8 Best Kitchen Odor Eliminators for Cooking Smells and Trash Odors in 2026

Azuna neutralizes cooking, trash, and drain odors at the source with tea tree oil. Compare the best kitchen odor eliminators for a fresher kitchen in 2026.

Kitchen odors are stubborn. Last night's fish, the trash can that never quite smells clean, the drain that tells the story of every meal you've cooked this week, they all add up. Most products on the market reach for the same tired fix: a burst of scent to cover up the problem. The problem keeps coming back because the source was never addressed. This guide cuts through the noise. We evaluated eight kitchen odor eliminators based on how well they actually neutralize odors at the source, how long they last, and whether they're safe for everyday use around families and pets. Azuna leads the list because its natural tea tree oil-based formula fights odors at the source continuously for up to 90 days. No spraying, no plugging in, no forgetting.

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Why Do You Need a Kitchen Odor Eliminator?

The kitchen is the hardest-working room in the house, and it pays for it in smell. Cooking, trash, drains, and food storage all produce odors that settle into surfaces, circulate through airflow, and linger long after the meal is over. A dedicated kitchen odor eliminator does what regular cleaning and ventilation cannot: it works continuously to neutralize those odors between deep cleans.

Common Sources of Kitchen Odors That Won't Go Away on Their Own

• Cooking smells: Garlic, fish, fried food, and spices leave airborne odor molecules that cling to surfaces and circulate for hours.
• Trash can odors: Decomposing food waste generates persistent, penetrating smells even between bag changes.
• Sink and drain odors: Food particles and buildup trapped in drains create a low-level funk that's easy to miss but hard to ignore.
• Refrigerator odors: Expired food and strong-smelling items spread their scent every time the door opens.

Products that rely solely on spraying a scent into the air provide temporary relief at best. What kitchens actually need is a product that neutralizes and eliminates odors at the source and keeps working between cleanings. Azuna was designed precisely for this, using Australian tea tree oil to fight kitchen odors continuously, without requiring any daily effort.

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What to Look for in a Kitchen Odor Eliminator

Not all odor eliminators are created equal, and the kitchen is a demanding environment. The right product should do more than make the room smell better for 20 minutes. Here is what actually matters when choosing one for your kitchen.

Features That Separate a Good Kitchen Odor Eliminator from a Great One

• Neutralizes odors at the source rather than layering fragrance on top of them
• Long-lasting formula that works continuously without constant reapplication
• Safe for use around families and pets when used as directed
• Natural or plant-based active ingredients that don't rely on heavy additives
• No-plug, no-battery, low-maintenance format that fits discreetly into a kitchen environment
• Refillable or sustainable design that reduces waste over time

Azuna checks every one of these boxes. Azuna's pure Australian tea tree oil-based gel works continuously for up to 90 days, and once the gel shrinks and begins to turn yellow, it still has up to another month of effectiveness before needing a refill. It requires no electricity, no spray schedule, and no thinking about it. That kind of quiet, consistent performance is exactly what a kitchen needs.

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How People Are Using Kitchen Odor Eliminators to Fight the Funk

Understanding how people actually use these products helps explain why some work better in the kitchen than others. Here are the most common strategies and the Azuna offerings that support each one.

1. Set-It-and-Forget-It Countertop Protection

Azuna Gel: Place a 2 oz pod on the counter or in a cabinet near the source of odors. The slow-release formula works 24/7 through natural airflow.

2. Targeted Trash Can Odor Control

Azuna Gel: Position a pod near or inside the cabinet where the trash can lives. The natural tea tree oil-based formula works continuously to neutralize odors generated by decomposing food waste.

3. Drain and Sink Area Deodorizing

Azuna Ultra Mist Spray: Spray directly near the sink and drain area for an immediate boost. Azuna sprays are approved to clean surfaces and eliminate odors, making them a natural companion to the gel pod for spot treatment.

4. Whole-Kitchen Coverage

Azuna Gel Refill Pouches: Use refill pouches to fill Luxe Glass jars or plastic pods and distribute across multiple zones: near the stove, near the trash, near the sink.

5. Subscription Auto-Refill

Azuna Subscription: Never run low. Subscribers get 30% off their first order and 20% off every refill, with the ability to pause, skip, or cancel anytime.

