What is green tea?
It comes from the Camellia sinensisplant, the same one that produces black and white tea. The difference lies in the process: green tea leaves are steamed or quickly roasted right after harvesting, without allowing oxidation. This step preserves the green color, fresh aroma, and, above all, the active compounds that make it interesting in cosmetics.
It is mainly cultivated in China, Japan, Korea, and India. In cosmetics, the aqueous or hydroglyceric extract of the leaves, rich in polyphenols, or matcha powder, which are very finely ground leaves, are used. For cosmetic use, the standardized extract with a high concentration of EGCG, the most active and studied polyphenol in green tea, is preferred.
How it works
Its star component is epigallocatechin gallate, known as EGCG, a catechin that blocks enzymes responsible for collagen degradation, reduces inflammatory response, and neutralizes free radicals with much greater efficacy than other common plant antioxidants. Comparative studies place it significantly above vitamins C and E in antioxidant capacity, although the magnitude depends on the measurement method and context.
It penetrates the skin well and acts synergistically with other antioxidant active ingredients, making it an ingredient that works well alone or in combination.
Properties and benefits
- Potent antioxidant: neutralizes free radicals from the sun, pollution, and oxidative stress, preventing accumulated cellular damage and premature aging.
- Anti-inflammatory: soothes redness, irritation, and reactive skin, especially useful for skin prone to acne or mild rosacea.
- Sebum regulator: reduces excessive shine and helps control acne without drying out the skin.
- Mild antibacterial: acts against bacteria that cause blemishes.
- Skin barrier booster: improves elasticity and protects the skin without a greasy feeling.
- Natural brightener: contributes to a more even and luminous tone with continued use.
Usage and integration into your routine
It mainly appears in antioxidant serums, creams, and toners, and in facial cleansers where it provides soothing and antibacterial action. Compatible with practically all active ingredients: vitamin C, niacinamide, astaxanthin. Especially useful in routines for combination, oily, or blemish-prone skin.
Curiosities and facts
The story of Shen Nong
According to Chinese tradition, tea was discovered by accident in 2737 BC by Emperor Shen Nong, known as the Divine Farmer and considered the father of Chinese medicine. One day, while boiling water under a tree, some leaves fell into the pot. Intrigued by the aroma, Shen Nong tasted the infusion and felt a refreshing and revitalizing effect. Shen Nong is also credited with inventing the agricultural calendar, the axe, and the plow. A legend that says a lot about how China has always understood knowledge: observe, test, document.
Matcha is the same tea, more concentrated
In Japan, matcha is produced by stone-grinding green tea leaves into a very fine powder. When consumed or applied, the entire leaf is ingested or absorbed, not just the infusion, which concentrates all the active compounds. In cosmetics, matcha powder offers a higher concentration of EGCG and chlorophyll than standard aqueous extract.
Biodegradable and with low impact
Green tea cultivation in many eco-plantations is done without pesticides and with low-impact techniques. The Camellia sinensisplant can live for decades and produces leaves continuously. Few cosmetic ingredients have such a clean footprint from their origin.
This is how it appears in the INCI: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Green Tea Extract
Other active ingredients that might interest you
Astaxanthin: the most potent antioxidant known, a very effective anti-aging complement to green tea.
Vitamin C: antioxidant and radiance, a very effective combination for protection and even tone.
Niacinamide: balance, sebum, and barrier, ideal in the same routine as green tea.
Aloe Vera: complementary soothing, same philosophy of respect for reactive skin.
