Pore-clearing and sebum-reducing combination: Salicylic Acid exfoliates lipid-rich pores while green tea/EGCG is associated with reduced sebum production and soothing.
녹차추출물 · 전성분
Green Tea Extract
A botanical antioxidant and polyphenol extract rich in Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG), the major catechin isolated from green tea. It targets multiple acne pathways by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase to reduce sebum secretion, suppressing NF-kB and AP-1 inflammatory cascades, and exerting direct bactericidal action against Cutibacterium acnes.
- INCI
- CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT
Also called Green Tea Extract · EGCG · Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate · Nokcha Extract · Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Early-stage page
This ingredient page is still early. We're actively researching before it's ready to stand fully on its own — check back as more sections are verified.
The short answer
Four lines, each compressed from the section it links to. Every line carries the sources of the claim it compresses.
- What it does
Sebum Reduction via 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibition
See the evidence - Where it goes
toner, serum, or light gel moisturizer step · day and night
See how to use it - What shows, and when
4 weeks: A measurable decrease in facial sebum secretion rate and fewer inflammatory acne papules, per the cited 8-week trials' own interim framing.
See the timeline
How to use it
Where it sits in the seven-step ladder, and the record's own fields for the habit.
아침DayDay: used
저녁NightNight: used
day and night
Cleanser클렌저
Toner토너 sits here
Essence에센스
Serum세럼 sits here
Eye cream아이크림
Moisturizer크림 sits here
Sunscreen자외선차단제
Filled steps are where Green Tea Extract commonly appears. No product is recommended.
Everything here comes from the sources below. None of it is a product recommendation.
- Time of day
- day and night
- Where it sits
- toner, serum, or light gel moisturizer step
- Starting frequency
- daily
- Amount
- 2-3 drops of serum or a nickel-sized amount of toner/emulsion
- Application
- Apply evenly to clean skin on the face and neck. Gently pat until fully absorbed. Reported compatible for layering alongside other actives, including BHA, Niacinamide, Retinoids, and Azelaic Acid.
- Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Airless pump packaging or UV-protective dark glass is recommended to slow oxidation.
Plays well with / keep apart
One card per pair. Where the partner has its own passport, the name links to it.
Do layer it with
Seboregulatory and redness-soothing combination: Niacinamide supports barrier lipids and sebum regulation while EGCG is associated with reduced NF-kB inflammation and 5-alpha reductase activity.
Read the passportWhat to expect, and when
The record's own timeline. Each step keeps the source of the study it came from.
- Immediate
A soothing, cooling sensation and a reduction in surface oiliness reported on application.
- 4 weeks
A measurable decrease in facial sebum secretion rate and fewer inflammatory acne papules, per the cited 8-week trials' own interim framing.
- 8 weeks
Clearance of non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne lesions and calmer skin texture, per the cited split-face trial.
Source1
Is this safe for me
Everything the record says about suitability, consolidated. Pause-first comes first.
Before you start
Exceptionally well tolerated by all skin types; high-concentration purified EGCG can oxidize over time if exposed to air or light, turning pale green formulas brownish without loss of gentleness.
Best match
oily and congested skin
acne-prone skin · enlarged pores · redness and irritation · reactive or sensitive skin
Routine
toner, serum, or light gel moisturizer step
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not medical advice · ask your own clinician
Pregnancy. A 2011 dermatology review of skin-care product safety in pregnancy names hydroquinone (high systemic absorption) and tretinoin (evidence controversial) as the actives of concern, and states that most other topical skin-care products act locally and produce minimal systemic absorption; green tea extract and EGCG are not named among the flagged concerns 6. This is general topical-product reasoning rather than an ingredient-specific safety trial. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor before use.
Breastfeeding. Topical application is applied locally with minimal expected systemic absorption; no ingredient-specific breastfeeding safety trial was located. As a general precaution common to topical actives, avoid applying directly to the breast or nipple area, since incidental transfer to a nursing infant has not been studied for this ingredient. If you are breastfeeding, ask your doctor before use.
| Common, and it usually settles |
|---|
| a soothing, cooling, and hydrating sensation on application, with no stinging, peeling, or photosensitivity reported in the cited trials |
Allergen history
Not yet researched
Research in progress — check back soon. How we verify
Who should not use it
Not yet researched
Research in progress — check back soon. How we verify
What it will not do
- The sebum-reduction benefits observed in leave-on emulsions and lotions in the cited trials cannot be assumed for rinse-off green tea cleansers, which were not tested and have minimal contact time.
