Ingredient decoded

Green tea

A tea-derived skincare ingredient studied for its polyphenols and antioxidant properties. Leaf extract, leaf water and purified EGCG are different preparations, so the exact label matters.

Botanical ingredient

Black line drawing of Camellia sinensis tea leaf sprig — Green tea · source plant illustration
Reference

First things first: what is it?

Green tea comes from Camellia sinensis. Skincare may use its leaf extract, leaf water or individual compounds.

What does it do?

Antioxidant research

Researchers have explored tea polyphenols for skin ageing and other topical uses.

Science or just a good story?

A scoping review combines laboratory work, reviews and controlled trials. Further formulation and human-skin research is still needed.

Spot it on the label

Check whether the label lists leaf extract or leaf water.
EGCG is a tea compound, not another name for the whole extract.

So, is it a useful ingredient?

A researched botanical, but not a replacement for sunscreen or a guarantee that a tea serum works.

Green tea

First things first: what is it?

What does it do?

Antioxidant research

Science or just a good story?

Spot it on the label

So, is it a useful ingredient?

Common product types

serum

cleanser

sunscreen

Related product profiles

Calming Barrier Serum

Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser

Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++

Sources