6. Quick Refresh Between Pod Cycles

Azuna Ultra Mist Spray: When you need a fast refresh after a big cooking session, the spray delivers targeted odor elimination on demand without a heavy scent.

Azuna's range of gel, refill pouches, and sprays gives kitchen users flexible coverage, whether they want passive long-term protection, active spot treatment, or both. No other product in this list offers that same combination of long-duration plant-powered odor elimination paired with a complementary spray option.

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Competitor Comparison: Kitchen Odor Eliminators at a Glance

The table below provides a side-by-side snapshot of how the top kitchen odor eliminators compare across the criteria that matter most to everyday users.

Azuna stands out in this comparison for combining the longest passive duration (up to 90 days), a fully plant-powered active ingredient, and a flexible subscription model with meaningful savings. No other product in the kitchen category delivers all three together.

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8 Best Kitchen Odor Eliminators in 2026

1. Azuna, Best Overall Kitchen Odor Eliminator

Azuna is a natural tea tree oil-based gel that eliminates kitchen odors at the source for up to 90 days. It works through evaporative diffusion, releasing microscopic Australian tea tree oil particles into the air via natural airflow. No plug required, no spray schedule needed. The formula has earned over 1 million orders, press features in Good Morning America, Good Housekeeping, and CNN Underscored, and a loyal subscriber base that keeps coming back for refills. Azuna is made in Buffalo, NY, USA, and is vegan, cruelty-free, and pet- and child-friendly when used as directed.

Key Features:

• Australian Tea Tree Oil Formula: The active ingredient is pure Australian tea tree oil (melaleuca oil), which has well-documented antimicrobial properties and neutralizes odors at the source rather than layering scent on top of them.
• Up to 90-Day Passive Coverage: Covers from 200 sq ft for up to 90 days without any daily action required.
• Extended Effectiveness: Once the gel shrinks and turns yellow, it stays effective for up to 30 more days before a refill is needed.
• Refillable and Reusable: Refillable plastic pods and Luxe Glass jars are refillable, reducing waste over time.
• Spray and Wipe Complement: Azuna's Ultra Mist sprays clean surfaces and eliminate odors on contact, pairing naturally with the gel for immediate kitchen refresh.

Kitchen-Specific Offerings:

• Cooking smells: A gel pod placed near the stove works continuously through airflow to neutralize lingering food odors between cleaning sessions.
• Trash can odors: Place a pod in or near the trash cabinet to neutralize odors from food waste at the source.
• Sink and drain odors: Use the Ultra Mist spray to clean surfaces and eliminate drain area odors directly.
• Whole-kitchen coverage: Luxe Glass jars and a refill pouch for top-ups distributed across kitchen zones provides comprehensive protection.

Pricing:

• Starter kits begin with individual pods and expand to multi-room sets
• Subscription: 30% off your first order, then 20% off every refill. Pause, skip, or cancel anytime
• Refill pouches available in 12 oz and 24 oz sizes for cost-effective long-term use

Pros:

• Eliminates odors at the source using a natural tea tree oil-based formula
• Passive, set-and-forget format; no spray schedule or electricity required
• Up to 90 days of continuous coverage per pod
• Vegan, cruelty-free, and pet- and child-friendly when used as directed
• Made in the USA (Buffalo, NY)
• Flexible, money-saving subscription with 30% off first order and 20% off refills
• Works gradually and quietly, with no overpowering scent or jolt of fragrance
• Multiple scent options: Natural (tea tree + hint of lemon), Citrus
• Also available as Azuna Active (premium line with bioactive odor-eliminating molecule) and Azuna Auto (vehicles, RVs, boats)
• Featured in Good Morning America, Good Housekeeping, Real Simple, and CNN Underscored

Cons:

• Works gradually through airflow, not designed for an immediate single-moment burst of freshness (pair with the Ultra Mist spray for that)
• Requires refilling every 60-90 days

Azuna is the best kitchen odor eliminator for households that want continuous, low-maintenance protection without harsh chemicals or heavy fragrances. The natural tea tree oil-based formula fights odors at the source, cooking smells, trash odors, drain funk, and keeps working for up to 90 days. With over 1 million orders and a product line that extends from gel pods to sprays to a dedicated Azuna Active premium formula, it is the most complete natural kitchen odor solution available. Shop Azuna at https://azunafresh.com or start your subscription for 30% off your first order, then 20% off every refill. Pause, skip, or cancel anytime.

