Melaleuca grows its sales from the ground up. Deriving its name from the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), the company is a leading manufacturer and direct seller of more than 350 personal care and household products, many of which are environmentally friendly. Its product lineup includes cosmetics, laundry care items, household cleaners, first-aid kits, and vitamins -- all of which are marketed through a global network of independent sales representatives and Melaleuca's website. In addition to consumer products, the company offers home security systems in the US and Canada. The company was founded in 1985 to market a tea tree oil formulation called Melaleuca Oil.