Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis, Theaceae) and is listed under CAS # 84650-60-2. Its primary active components are polyphenols, specifically catechins, with EGCG (EpiGalloCatechin Gallate) being the most abundant and active. Quality varies significantly between extracts; high-quality versions contain 50–90% catechins and are typically brownish with a characteristic odor. It is one of the most extensively researched natural cosmetic ingredients, with approximately 6,000 research papers indexed in PubMed as of 2015.
Green tea extract is a well-documented antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radical damage and UV-induced irritation, redness, and sunburn cells. Its catechins exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for sensitive, rosacea-prone, and acne-prone skin. It also demonstrates antimicrobial activity, with studies showing 2% green tea lotion to be effective for mild-to-moderate acne, and anticarcinogenic properties linked to DNA damage inhibition and repair enzyme activation.
Efficacy is highly dependent on the polyphenol/catechin content of the specific extract used; low-quality extracts (as low as 10% catechins) may provide significantly reduced benefits compared to high-quality extracts (50–90% catechins).
