Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses & Why It's Better Than Tea Tree
Posted by Lemon Myrtle on February 27, 2026 . 0 Comments
Lemon myrtle essential oil is one of the world's most potent natural antimicrobials — and it's grown right here in Australia. Extracted from Backhousia citriodora, a rainforest tree native to Southeast Queensland, lemon myrtle oil boasts the highest citral content of any known plant, making it significantly more powerful than tea tree oil in several key areas.
At Lemon Myrtle Products, we offer 100% pure lemon myrtle essential oil in 10ml and 25ml sizes — bottled fresh in small batches with no additives.
What Makes Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil Special?
The key active compound is citral, which makes up 90–98% of lemon myrtle oil. Citral is a powerful antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory agent. By comparison, tea tree oil (melaleuca) contains terpinen-4-ol at 30–48%, and lavender oil's linalool at around 25–45%.
This makes lemon myrtle essential oil one of the most concentrated natural antimicrobials available — but with a far more pleasant, refreshing lemon-citrus scent.
Proven Benefits of Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil
1. Antimicrobial and Antibacterial
Research has shown lemon myrtle oil to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and a range of other common bacteria. It's ideal for use in natural cleaning products, diffusers and personal care applications.
2. Antifungal Properties
Lemon myrtle oil has demonstrated strong antifungal activity against Candida albicans and tinea fungal infections. Studies suggest it's at least as effective as tea tree oil for tinea pedis (athlete's foot).
3. Aromatherapy and Stress Relief
The fresh, uplifting citrus aroma of lemon myrtle is used in aromatherapy for mood enhancement, stress relief and mental clarity. Add a few drops to your diffuser for an energising home atmosphere.
4. Insect Repellent
High citral content makes lemon myrtle oil an effective natural insect repellent. Dilute in a carrier oil and apply to skin, or add to our Lemon Myrtle Spray for easy application.
5. Skin Care
At proper dilution, lemon myrtle oil can help with acne, blemishes and oily skin. It's incorporated in our Natural Moisturiser and Handmade Soap for exactly this reason.
Lemon Myrtle vs Tea Tree Oil
Both are Australian native oils with powerful antimicrobial properties, but there are key differences:
Lemon Myrtle: 90–98% citral, fresh lemon scent, gentler on sensitive skin, higher antimicrobial potency per study weight.
Tea Tree: 30–48% terpinen-4-ol, medicinal/pungent scent, well-established for topical skin use.
For aromatherapy, air freshening, and home use, lemon myrtle is our recommendation. Its scent is far more pleasant and its antimicrobial action equally impressive.
How to Use Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil
Diffuser: Add 5–8 drops to your oil diffuser to freshen rooms and support respiratory health.
Massage/Body Oil: Dilute at 1–2% in a carrier oil like sweet almond or jojoba. Try our ready-made Lemon Myrtle Massage Oil.
Cleaning Spray: Add 10 drops to 200ml water as a natural kitchen and bathroom spray.
Foot Treatment: Apply 2 drops neat to fungal nail infections or tinea areas (patch test first).
Buy Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil Australia
Our pure lemon myrtle essential oil is sourced from Queensland-grown trees, steam distilled and bottled in small batches for maximum freshness. Shop 10ml and 25ml bottles with fast shipping Australia-wide.