Ingredients Antioxidant EGCG (Green Tea)
57Eg
Tier · Strong evidence
Antioxidant · Anti-inflammatory · Sun protection

EGCG (Green Tea)

INCI: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract · Also called: Epigallocatechin Gallate, Green Tea Extract, EGCG

A polyphenol from green tea that calms UV-triggered redness and reinforces your sunscreen as a second line of antioxidant defense.

For your skin

A polyphenol from green tea that calms UV-triggered redness and reinforces your sunscreen as a second line of antioxidant defense.

Want the science? Keep reading ↓

Mechanism of action

Catechin polyphenol that quenches UV-induced reactive oxygen species and blocks UVB-driven leukocyte infiltration and inflammatory cytokine release in keratinocytes.

Why we tier this strong

7 cited papers across 3 countries. Multiple positive efficacy results plus regulatory backing. Clears our published bar (Strong = 15+ studies with multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or a single large longitudinal cohort).

3
Korea
2
International
2
United States

Cited research

🌐

Detudom P, Kamanamool N, Paichitrojjana A, Udompataikul P, Udompataikul M, Efficacy of anti-sebum moisturizing cream containing 2% l-carnitine and 5% epigallocatechin gallate in seborrhea, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2023;22(11):3058-3064 — Thai RCT showed EGCG-containing cream significantly reduced sebum and improved hydration in seborrhea

2023Positive — efficacyPMID:37194909View source ↗
🌐

Ud-Din S et al., A Double-Blind, Randomized Trial Shows the Role of Zonal Priming and Direct Topical Application of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in the Modulation of Cutaneous Scarring in Human Skin, Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2019;139(8):1680-1690 — topical EGCG reduced scar thickness weeks 1-3 and increased elasticity at week 4 vs placebo

2019Positive — efficacyPMID:30822414View source ↗
🇰🇷

Shin S et al., Epigallocatechin Gallate-Mediated Alteration of the MicroRNA Expression Profile in DHT-Treated Human Dermal Papilla Cells, Annals of Dermatology 2016;28(3):327-34 — EGCG altered miRNA expression to protect dermal papilla cells from DHT-induced death, oxidative stress, and senescence (hair-loss mechanism)

2016Mechanism onlyPMID:27274631View source ↗
🇰🇷

Kim YR et al., Clinical Evaluation of a New-Formula Shampoo for Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis Containing Rosa centifolia + EGCG: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Study, Annals of Dermatology 2014;26(6):733-8 — EGCG-containing shampoo matched ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione efficacy; faster erythema response than 1% zinc pyrithione

2014Positive — efficacyPMID:25473226View source ↗
🇰🇷

Jeon J et al., The Antimicrobial Activity of (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate and Green Tea Extracts against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli Isolated from Skin Wounds, Annals of Dermatology 2014;26(5):564-9 — EGCG and green tea extract inhibited drug-resistant bacteria from skin wounds, supporting topical antimicrobial adjunct use

2014Mechanism onlyPMID:25324647View source ↗
🇺🇸

Katiyar SK, Skin photoprotection by green tea: antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, Current Drug Targets Immune Endocrine Metabolic Disorders 2003;3(3):234-42

2003Mechanism onlyPMID:12871030View source ↗
🇺🇸

Katiyar SK, Matsui MS, Elmets CA, Mukhtar H, Polyphenolic antioxidant (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate from green tea reduces UVB-induced inflammatory responses and infiltration of leukocytes in human skin, Photochemistry and Photobiology 1999;69(2):148-53

1999Positive — efficacyPMID:10048310View source ↗

Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.