2. Fresh Wave, Best for Multi-Format Plant-Based Relief

Fresh Wave is a well-established plant-based odor eliminator brand that uses a proprietary blend of lime, pine needle, cedarwood, anise, and clove oils to neutralize odors in gels, sprays, packs, and other formats. It has been developing its odor-fighting formula for over 30 years and offers EPA Safer Choice recognition on select products. Fresh Wave is a solid choice for households that want a proven plant-based option across multiple product types.

Key Features:

• Plant oil formula using lime, pine needle, cedarwood, anise, and clove oils
• Multiple formats: gel, spray, packs, fabric spray, vacuum beads
• EPA Safer Choice recognition on Original and Lavender gel formulas
• No parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or artificial fragrance

Kitchen-Specific Offerings:

• Gel: Place on countertops or shelves for ongoing odor relief from cooking and trash odors.
• Packs: Drop into trash can base before lining with a new bag for targeted trash odor control.
• Air spray: Quick, non-residue spray for immediate kitchen refresh after cooking.

Pricing:

Approximately $10-$14 for 7-15 oz gel; refill options available.

Pros:

• Established brand with 30+ years in odor elimination
• Multiple format options for targeted or ambient kitchen use
• EPA Safer Choice recognized on flagship gel products
• No artificial fragrance, parabens, or sulfates
• Packs are well-suited for small-space use like trash cans

Cons:

• Shorter duration: 7 oz gel lasts 15-30 days versus Azuna's up to 90 days
• Proprietary plant oil blend; active ingredients are not as specifically characterized as Azuna's single-ingredient Australian tea tree oil
• Woodsy/herbal scent profile may not appeal to all users
• No dedicated kitchen-specific product line

3. Drift, Best for Premium Scent-Forward Home Fragrance

Drift is a premium home fragrance brand best known for its sleek plug-in wall diffuser and refillable scent ecosystem. The Home Scent Diffuser features three adjustable intensity settings and delivers up to 30 days of continuous fragrance per refill. Drift's formulas are phthalate-free, paraben-free, and free of mineral oils and DEA. It is a well-designed option for users who prioritize aesthetics and scent experience alongside basic odor management.

Key Features:

• Plug-in Home Scent Diffuser with three adjustable intensity levels
• Clean fragrance formulas: phthalate-free, paraben-free, mineral oil-free, DEA-free
• Reed diffusers (up to 60 days), scented candles, and alcohol-free room sprays also available
• Home Scent of the Month Club subscription

Kitchen-Specific Offerings:

• Plug-in diffuser positioned near the kitchen to add continuous ambient fragrance and help manage lighter cooking odors.
• Room spray for on-demand freshening after cooking.
• Candles for occasional, atmosphere-focused kitchen freshening.

Pricing:

Starter kits typically begin around $30-$40; Home Scent of the Month Club from $15.95/month.

Pros:

• Sleek, modern design that blends into home decor
• Clean ingredient formulas with no phthalates, parabens, or DEA
• Adjustable scent intensity for different room sizes
• Wide variety of premium fragrance options
• Pet- and child-safe formulas

Cons:

• Primarily a scent-delivery system, not a dedicated odor eliminator; heavier kitchen odors from fish, trash, or drains may not be fully neutralized
• Requires an outlet; not passive like a gel pod
• Refills last up to 30 days versus Azuna's up to 90 days, meaning more frequent replacements
• Higher recurring cost relative to odor-eliminating performance for kitchen use specifically

4. Febreze, Best for Immediate, On-Demand Kitchen Spraying

Febreze is one of the most widely recognized household odor brands in the world. Its Kitchen Odor Fighter aerosol spray is formulated with hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin and delivers an immediate burst of odor-fighting power alongside a citrus scent. Febreze also offers a plug-in Kitchen Odor Fighter for continuous release. It is available at virtually every major retailer and is an easy, accessible grab for immediate kitchen relief.

