Everything You Need to Know About Manuka vs. Tea Tree Oil (And Other Questions Answered)

At first glance, it’s easy to confuse tea tree and manuka oils.

After all, manuka oil has been referred to as the tea tree oil of New Zealand. However, there are some notable differences between the two.

Understanding the differences between manuka vs tea tree oil will help you decide which essential oil product is best for your needs.  

Manuka vs Tea Tree Oil (and Much More!) – Your Top 6 Questions Answered

Read on to discover the uses, benefits, and differences of manuka vs tea tree oil.

1. What’s the Difference Between Manuka vs Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is made from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree that’s native to Australia. The tree isn’t used to make the type of teas people drink. Instead, it’s used to make essential oils.

Manuka oil comes from Leptospermum scoparium, a flowering plant in New Zealand. Though it is, at times, referred to as a tea tree, they are not the same plant. Additionally, manuka oil is taken from various parts of the Leptospermum scoparium plant, while tea tree oil is only taken from the leaves of the melaleuca tree.

The biggest difference you’ll notice between manuka vs tea tree oil is their scent. Manuka oil has a warm and floral smell that is less astringent and herbaceous than tea tree oil.

2. How are Manuka Honey and Manuka Essential Oil Different?

What about manuka oil vs manuka honey?

They’re both derived from the Leptospermum scoparium plant. The oil is made by distilling the branches and leaves, while the honey is made by bees who feed on the nectar of the flowers.

Both have medicinal properties since they come from the same plant and can be used in skincare and beauty products.

3. Is Manuka Oil Good for Your Skin?

Free radicals can damage your skin, causing premature wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and loss of radiance. Where do free radicals come from? They’re derived through a metabolic process in the body, as well as exposure to ozone, pollutants, and cigarette smoke.

Many people love manuka oil for wrinkles. The oil contains antioxidants, which are substances that inhibit oxidation and damage to the skin.

4. Can You Use Manuka Oil in a Diffuser?

Absolutely! And because of its warm, mild scent, you can mix it with a variety of other oils to create a lovely floral, fruity, or woodsy scent.  

5. Are Manuka Products Good for Your Hair?

Another reason why people love manuka oil for their skin is that it’s ultra moisturising, something that can benefit your hair, too. You can use it to replenish moisture to dry strands or to relieve a dry, itchy scalp.

6. Manuka Oil vs Tea Tree Oil for Nail Fungus – Which is Best?

Both oils have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. You can use both to treat nail fungus.

Choose the Best Products for the Needs of Your Family

Looking for something to clear up your nail fungus or to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles? Knowing the differences between manuka vs tea tree oil will help you choose the best natural products for you and your family.

Ready for beautiful, glowing, younger-looking skin? Check out our top-selling manuka oil skincare products.