KR EN
AMOREPACIFIC STORIES AMORE MALL Search

Have you ever experienced your skin looking dull after exposure to UV rays and airborne particles, a sense of reduced firmness along with fine lines, or your skin feeling less balanced under environmental stress? If you have these concerns, "antioxidant care,""photoaging protection," and "texture refinement" naturally come to mind. The plant-based ingredient that encompasses all three is Green Tea. Green tea leaf (Camellia sinensis Leaf) is rich in catechins, particularly EGCG, along with polyphenols and amino acids, making it a heritage ingredient with a long history of accumulated research as a cosmetic raw ingredient. [1][3]

Green tea is also a familiar material as a beverage and food, but how it works in cosmetics may differ from its applications in medical and food research. For those concerned about skin that wavers under environmental stress, those troubled by photoaging and dullness, or those who wish to choose cosmetics based on ingredients, we introduce green tea leaf extract from the perspective of a cosmetic ingredient.

Green Tea at a Glance

CategoryKey SummaryCheck Point
Ingredient Name
Green Tea (Camellia sinensis Leaf Extract)
Labeled as Camellia sinensis Leaf, Green Tea Extract, Camellia sinensis Leaf Water, and similar [5]
Ingredient Classification
Plant-derived extract / polyphenol (catechin) class
Derived from the leaves of a plant in the tea family (Theaceae); classified by antioxidant and skin-conditioning functions [4][5]
Source
Extracted from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis)
Unfermented leaves are purified by solvent/water extraction or enzyme treatment to stabilize catechins and polyphenols [1][5]
Expected Skin Benefits
Antioxidant support against environmental stress, condition refinement after environmental stress, smooth texture, a sense of surface hydration, radiance support
Gradual perception through consistent use rather than immediate change
Functions in Research
Free radical scavenging, support for skin protection after UV exposure, collagenase inhibition, regulation of melanin production signaling [1][2][3]
Based on studies; cosmetic results vary by individual
Suitable Skin Types
Skin sensitive to environmental stress, skin concerned with dullness, skin that feels rough in texture, skin concerned with photoaging
Consultation with a specialist is recommended if you have a specific skin condition
Precautions
Due to the nature of plant extracts, irritation or sensitivity reactions may rarely be reported [4]
Check the full ingredient list; a patch test is recommended for first use

What is Green Tea?

Green Tea is made from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) processed without oxidation or fermentation, and it is mainly labeled as Camellia sinensis Leaf Extract on cosmetic ingredient lists. Unfermented leaves preserve catechin-class polyphenols, including EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), which has the highest content, as well as catechins such as ECG, EGC, and EC, and various active components such as caffeine, theanine, tannins, vitamins, and minerals. [1][3][5] In cosmetics, it is used in a form where the active components are stabilized by extracting the leaves with water, ethanol, or similar solvents, or through a fermentation process.

Green tea has been used as a beverage and for traditional uses in East Asia for thousands of years, and tea culture has long continued on the Korean peninsula as well. In the field of cosmetics, a full-fledged category opened when Amorepacific launched the world's first green tea cosmetic, "Miro (美露)," using green tea flavonoids in 1989 [9], and afterward, as academic research on the antioxidant and photoprotective benefits of EGCG and catechins accumulated, green tea established itself as a representative plant ingredient for anti-aging and environmental stress care. [1][2] Since the 2000s, as catechin's collagenase inhibition, alleviation of UV-induced damage, and pigment-regulating signaling pathways have been reported one after another, green tea leaf extract has been used as a key plant-based active in functional cosmetics. [1][2][6][7]

Differences Between Green Tea and Similar Ingredients

Cosmetic ingredients derived from green tea leaves are divided into several forms depending on the extraction part and processing method, and they are often confused with catechin as a standalone ingredient. Understanding the differences of each ingredient is helpful when examining a product's ingredient list.

