and symptoms of problem skin - helping to control the bacteria that contribute to breakouts while soothing the inflammation and irritation that make skin look and feel uncomfortable.

Secondary Benefits

The oil supports overall skin health through gentle antimicrobial action, helps regulate sebum production, provides a pleasant aromatherapy experience during use, and may help with scalp conditions when incorporated into appropriate formulations. Its analgesic properties can help soothe uncomfortable skin sensations.

Skin Concerns Addressed

Kunzea is particularly suited to stressed or reactive skin, acne-prone skin, skin recovering from breakouts, scalp conditions including flakiness and irritation, skin that has reacted badly to tea tree, and anyone seeking effective antimicrobial care without harshness.

The Research

Kunzea oil has been studied for antimicrobial activity, insect repellency and therapeutic applications. Research conducted through the University of Tasmania examined its composition, bioactivity and therapeutic potential, including randomised controlled trials for skin conditions.

Studies have demonstrated kunzea's activity against hospital-acquired pathogens of the skin and oral cavity, including antibiotic-resistant strains. Research into its use for fungal skin infections and dermatitis has shown promising results. The oil's insect-repelling properties - the origin of its "tick bush" name - have been confirmed in repellency trials.

While kunzea is newer to the commercial essential oil market than tea tree, the research base is growing and supports its traditional therapeutic uses.

Who Benefits Most

Those with problem skin. If you struggle with breakouts, congestion or skin that seems perpetually stressed, kunzea's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory combination can help address the underlying issues.

Tea tree refugees. If you've tried tea tree oil and found it too harsh, irritating or simply too strong-smelling, kunzea offers a gentler alternative with similar benefits.

Sensitive skin types. Kunzea's lower irritation potential makes it suitable for skin that reacts to many active ingredients. It helps without aggravating.

Those with scalp concerns. Flaky, itchy or irritated scalps can benefit from kunzea's antimicrobial and soothing properties, especially when combined with other scalp-supportive ingredients like salicylic acid.

Anyone who appreciates Australian native ingredients. If you value ingredients with genuine provenance and traditional use, kunzea represents thousands of years of Indigenous Australian knowledge.

How We Use It

Products Containing Kunzea

Our Black Seed & Kunzea Oil Cleanser for Stressed Skin combines kunzea with organic black seed oil, olive squalane, fractionated coconut oil and rosemary extract (Amiox). This is our go-to cleanser for skin that's reactive, congested or generally unhappy. The kunzea provides gentle antimicrobial action while black seed oil contributes its own anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Our Skin & Scalp Detox Oil builds on the same base with 2% salicylic acid, organic castor oil and essential oils of Roman and German chamomile. This is a treatment product for more stubborn skin and scalp concerns, combining kunzea's antimicrobial benefits with salicylic acid's exfoliating action and chamomile's calming effects.

Using Our Kunzea Products

For the Oil Cleanser: Apply to dry skin, massage gently for 30-60 seconds to dissolve makeup, sunscreen and daily grime, then emulsify with water and rinse or wipe away with a warm cloth. Can be used morning and/or evening.

For the Skin & Scalp Detox Oil: This is a treatment product. For skin, apply to problem areas after cleansing. For scalp, apply to dry scalp, massage in, leave for at least 20 minutes (or overnight for intensive treatment), then shampoo out. Start with once or twice weekly and adjust based on your skin's response.

A Note on Aroma

Kunzea has a distinctive scent - fresh, clean, herbaceous with subtle eucalyptus and spicy notes. It's often described as smelling like the Australian bush. While it's far more pleasant than tea tree to most noses, it is still a therapeutic essential oil with an aromatic presence. The scent dissipates fairly quickly after application but will be noticeable during use.

If you're sensitive to any fragrance, even natural essential oils, please consider this before purchasing. We chose kunzea deliberately for its therapeutic benefits, but we understand that essential oils aren't for everyone.

Usage Guidelines

Application

Our kunzea products are formulated with kunzea already diluted in carrier oils at appropriate concentrations. Apply as directed for each product. Do not apply undiluted kunzea essential oil directly to skin.

Frequency

The Oil Cleanser can be used daily. The Skin & Scalp Detox Oil is a treatment product - start with 1-2 times per week and increase if your skin tolerates it well.

What to Expect

Immediate calming of skin discomfort. With regular use over 2-4 weeks, expect improvement in skin texture, reduced congestion and breakouts, and calmer, less reactive skin overall. For scalp conditions, improvement may take 4-6 weeks of consistent use.

Contraindications and Cautions

Kunzea is generally well tolerated, but as with any essential oil, some individuals may be sensitive. Patch test new products before widespread use.

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless specifically advised by your healthcare provider - this is standard guidance for essential oils.

Do not apply undiluted kunzea essential oil directly to skin. Our products are formulated with appropriate dilutions for safe topical use.

If you have a known sensitivity to tea tree or other Myrtaceae family plants, exercise caution and patch test before using kunzea products.

Related:

Black Seed Oil ingredient page

Salicylic Acid ingredient page

Olive Squalane ingredient page

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