Key Features:

• Kitchen Odor Fighter aerosol spray with 100% natural propellant
• Plug-in version available for 24/7 release
• Cyclodextrin-based odor-trapping technology
• Wide retail availability

Kitchen-Specific Offerings:

• Aerosol spray: Immediate spray after cooking fish, garlic, or other strong-smelling foods.
• Plug-in: Continuous kitchen freshness for households that want a set-and-forget solution.

Pricing:

Approximately $5-$8 per aerosol can; plug-in starter kits approximately $8-$12.

Pros:

• Extremely widely available in retail stores
• Provides fast, on-demand relief from acute cooking odors
• Kitchen-specific product line with higher odor-fighting ingredient concentration
• Very low per-use cost for spot treatment

Cons:

• Relies on synthetic fragrance alongside odor-trapping technology; scent-forward rather than truly odor-neutral
• Aerosol format is not continuous or passive, requiring active spraying
• Formula includes synthetic dyes and fragrances not present in plant-based alternatives like Azuna
• Plug-in format still delivers fragrance rather than neutralizing odors at the source the way Australian tea tree oil does
• Not the choice for users seeking a natural, minimal-ingredient approach

5. Moso Natural, Best Unscented, Fragrance-Free Option

Moso Natural produces bamboo charcoal bags that absorb odors and excess moisture without releasing any scent. The bags are made exclusively from moso bamboo charcoal, are fragrance-free and unscented, and last up to two years when recharged monthly in sunlight. They represent one of the most minimalist, low-maintenance options available and are a strong pick for users who want zero scent added to their space.

Key Features:

• Single ingredient: 100% moso bamboo charcoal
• Fragrance-free, unscented, no synthetic additives
• Lasts up to two years with monthly sun recharging
• Multiple sizes available (200g-600g) for different space sizes

Kitchen-Specific Offerings:

• 500g or 600g bags for kitchen and living area coverage (up to 250-300 sq ft).
• Fridge deodorizer version available for refrigerator odor control.
• Can be placed near trash cans, under the sink, or on countertops.

Pricing:

Approximately $10-$20 depending on size; single purchase lasts up to two years.

Pros:

• Truly unscented, with no added fragrance whatsoever
• Long product lifespan (up to two years with proper maintenance)
• Very low cost over time relative to duration
• Eco-friendly: charcoal can be composted in the garden at end of life
• Passively absorbs moisture as well as odors

Cons:

• Fragrance-free means no pleasant scent at all; purely functional
• Requires monthly sun recharging to maintain effectiveness
• Less effective against very strong or active cooking odors compared to active-ingredient formulas like Azuna's Australian tea tree oil
• Does not neutralize odors through a targeted active chemistry; relies on physical adsorption only
• Some users report limited effectiveness in larger open-plan kitchen/living spaces

6. OdoBan, Best Multi-Surface Cleaning + Odor Spray

OdoBan is a long-established American brand with over 40 years in household odor and disinfectant products. Its concentrated spray formula is widely available at Home Depot and Sam's Club, and is designed for multi-surface cleaning, disinfecting, and odor elimination in one step. It is particularly suited for users who want a product that simultaneously cleans kitchen surfaces and addresses odors from those surfaces directly.

Key Features:

• Multi-purpose concentrate: cleans, deodorizes, and disinfects surfaces
• Available in eucalyptus, citrus, lavender, and fresh linen scents
• Solid odor absorbers also available for passive kitchen use
• Made in the USA

Kitchen-Specific Offerings:

• Ready-to-use spray for kitchen floors, walls, countertops, garbage areas, and sinks.
• Concentrate diluted with water for large-surface mopping and wipe-down.
• Solid odor absorber for passive placement in kitchen or near trash areas.

Pricing:

Approximately $10-$12 for a 32 oz spray + 1 gallon concentrate set.