Ingredient NameFull NameCharacteristicsKey Active Compounds
Green Tea Leaf Extract
Camellia sinensis Leaf Extract
A comprehensive raw ingredient extracted from unfermented leaves, containing catechins, polyphenols, and amino acids together [1][5]
EGCG, ECG, EGC, EC, caffeine, theanine [1][3]
Catechins (standalone ingredient)
Catechins / EGCG
A single polyphenol-class active isolated and purified from green tea, on which antioxidant and photoprotection mechanism research is concentrated [2][3]
Purified catechins such as EGCG, ECG, EGC
Fermented Green Tea Extract
Camellia sinensis Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate
A form in which low-molecular-weight active compounds are enhanced by fermenting the leaves with microorganisms [5]
Fermented polyphenols, organic acids, amino acids
Green Tea Seed Oil
Camellia sinensis Seed Oil
An oil pressed from tea plant seeds; a fatty-acid-centered moisturizing support material [8]
Oleic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin E

Green tea leaf extract is differentiated from catechin as a standalone ingredient or from seed oil in that it is a comprehensive raw ingredient containing not only EGCG but also other catechins, caffeine, amino acids, and minerals. [1][5]

Benefits of Green Tea

When discussing Green Tea in cosmetics, the key point is "environmental stress care and stabilization of skin condition through plant polyphenols." Based on the research accumulated in the medical and health fields, the benefits you can expect from cosmetics are summarized as follows.

1. Antioxidant and Environmental Stress Care

External stressors such as UV rays, fine dust, and exhaust fumes can increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can destabilize skin condition. In experimental studies, green tea catechins, especially EGCG, are reported to directly scavenge free radicals and increase the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase. [1][2] There are also results showing that green tea polyphenols slow the oxidation of vitamins C and E and support their activity, so in cosmetics they are used to help refine the condition of skin frequently exposed to environmental stress. [1] However, the perceived effect through cosmetics is gradual and may vary depending on individual skin condition and environment.

2. Support for Alleviating Photoaging and Texture Refinement

When UV exposure accumulates, fine lines, dullness, and rough texture tend to become noticeable together. EGCG is reported to inhibit the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways that are activated upon UV exposure, and to reduce the breakdown of collagen and hyaluronic acid by lowering the activity of collagenases (MMPs) and hyaluronidase. [1][2][3] In a clinical study that applied 4% green tea extract, the indicator of UVB-induced oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG) decreased [1], and in a clinical study using green tea catechins, a trend of improvement in skin elasticity, moisture, and roughness indicators was reported after 12 weeks of use. [3] When using cosmetics, it works primarily at the surface and stratum corneum, so it is appropriate to approach it as one element of environmental stress care rather than expecting results equivalent to a medical procedure.

3. Support for Skin Tone Refinement

When UV exposure is repeated, pigment can be deposited unevenly, making skin look dull. Green tea catechins, especially EGCG, are reported to directly inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin production, and to reduce melanin synthesis by lowering the expression of the cAMP/CREB and MITF signaling pathways. [2][6] In melanocyte experiments using tea extract, a trend of decreased melanin production and secretion was confirmed, so it is being studied as a plant ingredient that supports skin tone refinement. [6] In the cosmetics field, it is realistic to approach it from the perspective of cumulative skin tone refinement support rather than the complete removal of deep pigmentation.

4. Surface Hydration and Barrier Condition Support

When exposed to a dry and rough environment, skin easily feels tight, and its texture becomes disrupted. Research has reported that green tea polyphenols and amino acids (such as theanine) work in harmony with the natural moisturizing factor (NMF) to contribute to surface moisture retention [3], and in a clinical study using 6% *Camellia sinensis* glycol extract, immediate and long-term increases in skin moisture content and improvement in microstructure were observed. [1] In addition, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of catechins can help refine surface conditions disturbed by environmental stress. [3] However, since the action in cosmetics is centered on the surface and stratum corneum, deep dermal changes or medical recovery are difficult to expect.

