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Green Tea Extract in skincare
EGCG-rich antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and photoprotective synergy.
Ideal for both AM and PM. In AM, provides antioxidant protection against UV-induced free radicals and pollution (synergistic with Vitamin C and sunscreen). In PM, its anti-inflammatory effects reduce redness from daily environmental stress. Highly stable in most formulations. No photosensitivity.
What it is
Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) is one of the most potent botanical antioxidants used in cosmetics, with bioactivity driven primarily by its catechin polyphenols. Especially Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), which constitutes up to 50% of total catechins in green tea. Mechanisms: (1) Scavenges UV-induced reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative DNA damage; (2) Anti-inflammatory via NF-κB inhibition, reducing erythema and redness; (3) Inhibits MMP collagenases, protecting collagen; (4) Inhibits 5-alpha reductase mildly. Used in sebum-control and hair loss products; (5) Weak tyrosinase inhibition. Mild brightening effect. Clinically studied for photoprotection (synergistic with SPF), rosacea, and acne-associated inflammation. Well-tolerated at 0.1–5%; no known sensitization issues. Synergistic with niacinamide, Vitamin C, and ferulic acid in antioxidant serums.
The facts
| Category | Polyphenol Antioxidant (Camellia Sinensis) |
| Typical use | Morning and evening |
| Concentration YARAI treats as a full dose | 5% |
Why the amount matters, not just the presence
Most ingredient checkers tell you whether something is in the bottle. That is a smaller question than it sounds. Green Tea Extract at 5% and green tea extract at a trace level are not the same ingredient in any way that affects your skin.
An ingredient list is ordered by quantity, so position carries real information. YARAI reads that position and scores accordingly, which is why the same ingredient can land differently in two different products.
The honest limit: a list gives order, not percentages. Estimating concentration from position is an estimate. It is a better estimate than ignoring position, and it is still an estimate. We would rather tell you that than let a number look more certain than it is.
Common questions
What does green tea extract do in a skincare product?
EGCG-rich antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and photoprotective synergy.
How much green tea extract should a product contain?
YARAI treats 5% as a full dose for this ingredient. Below that, the ingredient is present but is scored as contributing less. An ingredient list gives you the order of ingredients, not their percentages, so this is an estimate read from position rather than a measurement.
When should I use green tea extract?
Ideal for both AM and PM. In AM, provides antioxidant protection against UV-induced free radicals and pollution (synergistic with Vitamin C and sunscreen). In PM, its anti-inflammatory effects reduce redness from daily environmental stress. Highly stable in most formulations. No photosensitivity.
Check your own products
Point your camera at a product. YARAI identifies it from the label, finds that product's full ingredient list from published sources, and scores it. No barcode and no box needed, which is how it handles imported and small-brand products.
Concern level, category and thresholds on this page are read directly from the same data the YARAI app scores with, so this page and the app cannot disagree. EU figures cite Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. Last built 2026-09-09. Nothing here is medical advice.