- The photoprotection evidence (S005) is from an orally ingested green tea polyphenol beverage, not a topical formulation -- it does not establish that a topical green tea product provides equivalent UV protection, and green tea polyphenols cannot serve as a primary physical or chemical sunscreen against direct UV radiation regardless of route.
- Purified EGCG requires stabilizing antioxidants (such as ascorbic acid or citric acid) and opaque packaging to slow light- and oxygen-induced polyphenol degradation.
The evidence
One card per claim. Concentration, form, population and limitation sit with it, always visible.
Grade legend
- Indicative
- Limited
- Moderate
- Strong
Sebum Reduction via 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibition
IndicativeDecreases facial sebum production by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase and downregulating the AMPK-SREBP-1 lipogenic pathway in sebocytes.1,2
- Tested concentration
- 1.0% EGCG or 3.0% green tea extract
- Which form
- Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Purified Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)
- Population and duration
- 10 male volunteers treated with a 3% green tea emulsion for 8 weeks (S002), and a molecular sebocyte assay alongside an 8-week split-face clinical trial (S001)
- Limitation
- Sebosuppressive benefits in the cited trials required 8 weeks of consistent twice-daily application; the split-face trial's own exact subject count was not confirmed independently this cycle.
Inflammatory Acne Lesion Clearance and Anti-Bacterial Action
IndicativeReduces inflammatory papules and pustules by suppressing NF-kB and AP-1 inflammatory cascades while exerting direct bactericidal action against Cutibacterium acnes.1,3
- Tested concentration
- 1.0% EGCG or 2.0% green tea lotion
- Which form
- Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Purified Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)
- Population and duration
- 20 subjects with mild-to-moderate acne treated with a 2% green tea lotion for 6 weeks (S003), alongside an 8-week split-face trial (S001)
- Limitation
- Most effective for mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne; severe nodulocystic acne may require combination medical therapy. S003's own subject count is corrected to 20 -- the packet's own '35 subjects' figure does not match the cited trial's published enrollment ('Twenty patients fulfilling enrolment criteria').
Antioxidant Photoprotection and Matrix Metalloproteinase Suppression
IndicativeScavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and is associated with reduced UV-induced erythema and improved skin structural measures in its cited trial.4,5
- Tested concentration
- Orally ingested green tea polyphenol beverage (S005); topical concentration range not independently confirmed
- Which form
- Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Purified Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)
- Population and duration
- 60 female volunteers in a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled oral intervention trial (S005)
- Limitation
- S005's own trial tested an ORAL green tea polyphenol beverage, not a topical application -- delivery_route corrected to oral. The MMP-1/MMP-9 collagenase-suppression mechanism is supported by S004's systematic review of the general literature, not by a delivery-route-matched clinical endpoint in S005 itself. Provides biological photoprotection evidence but does not establish topical MMP suppression, and does not replace broad-spectrum UV filters.
Questions & related
Common questions · 자주 묻는 질문
Why does my green tea or EGCG serum turn light brown over time?
Green tea catechins, especially EGCG, are natural antioxidants that react with oxygen and light over time. A slight color shift from pale green or yellow to light amber does not necessarily mean the product is harmful or ineffective, though opaque, airless packaging is reported to extend freshness.
The clinical recordHow it works · Forms · Manufacturing · Regulations · Study ledger · Gaps · Sources
How it works
- 5-Alpha Reductase & AMPK-SREBP-1 Inhibition
Inhibits 5-alpha reductase and modulates AMPK-SREBP-1 signaling in human sebocytes, decreasing intracellular triglyceride synthesis and facial sebum secretion.
What that rests on: in-vitro human sebocyte assay and clinical trial
Source1
- NF-kB & AP-1 Anti-Inflammatory Cascade Suppression
Blocks activation of NF-kB and AP-1 transcription factors, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling in keratinocytes and sebocytes.
What that rests on: in-vitro gene expression and protein assay; systematic review
- Bactericidal Action Against Cutibacterium Acnes
Reported to disrupt C. acnes cell viability, lowering bacterial colonization in the pilosebaceous unit.