5. Combination with Other Ingredients

Green tea leaf extract can offer synergistic effects when used together with various active ingredients. When used with vitamins C and E, you can achieve multilayered antioxidant protection [1], and when combined with hyaluronic acid, you can strengthen the sense of surface hydration. When used with niacinamide, it pairs well for skin texture and tone refinement support, and when combined with peptides and ceramides, it can help stabilize condition after environmental stress. When used together with retinol, the antioxidant action of catechins can help alleviate irritation, but if too many active ingredients of the same category overlap, this can lead to irritation depending on skin condition, so checking the full ingredient list is helpful.

Amorepacific's Perspective on Green Tea

Skin changes every day amid different environments and conditions. Rather than presenting a particular ingredient as the "right answer," Amorepacific has explored ways to flexibly select and use ingredients according to each individual's skin condition and goals. Green tea is a heritage raw ingredient that Amorepacific has researched over several decades since it began cultivating tea fields in Jeju in 1979, and efforts continue to translate the skin benefits of the tea plant into cosmetics while carrying on Korean tea culture. [8][9]

Scientific Understanding of Green Tea Mechanism of Action

Amorepacific researchers focus on the mechanism of action of green tea leaf extract to explore its potential in cosmetics. The main pathways of action of green tea mentioned in the research literature can be summarized as follows.

Catechin (EGCG)-based antioxidant and photoprotection pathway

Green tea catechins, including EGCG, directly scavenge free radicals and increase the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH-Px, catalase), contributing to refining skin condition disturbed by oxidative stress. [1][2] A mechanism of inhibiting the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways activated upon UV exposure to lower the expression of collagen-degrading enzymes such as MMPs has also been reported, making it a pathway that draws attention in terms of photoaging support. [2]

Pigment-regulating signaling pathway

EGCG and some catechins are reported to directly inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin production, and to reduce melanin synthesis by lowering the expression of cAMP/CREB, MITF, TYRP-1, and TYRP-2 signaling. [2][6] Unlike conventional single-enzyme inhibition approaches, this is a pathway that is meaningfully addressed in cosmetic research in that it approaches pigment regulation in a multilayered way at the signal transduction stage.

Amorepacific's Green Tea Research

Since introducing the world's first green tea cosmetic, "Miro (美露)," using green tea flavonoids in 1989, Amorepacific has expanded green tea from a simple antioxidant raw ingredient into a material for skin hydration, barrier, anti-inflammation, anti-aging, regeneration, and skin homeostasis regulation. [12][13]

Starting with cultivar innovation research, Amorepacific, together with the OSULLOC farm, crossbred approximately 8,500 varieties of tea plants and, through approximately 228,000 experiments, selected cultivars with excellent catechin, theanine, and amino acid content. Through this, it secured its own superior cultivars such as Jangwon No. 2 (amino-acid-enhanced) and Jangwon No. 3 (catechin-enhanced), developing green tea into a functional plant asset centered on skin benefits. [12][13]

Subsequent research expanded beyond green tea leaves to all parts of the tea plant, including flowers, seeds, and roots. Noting that the content of active components varies depending on the harvest time and the part collected, it also advanced extraction and processing technologies to increase the content of key components such as catechins and amino acids. This research became the foundation for utilizing green-tea-derived ingredients as materials for skin antioxidant, moisturizing, and barrier-strengthening purposes. [12][13]

Representatively, Beauty Green Tea™ is a skincare-dedicated green tea raw ingredient that underwent cultivar selection and extraction optimization with a focus on skin moisturizing benefits, rather than ordinary green tea for food and beverage. Through this, green tea research expanded from an antioxidant focus to research on skincare materials that support skin moisture homeostasis and barrier improvement. [13][14]

Amorepacific expanded green tea research into the fields of fermentation and microbiome. It has conducted Green Tea Probiotics research using lactic acid bacteria derived from Jeju green tea, and recently announced research findings that exosomes derived from green tea lactic acid bacteria show skin anti-inflammatory effects. This shows that green tea research is expanding beyond a focus on plant extracts into a bio-skincare platform based on fermentation, microbiome, and extracellular vesicles. [15]

