kanuka oil

Kanuka oil is a botanical extract derived from the leaves of the *Kunzea ericoides* tree, which is native to New Zealand. It is a complex mixture of terpenes, including high concentrations of alpha-pinene, viridiflorol, and leptospermone, which contribute to its antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. In clinical development, specifically by Nexgen Dermatologics, a 3% topical formulation of kanuka oil is being investigated as a treatment for mild atopic dermatitis. It is positioned as a natural, over-the-counter alternative to topical corticosteroids like hydrocortisone, aiming to alleviate pruritus and skin inflammation while potentially modulating the skin microbiome to reduce colonization by pathogens such as *Staphylococcus aureus*.

Other names

Kunzea ericoides oilKanuka essential oil