EGCG (Green Tea) for Sun Damage (Photoaging)

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

Why it works for Sun Damage (Photoaging)

The main antioxidant in green tea. It blocks the signal that UV light uses to switch on collagen-destroying enzymes, so less collagen breaks down. It also mops up damaging molecules and may cut the DNA damage UV causes. Studies at 1 to 5 percent show less UV redness and fewer signs of UV stress in the skin. Best used as an antioxidant add-on alongside a retinoid and sunscreen.

How EGCG (Green Tea) works

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

Evidence

4 citations from our ingredient database. Full citation list on the EGCG (Green Tea) ingredient page.

journal2023

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

journal2019

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

journal2016

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)

journal2014

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

Products with EGCG (Green Tea) in our catalog

These are the catalog products that list EGCG (Green Tea) as a tracked ingredient.

Youth to the People

Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

$38 · Cleanser

Innisfree

Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum

$32 · Serum

Shiseido

Future Solution LX Total Regenerating Cream

$410 · Moisturizer

Tatcha

The Water Cream

$72 · Moisturizer

Isntree

Green Tea Fresh Toner

$16 · Toner

Beauty of Joseon

Calming Serum: Green Tea + Panthenol

$17 · Serum

Full EGCG (Green Tea) guide →Sun Damage (Photoaging) overview →