In addition, green tea lactic acid bacteria research is expanding into Green Tea PDRN™. Green Tea PDRN™ is a plant-derived PDRN ingredient extracted from patented lactic acid bacteria obtained from Jeju green tea, and it is designed to have a low-molecular-weight structure about 1/10 the size of conventional salmon-derived PDRN. In that it is a vegan ingredient derived from green tea lactic acid bacteria rather than an animal-based raw ingredient, it is meaningful not only for improving skin condition but also as a sustainable, high-efficacy skincare material. [16]

Another key axis of green tea research is Senomune™. Senomune™ is a triterpenoid saponin-class ingredient derived from green tea roots, and Amorepacific, after screening more than 100 of its own and other companies' ingredients, confirmed that tea plant root extract can have senolytic and senomorphic benefits. In other words, Senomune™ can be interpreted as an ingredient that approaches cell-senescence-based skin aging by removing senescent cells or by regulating the harmful signals (SASP) secreted by senescent cells. [17]

Based on this, Amorepacific developed Senomune™ technology that targets aging-related factors, and through NBRI (New Beauty Research Initiative), a joint research program with Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, it is verifying the potential to alleviate immune cell damage and inflammatory responses caused by fine dust (PM), expanding Senomune™ into a technology for skin immune balance and environmental stress response. [17][18][19]

Based on this Senomune™ research, IOPE utilizes Senomune™ as its own proprietary anti-aging ingredient that targets aging factors. This shows that green tea research is expanding beyond simple raw ingredient development into a brand technology asset that connects cell senescence, skin immunity, and environmental stress response. [20]

Amorepacific's green tea research is developing into an integrated bio platform connecting cultivar breeding, ingredient optimization, extraction technology, fermentation, the microbiome, exosomes, Green Tea PDRN™, Senomune™, and skin efficacy verification. Green tea is now establishing itself not merely as a heritage raw ingredient but as a skin-longevity-based skincare research axis encompassing skin hydration, barrier, anti-inflammation, regeneration, cell-senescence regulation, and immune balance. [12][16][17]

Realistic Application in Cosmetics

When applying this scientific background to cosmetics, several practical considerations are necessary.

Related research has been conducted in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, health functional foods, and high-concentration topical clinical studies, while in cosmetics it works primarily at the skin's surface and the stratum corneum. [1][3] In addition, since catechins are hydrophilic polyphenols sensitive to light and oxygen, their stability and skin delivery efficiency are greatly influenced by formulation design [1], so it is advisable to approach green tea not as an "all-purpose solution" but as "one part of a skincare routine," while also considering directions suited to your purpose such as antioxidant, photoaging support, and tone refinement. Amorepacific conducts integrated research from raw ingredient quality control at the Dolsongi, Seogwang, and Hannam Tea Fields in Jeju through to the extraction process and formulation stability. [8][10]

Amorepacific's Research Direction

Amorepacific is researching the potential of green tea from multiple angles. While raising its value as a cosmetic raw ingredient through the preservation and breeding of native cultivars, Amorepacific comprehensively examines the stabilization and delivery technology of catechins and formulation stability. Building on a deep understanding of skin biology, Amorepacific approaches this from the perspective of sustainable beauty that considers the ethical sourcing of raw ingredients, environmental impact, and long-term skin health.

Products utilizing green-tea-related technology can be found in Amorepacific brands, including INNISFREE, AP BEAUTY, and IOPE. You can learn more about Amorepacific's research and development philosophy and technology trends at the link below.

INNISFREE Green Tea for Skin: What It Is, Benefits, and How It Works benefits INNISFREE Green Tea for Skin: What It Is, Benefits, and How It Works benefits
AP BEAUTY Green Tea for Skin: What It Is, Benefits, and How It Works benefits AP BEAUTY Green Tea for Skin: What It Is, Benefits, and How It Works benefits
IOPE Green Tea for Skin: What It Is, Benefits, and How It Works benefits IOPE Green Tea for Skin: What It Is, Benefits, and How It Works benefits
Explore Amorepacific Research & Innovation

Green Tea Fact Check

We examine information about Green Tea that is frequently misunderstood or exaggerated to gain a more balanced understanding of its characteristics as a cosmetic ingredient.

