# Manuka essential oil

> A gentle New Zealand relative of tea tree, prized in skin care for a softer aroma and soothing, everyday topical use.

Canonical page: https://essential-oils.club/oils/single/manuka

Type: Single oil

## At a glance

- **Botanical name:** Leptospermum scoparium
- **Plant part:** Leaves and twigs
- **Extraction:** Steam-distilled
- **Aroma:** Warm, earthy, honeyed
- **Origin:** New Zealand
- **Blends with:** Lavender, tea tree, kunzea

## Composition (GC-MS research aggregate)

Based on 4 GC-MS samples from 4 peer-reviewed papers (2020–2026); Moderate evidence base. 37 compounds reported in total. Typical share of the oil (median, with interquartile range):

| Compound | Class | Median % | IQR % | Max % | Papers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| cis-calamenene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 21.58 | 20.37–22.79 | 24 | 2 |
| α-selinene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 5.55 | 3.83–7.67 | 9.15 | 4 |
| α-cubebene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 4.79 | 3.41–6.18 | 6.55 | 4 |
| β-selinene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 3.92 | 3.29–5.13 | 8.45 | 4 |
| δ-cadinene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 4.28 | 4.09–5.34 | 6.4 | 3 |
| α-copaene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 4.17 | 4.08–4.58 | 5 | 3 |
| β-copaene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 3.04 | 1.62–4.46 | 5.88 | 2 |
| γ-muurolene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 1.69 | 1.69–1.7 | 1.7 | 2 |
| globulol | Oxygenated sesquiterpene | 1.41 | 0.91–1.9 | 2.4 | 2 |
| α-pinene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 1.36 | 1.05–1.67 | 1.98 | 2 |
| cubenol | Oxygenated sesquiterpene | 1.27 | 1.25–1.28 | 1.3 | 2 |
| β-elemene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 1.03 | 1.02–1.04 | 1.05 | 2 |

Chemotypes seen in the samples: leptospermone (50% of samples), calamenene (25% of samples), cis-calamenene (25% of samples).

## Key constituents

- **Leptospermone** — A beta-triketone compound considered a chemical marker of manuka oil

## How to use it

- **In the diffuser:** 3–5 drops for a warm, grounding scent that suits the evening or a quiet background.
- **On skin:** Dilute to 1–3% in a carrier oil and patch-test — many find it gentler than tea tree.

## Safety

- For topical use, dilute to 1–3% in a carrier oil and patch-test first, as with any new oil.
- Maximum dermal use: Dilute in a carrier oil for skin.
- A generally gentle oil; dilute before topical use as usual.
- Not phototoxic. Keep out of reach of children.

## What the research says

- Manuka oil's β-triketones (leptospermone and relatives) have been studied for antimicrobial activity in the laboratory, sometimes compared with tea tree. These are in-vitro findings, not clinical proof of benefit. — Phytothérapie review (2010) (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10298-010-0598-x)

## Evidence

- High-grade manuka oil is distinguished by its β-triketone content (leptospermone), the constituents most associated with its studied antimicrobial activity. — Phytothérapie review (2010) (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10298-010-0598-x)

## Frequently asked questions

### Is manuka oil the same as manuka honey?

They come from the same plant but are different products. Manuka honey's activity is tied to methylglyoxal; the essential oil's activity is tied to its β-triketones. Don't assume claims about one apply to the other.

### How is manuka different from tea tree?

Both are Australasian Myrtaceae oils studied for antimicrobial activity, but they're chemically different — tea tree is terpinen-4-ol-driven, manuka is triketone/sesquiterpene-driven. Manuka is often described as gentler-smelling.

### Is manuka oil phototoxic?

No — manuka isn't phototoxic, so there's no sun-exposure restriction. Just dilute it for skin use as usual.

## Sources (GC-MS studies)

- Lee NH, Munkhtur E, Lee HS. Leptospermone acts as a predominantly non-competitive β-triketone inhibitor of tyrosinase. _Scientific reports_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13269748
- Bass NI, Parekh MY, Satyal P, Soni S, Jacob JA, Mack JP, Lobo DE. Manuka Essential Oil Triggers Apoptosis and Activation of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase in Fibroblasts and Fibrosarcoma Cells. _Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11547341
- Pedonese F, Longo E, Torracca B, Najar B, Fratini F, Nuvoloni R. Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of manuka essential oil against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus of food origin. _Italian journal of food safety_, 2022. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC8883831
- Muturi EJ, Selling GW, Doll KM, Hay WT, Ramirez JL. Leptospermum scoparium essential oil is a promising source of mosquito larvicide and its toxicity is enhanced by a biobased emulsifier. _PloS one_, 2020. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC7032722

_Educational reference only — not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease._