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news.Tea tree oil, an ingredient found in many beauty products, has been named unsafe by the European Union and could be banned by the institution after research discovered it could cause skin irritation and reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics.
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Regular usage of tea tree oil, which is sometimes used undiluted to help get rid of spots, acne and insect bites, could increase the user's risk of contracting superbug infections like MRSA, according to research claims. Tea tree oil makes these infections more resistant to antibiotics.
In addition, the EU has warned against using tea tree oil undiluted, as even small doses can cause skin rashes. However, it said beauty products such as shampoo, which use the oil in minute quantities, are safe.
Young males have also been warned about the dangers of tea tree oil after reports that three boys developed breasts when using the oil. The breasts disappeared after they stopped using tea tree oil.
The EU said it may ban the oil from being used in the undiluted form later this year if manufacturers fail to convince EU scientists thats its safe for human use.