Mānuka oil is an essential oil obtained from the New Zealand native plant Leptospermum scoparium. The oil is stored in tiny sacs within the plant’s small, pointed leaves.

Our Mānuka oil is produced through steam distillation, a process that gently extracts the oil from the plant material and yields a clear, non-viscous essential oil. Mānuka oil is widely recognised for its powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties.

It contains high levels of triketones and terpene compounds, which are responsible for both its distinctive, pleasant aroma and its strong antimicrobial activity.

Tea Tree Oil vs Mānuka Oil

Tea tree oil is derived from the Australian tea tree, native to southeast Queensland and the northeast coast of New South Wales. Although tea tree and Mānuka oils are often compared, they come from different plants with very different chemical profiles.

Research undertaken by Callaghan Innovation found that Mānuka oil demonstrated significantly stronger antimicrobial activity than tea tree oil, highlighting the unique potency of the Mānuka plant.

Antibiotics vs Mānuka Oil

The World Health Organization has identified antibiotic resistance as a major global health challenge in the coming decades. While antibiotics have been essential in treating bacterial infections, many bacteria have evolved resistance due to repeated exposure to a narrow range of active compounds.

Mānuka oil differs from conventional antibiotics in that it contains dozens of naturally occurring bioactive compounds. These compounds can act on bacteria in multiple ways, making it more difficult for bacteria to adapt or develop resistance.

What Is Mānuka Oil Used For?

Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, Mānuka oil is commonly used in skincare to help manage bacteria associated with common skin concerns.

• Psoriasis: associated with plaques, scales and pustules.
• Eczema: characterised by itching, inflammation and disruption of the skin barrier.
• Acne: often linked to bacterial imbalance and excess oil production.
• School sores: bacterial skin infections that commonly affect children.

These conditions can significantly impact quality of life and are often associated with stress and social discomfort. Supporting the skin’s natural defence system is an important part of managing them.

Mānuka oil is a powerful natural antibacterial and antifungal agent. Its effectiveness comes from the unique chemistry of the Mānuka plant, developed over millions of years in Aotearoa’s isolated environment.