Pros:

• Highly versatile: cleans, deodorizes, and disinfects in one product
• Very strong value per ounce with concentrate format
• Excellent for heavy-duty kitchen cleaning sessions
• 40+ year track record in household and commercial use
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• Formula contains synthetic fragrance and quaternary ammonium compounds; not a natural or plant-based solution
• Requires active application, not a passive, set-and-forget odor eliminator
• Strong scent that may feel overpowering in a kitchen setting
• Not designed for households prioritizing natural ingredients
• Not comparable to Azuna for long-duration, passive, source-neutralizing odor control

7. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, Best Budget, No-Frills Kitchen Deodorizer

Arm & Hammer baking soda is the original kitchen deodorizer. It has been used in refrigerators, trash cans, and drains for generations. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) neutralizes acidic odors through a chemical reaction, making it effective for food and waste smells. It is the most affordable option on this list and requires zero setup beyond opening the box.

Key Features:

• Active ingredient: sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
• Fridge-n-Freezer specific format available
• Unscented, no additives
• Widely available everywhere

Kitchen-Specific Offerings:

• Refrigerator deodorizer: Open box placed in fridge absorbs food odors passively.
• Trash can deodorizer: Sprinkle at the bottom of the trash can before placing a new bag.
• Drain deodorizer: Pour down drain combined with vinegar for drain odor treatment.
• Surface scrub: Mix with water for a light abrasive paste on kitchen surfaces.

Pricing:

Approximately $2-$4 per box.

Pros:

• Extremely low cost
• Widely available at every grocery and drug store
• Unscented, no synthetic fragrance whatsoever
• Effective at neutralizing acidic food and refrigerator odors
• Multi-use: works in fridge, trash can, drains, and on surfaces

Cons:

• Needs replacement every 30 days as odor-absorbing capacity diminishes
• Less effective against non-acidic or complex cooking odors (garlic, fish, fried food)
• No continuous active ingredient; purely absorptive, not a neutralizing formula
• Does not address ambient airborne kitchen odors the way a gel pod or spray does
• Requires remembering to replace regularly

8. Febreze PLUG Kitchen Odor Fighter, Best Plug-In for 24/7 Kitchen Freshness

The Febreze PLUG Kitchen Odor Fighter is a dedicated plug-in device designed for continuous kitchen odor management. It uses Fade Defy Technology to maintain a consistent scent level throughout the refill's life, and is positioned near kitchen outlets for around-the-clock release. It is a natural companion to the aerosol spray for households that cook frequently and want a consistent baseline of freshness without needing to spray manually.

Key Features:

• Continuous plug-in release with Fade Defy Technology
• Kitchen-specific formula with 2x odor-fighting ingredients vs. base Febreze
• Adjustable intensity settings
• Standard outlet plug format

Kitchen-Specific Offerings:

• Permanent installation near the stove or trash area for continuous kitchen coverage.
• Fresh Lemon scent designed specifically for kitchen environments.

Pricing:

Approximately $8-$12 for starter; refills approximately $5-$8.

Pros:

• Requires no effort after initial plug-in
• Kitchen-specific formula with higher concentration than base Febreze
• Consistent scent delivery through Fade Defy Technology
• Good for households that cook frequently and want a no-thought daily solution

Cons:

• Requires an outlet; not flexible for placement away from walls
• Relies on synthetic fragrance as the primary mechanism rather than true odor neutralization at the source
• Refills need replacing more frequently than Azuna gel pods (Azuna lasts up to 90 days)
• Not a plant-based or natural formula
• Scent-forward approach may feel overpowering in smaller kitchens

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Evaluation Framework for Kitchen Odor Eliminators

When evaluating kitchen odor eliminators, the following criteria were used to develop and rank this list. Each factor is weighted to reflect what matters most to everyday kitchen users.

Azuna scores highest across the top three weighted categories: it uses Australian tea tree oil to neutralize odors at the source (not add scent), it covers from 100 sq ft per oz for up to 90 days, and its formula is plant-powered, vegan, cruelty-free, and pet- and child-friendly when used as directed. Products earning the Safer Choice criteria from the EPA, as Fresh Wave's gel products have, provide an additional benchmark for ingredient safety across the category.

