Green Tea Extract (EGCG)
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the primary polyphenol in green tea and one of the most potent topical antioxidants. It has been shown to reduce UV damage, decrease sebum production, reduce inflammation, and inhibit the enzymes that break down collagen and elastin. Green tea extract is one of the few antioxidants with evidence for both topical and oral skin benefits.
Concentration & Usage
Topical: 1-5% green tea extract in formulations. Look for products with EGCG specifically listed. Oral: 400-800 mg green tea extract (standardized to EGCG) daily. Apply topical products before sunscreen for additional photoprotection.
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Mechanism of Action
EGCG scavenges ROS (superoxide, hydroxyl radical, peroxynitrite) and chelates iron/copper that catalyze Fenton reactions. Inhibits MMP-2 (gelatinase A) and MMP-9 (gelatinase B) that degrade collagen types I, III, IV and elastin in photoaged skin — these enzymes are UV-upregulated via AP-1 and NF-kappa B. Reduces sebum by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase type 1 (testosterone to DHT conversion in sebaceous glands). Anti-inflammatory: NF-kappa B inhibition (I-kappa B degradation prevention), COX-2 suppression, TNF-alpha/IL-1beta reduction. Promotes keratinocyte differentiation via involucrin and filaggrin upregulation. Catechol structure enables dual antioxidant and metal-chelating activity. Topical EGCG reduces UV-induced erythema and prevents collagen degradation when used before sun exposure.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient and dietary supplement. Available OTC worldwide. GRAS ingredient.
Risks & Safety
Serious
None topically. Oral high-dose EGCG supplements have rare liver toxicity reports.
Rare
Contact dermatitis.
Compare Green Tea Extract (EGCG) With
Research Papers
9Published: September 30, 2003
AI Summary
Beneficial effects attributed to green tea, such as its anticancer and antioxidant properties, may be mediated by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). When topically applied to aged human skin, EGCG stimulated the proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes, which increased the epidermal thickness.
Published: April 30, 2009
AI Summary
The dramatic increase in obesity-related diseases emphasizes the need to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying fat metabolism. To investigate how natural substances influence lipolysis and adipogenesis, we determined the effects of White Tea extract on cultured human subcutaneou
Published: November 7, 2005
AI Summary
Immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis and ELISA indicated that both nuclear p65 and secreted IL-6 were significantly (p<0.05) induced by UVB (20, 30 mJ/cm2) and UVA irradiation (10, 20 J/cm2). FACS analysis showed that EGCG also inhibited UVB-induced apoptosis.
Published: February 16, 2023
AI Summary
The studies showed heterogeneous methodological quality and results leading not to conduct a meta-analysis. Conclusions: The studies suggest that EGCG is as effective as a local antibiotic in malodorous control and improvement of QoL of fungating malignant wounds.
Published: September 17, 2020
AI Summary
The polyphenol possesses antioxidant properties, which proved effective in the prevention of UV-induced skin damage and to alleviate the symptoms of Imiquimod-induced psoriasis. The three endpoints of this review not only showed interesting results but also highlighted some limitations of EGCG.
Published: May 27, 2005
AI Summary
Increase of intracellular oxidative stress was indicated by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin probing, and the enhanced genotoxicity was demonstrated by the alkaline comet assay and by the micronucleus assay (cytokinesis block).
Published: April 22, 2012
AI Summary
A preliminary study was conducted to investigate feasibility of using an oral cancer chemopreventive agent (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most biologically active component in the green tea extract, in a form of 'swish-and-spit' mouthwash. Such application of EGCG is beneficial as it max
Published: July 24, 2025
AI Summary
Findings from these clinical studies suggest that the health benefits of green tea catechins outweigh the potential risks. This analysis underscores the need for further research to refine therapeutic applications while ensuring the safe and effective use of green tea catechins.
Published: October 26, 2003
AI Summary
Six out of 10 patients (60%) under EGCG capsule therapy showed a response. Thus, the data collected here demonstrated that green tea extracts in a form of ointment and capsule are effective for treating cervical lesions, suggesting that green tea extracts can be a potential therapy regimen for patients with HPV infected cervical lesions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Green Tea Extract (EGCG) used for?
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the primary polyphenol in green tea and one of the most potent topical antioxidants. It has been shown to reduce UV damage, decrease sebum production, reduce inflammation, and inhibit the enzymes that break down collagen and elastin. Green tea extract is one of the few antioxidants with evidence for both topical and oral skin benefits.
What are the side effects of Green Tea Extract (EGCG)?
Common (topical): Very well-tolerated. Mild green tint. Serious: None topically. Oral high-dose EGCG supplements have rare liver toxicity reports. Rare: Contact dermatitis.
How is Green Tea Extract (EGCG) administered?
Green Tea Extract (EGCG) is administered via topical (serum, cream, toner) or oral (supplement, tea). topical is effective for localized skin benefits..
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