QuestionFact Check
Does Green Tea guarantee skin regeneration?
Although research on the antioxidant and photoprotective properties of catechins has accumulated, it is difficult to "guarantee" regeneration with a single cosmetic step. The perceived effect is gradual and varies by individual. [1][2]
Can using Green Tea cosmetics produce the effects of a procedure?
Green tea leaf extract works at the skin's surface and stratum corneum, and it differs from medical procedures in depth of action and mechanism. It is difficult to expect results equivalent to a procedure from cosmetics. [1][3]
Is Green Tea suitable for all skin types?
The CIR Expert Panel assessed that leaf-derived green tea ingredients can be used safely at current usage practices and concentrations, and it tends to be used for sensitive skin as well. [4][5]
Do I see immediate effects when I apply Green Tea?
In clinical studies, hydration was measured relatively quickly, but changes in texture, elasticity, and tone are reported with consistent use over several weeks to several months. [1][3]
Is a higher concentration of Green Tea always better?
Since catechins are sensitive to light and oxygen, not only concentration but also stabilization technology and formulation delivery determine the perceived effect. Concentration is not the absolute standard. [1]
Is Green Tea extracted from only one source?
The tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is native to East Asia, and in cosmetics it is used in various forms such as leaf extract, ferment, and flower-, seed-, and root-derived forms. [5][8]

How to Experience Green Tea Benefits

  • Realistic Changes to Expect

With the use of cosmetics containing green tea leaf extract, you can expect gradual stabilization of conditions disturbed after environmental stress, a fresh sense of surface hydration, a smoothly refined texture, a gradual reduction in the impression of dullness, and overall refinement of skin condition. These changes appear gradually and cumulatively rather than dramatically, and consistent use is important.

  • Changes That Are Difficult to Expect

It is difficult to expect the complete removal of deep pigmentation, fundamental firmness recovery down to the dermal layer, or photoaging improvement equivalent to a medical procedure from cosmetics alone. If pigment-related concerns are deep, consulting a specialist is recommended, and if you need more active antioxidant and photoaging care, you can consider combining complementary ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol.

Safety of Green Tea

Green tea leaf extract is generally used safely as a cosmetic ingredient. However, as with all cosmetic ingredients, individual reactions may vary, so please refer to the following.

General Safety

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (CIR Expert Panel) reviewed cosmetic ingredients derived from the tea plant and assessed leaf-derived ingredients (including Camellia sinensis Leaf Extract) as safe when used at current usage practices and concentrations in non-sensitizing formulations. [4] Given that the systemic exposure from green tea consumed as a food is far greater than that from cosmetic use, concerns about the systemic toxicity of leaf-derived ingredients are also reported to be alleviated. [4] In the European cosmetic ingredient database (COSMILE Europe) as well, Camellia sinensis Leaf Extract is listed with functions such as antioxidant, skin conditioning, and protection, and is presented as a raw ingredient evaluated under EU regulations. [5]

When Caution is Needed

Due to the nature of plant extracts, irritation or sensitivity reactions may rarely be reported, and the CIR Panel advised caution regarding cumulative exposure with other plant-based raw ingredients so that formulations meet non-sensitizing conditions. [4] Green tea leaf extract itself is generally classified as a stable ingredient, but co-formulated fragrances, preservatives, alcohol, and similar ingredients can be variables in irritation, so for first use it is helpful to apply a small amount to a small area and observe the reaction for about 24 hours. Consultation with a specialist is recommended if you have existing skin concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exactly is Green Tea?

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis Leaf Extract) is a cosmetic raw ingredient extracted from the unfermented leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), containing catechins, particularly EGCG, along with polyphenols, caffeine, theanine, and vitamins and minerals, performing antioxidant and skin-conditioning functions. [1][5]

What should sensitive skin keep in mind when using Green Tea products?