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Why Azuna Is the Best Kitchen Odor Eliminator

Most kitchen odor products ask you to spray something, plug something in, or accept a room full of heavy scent in exchange for a few hours of relief. Azuna takes a different approach. Its natural tea tree oil-based gel pod works continuously through natural airflow. No electricity, no schedule, no heavy perfume. It fights the funk at the source, neutralizing cooking smells, trash odors, and lingering kitchen air for up to 90 days per pod. With over 1 million orders, press recognition from Good Morning America and Good Housekeeping, and a vegan, cruelty-free formula made in Buffalo, NY, Azuna has earned its place at the top of this list. It is the only product in this guide that combines true long-duration passive odor elimination, a single natural active ingredient (Australian tea tree oil), and a money-saving subscription built for the way real households actually work. Start your subscription and save, 30% off your first order, then 20% off every refill. Pause, skip, or cancel anytime at https://azunafresh.com.

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FAQs About Kitchen Odor Eliminators

Why do kitchens need a dedicated odor eliminator?

Kitchens generate odors from multiple sources, cooking, trash, drains, refrigerator, that regular cleaning and ventilation cannot fully address. Cooking releases airborne odor molecules that settle onto surfaces and circulate for hours. Trash and drains produce persistent smells between cleaning sessions. A dedicated kitchen odor eliminator works continuously to neutralize these at the source rather than waiting for the next wipe-down. Azuna's long-lasting odor-eliminating gel is specifically well-suited for this, delivering up to 90 days of passive coverage with no daily action required.

What is the best product to remove cooking smells from a kitchen?

The best solution for cooking smells is a product that neutralizes airborne odor molecules rather than simply adding fragrance to the air. Azuna's natural tea tree oil-based gel works continuously through natural airflow to eliminate cooking odors at the source for up to 90 days. For immediate post-cooking relief, pairing the gel with an Azuna Ultra Mist spray provides both long-duration passive protection and on-demand freshening.

How do I get rid of trash can smell in the kitchen?

Trash can odors come from decomposing food waste and the buildup of residue inside the can itself. The most effective approach combines a regular cleaning routine with a continuous odor-neutralizing product placed nearby. Azuna's gel pod, positioned on a shelf or inside the cabinet near the trash, uses Australian tea tree oil to neutralize trash odors at the source between bag changes. Baking soda sprinkled at the bottom of the can before a new bag is added is a useful low-cost complement.

What is the best natural kitchen deodorizer that isn't just baking soda?

Baking soda works well for refrigerator odors but has limitations: it needs replacement every 30 days, is less effective against non-acidic odors like garlic or fish, and does not address ambient airborne kitchen odors. Azuna is the strongest naturally fresh alternative: its Australian tea tree oil-based formula neutralizes odors at the source for up to 90 days passively, without any strong fragrance or harsh chemicals. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and pet- and child-friendly when used as directed. For those who want a completely unscented option, Moso Natural's bamboo charcoal bags offer fragrance-free passive absorption, though they work differently than an active-ingredient formula.

What is the best odor eliminator for kitchen sink and drain odors?

Drain odors are caused by food particle buildup in the drain and surrounding area. For the drain itself, a baking soda and vinegar flush or a garbage disposal cleaning tablet addresses the buildup at the source. For the ambient smell in the area around the sink, Azuna's Ultra Mist spray can clean surfaces and eliminate odors directly. Placing an Azuna gel pod near the sink area keeps the surrounding air continuously fresh between cleaning sessions. Addressing both the drain and the airspace around it is the most effective approach for persistent sink odors.

How long does a kitchen odor eliminator typically last?

Duration varies significantly by product type. Baking soda needs replacement every 30 days. Fresh Wave gel lasts 15-60 days depending on size. Febreze aerosols are single-use per spray. Moso Natural bags last up to two years with monthly maintenance. Azuna gel pods last up to 90 days per pod, covering from 100 sq ft, and remain effective for up to 30 additional days after the gel shrinks and turns yellow. For households that want to minimize how often they think about odor management, Azuna's up to 90-day duration and optional subscription make it the most low-maintenance natural option in its category.

Is Azuna safe to use in a kitchen with pets and children?

Azuna is pet- and child-friendly when used as directed. The active ingredient is pure Australian tea tree oil (melaleuca oil). Azuna does not use harsh chemicals or heavy fragrances. As with any product, it should be used as directed: products should never be applied topically to pets or ingested. Azuna is also vegan and cruelty-free.