Antioxidants· in 5 products

Green tea

Also listed as Camellia sinensis leaf extract, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), Green tea polyphenols and Camellia sinensis leaf water

Emerging evidence

Green tea extract supplies catechins, especially EGCG, which are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in laboratory studies. It is a common soothing and antioxidant ingredient in serums, toners and sunscreens.

Shop 5 with green tea All ingredients

5GtGreen teaAntioxidants

What it does

The short version.

Green tea polyphenols scavenge free radicals and calm inflammatory signaling triggered by UV exposure, and in lab and animal work they reduce UV-induced damage markers. Some small human studies of topical green tea also suggest a reduction in sebum, which is why it appears in products for oily skin. Concentration and stability vary widely between products, and many contain only small amounts.

Emerging evidence

Most support comes from cell, animal and short human studies; well-controlled clinical trials of cosmetic green tea products are limited and use varying extracts and doses.

In our directory: It’s a key ingredient in 5 products we review, most often sunscreen and eye & lip. Those products are mostly built for smoothing, hydrating and uv protection. In formulas, it most often shares the label with caffeine, glycerin and chemical uv filters.

Reach for it for

Antioxidant Soothing Redness Oil control

Usually a good fit for

Oily skin Combination skin Sensitive skin Acne-prone skin All skin types

How to use it

Getting it right.

Use as part of a morning serum or toner under sunscreen, or in any step of a routine; it layers easily.

Layering

Friends & frenemies.

Pairs well with

Niacinamide Vitamin C Hyaluronic acid Centella asiatica Chemical UV filters Zinc oxide

Before you start

Generally well tolerated; rare allergic reactions occur. Products described as tea-based may also contain fragrance or alcohol, which can irritate sensitive skin.

References

Educational, not medical advice. Ingredient guides summarise published research and expert guidance; formulas and concentrations differ between products.