Green tea leaf extract itself is classified as a safe ingredient in non-sensitizing formulations in the leaf-derived ingredient safety assessment, but co-formulated fragrances, alcohol, and preservatives can be variables. [4] For sensitive skin, it is advisable to examine the full ingredient list and, for first use, perform a patch test before using it in earnest.

What ingredients are good to use together with Green Tea?

You can expect synergistic effects when used together with vitamins C and E (antioxidant synergy), hyaluronic acid (moisture reinforcement), niacinamide (texture and tone refinement), ceramide (barrier reinforcement), panthenol (skin soothing), and peptides (support for a sense of firmness). [1]

Can I use Green Tea and retinol together?

They can be used together. The antioxidant action of catechins can provide supplementary help in alleviating the oxidative stress that can occur with retinol use. [2] However, in the early stages of retinol use, skin can become temporarily sensitive, so it is advisable to apply it gradually while monitoring skin condition.

Can I use Green Tea together with exfoliating ingredients (AHA/BHA)?

They can be used together, but after using AHA/BHA, the skin barrier may become temporarily sensitive. [11] If you feel irritation when using them on the same day, it can help to separate the times of use, or to stabilize surface condition with a green-tea-containing formulation after exfoliation.

Can I use Green Tea products right after a procedure?

It depends on the type and intensity of the procedure and the individual skin condition. There is research suggesting that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of catechins can supplementarily contribute to alleviating oxidative stress after a procedure [2][3], but for the stage immediately after a procedure and the point at which it can be used, following the guidance of the medical professional who performed the procedure takes top priority.

Do pores shrink when I use Green Tea cosmetics?

Pore size is determined by a combination of factors such as genetics, the amount of sebum secretion, and skin elasticity. Some studies have reported changes in sebum secretion indicators with green tea extract use [1], but rather than reducing pores themselves with cosmetics, it is realistic to expect an impression of pores looking "less prominent" through texture refinement.

When can I expect to feel the effects of Green Tea?

In a 12-week oral-intake study using green tea catechins, a trend of improvement in skin elasticity, moisture, and roughness indicators was reported [3], and in a clinical study applying 4% green tea extract, there were cases in which UV-induced indicators changed quickly. [1] The sense of surface hydration and condition refinement can be experienced relatively quickly, but changes in texture, elasticity, and tone are felt cumulatively and may vary by individual.

What is the difference between Green Tea and catechin as a standalone ingredient?

Green tea leaf extract is a comprehensive raw material that contains not only catechins such as EGCG, ECG, and EGC but also various active components of the leaf, such as caffeine, theanine, vitamins, and minerals. On the other hand, catechin is a single polyphenol-class compound isolated and purified from the leaf, corresponding to a standalone active on which antioxidant and photoprotection mechanism research is concentrated. [1][3]

By what criteria should I choose Green Tea cosmetics?

If environmental stress care and antioxidant properties are your priority, it is helpful to look for leaf extract products that emphasize catechin content; if your goal is photoaging and texture refinement support, look for formulations in which catechins such as EGCG are stabilized; and if you have sensitive skin, look for formulations with fewer potentially irritating ingredients such as fragrances and alcohol. [1][4] Since catechins are sensitive to light and oxygen, it is good to also consider stabilization technology and packaging. [1]

Does the EGCG in green tea leaf extract reach the deep layers of the skin?

EGCG is a hydrophilic polyphenol that mainly accumulates in the stratum corneum, and its penetration into the deep dermal layers is known to be limited. [1][2] In the cosmetics field, its action is centered on the epidermal surface and stratum corneum, and it is difficult to expect deep changes at the level of a medical procedure. However, as stabilization and delivery technology research continues, there may be differences in perceived effect depending on the formulation. [1]

Sources

※ The effects and technologies of ingredients described in this content are based on Amorepacific's own research and publicly available academic and scientific sources to provide a general understanding of cosmetic ingredients. It is not intended for medical diagnosis or treatment purposes. For personal medical concerns, please consult a qualified medical professional.