What that rests on: in-vitro antibacterial assay
Source1
Reading the label
| Attribute | Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract | Purified Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Whole green tea extract containing a natural complex of EGCG, EGC, ECG, EC, caffeine, and L-theanine for balanced soothing and antioxidant protection. | Concentrated active catechin monomer providing targeted 5-alpha reductase inhibition and anti-inflammatory signaling. |
| Official INCI | CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT | EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATE |
| Where it comes from | Leaves of Camellia sinensis (Theaceae family) | Isolated and purified from Camellia sinensis leaves |
| How it is made | Harvested young tea leaves undergo gentle water/butylene glycol extraction followed by filtration and concentration to preserve natural polyphenols and catechins. | High-purity chromatographic isolation and crystallization yielding >= 95% pure EGCG monomer. |
| Gentleness | Reported gentle and non-irritating across its cited trials. | Reported tolerable and soothing; requires protective antioxidant formulation to slow atmospheric oxidation. |
How it is actually made
- Fresh leaves of Camellia sinensis are steamed or fired to deactivate polyphenol oxidase enzymes, preserving active catechins. Leaves are extracted using green aqueous or ethanol-water solvents, followed by filtration, membrane concentration, and optional chromatographic purification for EGCG monomer isolation.
Where the ceiling is set
South Korea
- The rule
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) Cosmetic Safety Standards
- What it allows
- Listed in the Korean Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary as a botanical raw material. Unsourced -- no resolved MFDS document id confirmed this cycle.
European Union
- The rule
- EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 / CosIng database
- What it allows
- Listed in the CosIng database under CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent. Unsourced -- no resolved CosIng entry id confirmed this cycle.
What the evidence rests on
Study records
Randomized, split-face clinical trial and in-vitro human sebocyte assay2013
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate improves acne in humans by modulating intracellular molecular targets and inhibiting P. acnes
An 8-week split-face clinical trial in acne patients found that a 1.0% EGCG solution significantly reduced both non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne lesions. Mechanistically, EGCG inhibited 5-alpha reductase, downregulated AMPK-SREBP-1 lipogenesis, suppressed NF-kB/AP-1 inflammation, and reduced Cutibacterium acnes viability in vitro.
Where it falls shortEvaluated at 1.0% pure EGCG concentration over an 8-week duration in mild-to-moderate acne subjects; the abstract does not itself state the split-face trial's exact subject count.
Source1
Prospective 8-week clinical trial2010
Outcomes of 3% green tea emulsion on skin sebum production in male volunteers
Twice-daily topical application of a 3% green tea extract emulsion over 8 weeks in ten male volunteers led to a statistically significant reduction in skin sebum secretion rates measured via Sebumeter compared to baseline.
Where it falls shortEvaluated in a male-only volunteer cohort (n=10) over 8 weeks.
Source2
Open-label clinical trial2009
The efficacy of topical 2% green tea lotion in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris
Daily application of 2% green tea lotion for 6 weeks significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesion counts and an author-devised severity index in twenty subjects with mild-to-moderate acne, with good skin tolerance reported.
Where it falls shortOpen-label design (no blinding or placebo control) over 6 weeks in twenty subjects -- not the 'split-face' or 'thirty-five subject' framing the packet's own claims text used.
Source3
Systematic scientific review2016
Green Tea and Other Tea Polyphenols: Effects on Sebum Production and Acne Vulgaris
A systematic review of eight studies meeting inclusion criteria found some evidence that tea polyphenols in topical formulation may reduce sebum secretion and improve acne vulgaris, while noting the reviewed studies were limited in number and quality.
Where it falls shortSynthesizes data across a small number of studies (eight) with diverse vehicle formulations and both topical and oral routes; the review's own conclusion calls for higher-quality, larger studies.
Source4
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial2011
Green tea polyphenols provide photoprotection, increase microcirculation, and modulate skin properties of women
In 60 female volunteers, a 12-week oral green tea polyphenol beverage significantly reduced UV-induced erythema (by 16% and 25% at weeks 6 and 12) and was associated with improved skin elasticity, roughness, and blood flow, versus a control beverage.
Where it falls shortTests an ORALLY INGESTED beverage, not a topical product -- does not establish that a topical green tea formulation provides the same photoprotective effect.
Source5
What is still missing
Not yet researched
Research in progress — check back soon. How we verify
Sources on file
- Yoon et al. J Invest Dermatol (2013)(opens in a new tab)
- Mahmood et al. Bosn J Basic Med Sci (2010)(opens in a new tab)
- Elsaie et al. J Drugs Dermatol (2009)(opens in a new tab)
- Saric, Notay & Sivamani. Antioxidants (2016)(opens in a new tab)
- Heinrich et al. J Nutr (2011)(opens in a new tab)
- Bozzo, Chua-Gocheco & Einarson. Can Fam Physician (2011)(opens in a new tab)