INCI: Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract - Also known as: Green Tea Extract, EGCG Source, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

QUICK FACTS

What is Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract?

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf extract is one of the most extensively researched botanical extracts in skincare science, backed by a body of peer-reviewed literature that spans dermatology, photobiology, and cosmetic chemistry. It is derived by extracting the leaves of Camellia sinensis - the same plant that produces white, green, oolong, and black teas - in an aqueous or hydro-alcoholic solvent that captures its polyphenol content while leaving behind the caffeine and tannins that might compromise skin compatibility at higher concentrations.

The bioactive character of green tea extract derives primarily from its catechin content - a family of flavan-3-ol polyphenols of which epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and most extensively studied. EGCG is one of the most potent naturally occurring antioxidants identified in plant chemistry, with free radical scavenging capacity significantly higher than vitamin C and vitamin E in comparative in-vitro studies. Alongside EGCG, green tea extract contains epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epicatechin gallate (ECG), as well as quercetin, kaempferol, and other flavonoids - making it a complex multi-compound antioxidant source rather than a single active.

At Sweet Chemistry, organic Camellia sinensis leaf extract is listed above the 1% line in the Hydra-Serum and Hydra-Cream, and above 1% in the Lipid-Cream, making it the most consistently high-concentration botanical extract in the antioxidant superfood complex.

What does it do for skin?

Green tea extract's studied contributions to skin operate through several research-established pathways. Its EGCG and catechin content is associated with free radical scavenging in both the water phase and at the cell membrane interface - providing antioxidant coverage that is complementary to the fat-soluble antioxidants (tocopherol, CoQ10) and the water-and-oil dual-phase coverage of alpha-lipoic acid in the same formulas. Research has explored EGCG's antioxidant activity in connection with UV-associated oxidative stress - one of the primary external contributors to visible skin aging - making green tea a particularly relevant botanical in a system targeting the appearance of aging signs.

EGCG has also been researched in connection with MMP-1 activity - the collagen-degrading matrix metalloproteinase most associated with UV-induced collagen breakdown. This research-based association positions green tea extract as a collagen protection-oriented botanical alongside THD ascorbate's brightening and collagen-synthesis-supporting character and Matrikynes®' peptide-based density approach. These are distinct mechanisms studied at the research level rather than proven cosmetic outcomes, and individual results will vary.

At the skin surface, green tea's catechin and quercetin content has been studied in connection with a more settled, less reactive skin appearance - contributing to the soothing layer that also includes bisabolol, panthenol, allantoin, and colloidal oatmeal in the same formulas. Its presence above 1% in every water-based Sweet Chemistry formula reflects a formulation philosophy that takes green tea seriously as a functional active rather than a trace marketing ingredient.

FOUND IN

In 3 Formulas Above 1%

Organic Camellia sinensis leaf extract is present above the 1% line in all three Sweet Chemistry water-based formulas - making it the highest-concentration botanical extract in the superfood antioxidant blend and one of the most concentrated single botanical actives in the system.

Nourishment - All Skin Types

Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Organic, above 1%) - 1.0 oz / 30 ml

The Hydra-Serum delivers organic green tea extract above 1% as the lead botanical in the antioxidant superfood complex, alongside seven other organic fruit extracts, 5% niacinamide, 3% Matrikynes® peptides, and 3% ceramides in a 40%-active emulsion.

Hydration - Dry to Normal

Elasticity Reinforcing Hydra-Cream Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Organic, above 1%) - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

The Hydra-Cream delivers organic green tea extract above 1% alongside 3% Matrikynes® peptides and 2% THD ascorbate - the botanical antioxidant, the ECM peptide, and the stable vitamin C working together within the same 40%-active formula.

Hydration - Dry to Dehydrated

Elasticity Reinforcing Lipid-Cream Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (above 1%) - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

The Lipid-Cream delivers green tea extract above 1% within the richest formula in the lineup, paired with the full botanical oil panel, ceramide barrier complex, and 3% Matrikynes® peptides for dry and dehydrated skin.

WORKS TOGETHER WITH

Polyphenol Antioxidant Resveratrol 

INCI: Resveratrol.

Part of the enzymatic antioxidant trio in all three water-based formulas. Synergy Note: Green tea's catechin polyphenols and resveratrol's stilbene structure operate through different antioxidant and gene-expression pathways - their combined presence creates a complementary multi-class polyphenol approach that is broader in mechanism than either botanical alone. 

Universal Antioxidant Thioctic Acid (Alpha-Lipoic Acid)

INCI: Thioctic Acid.

Present in all three water-based formulas as a dual water-and-oil phase antioxidant. Synergy Note: EGCG is primarily a water-phase antioxidant while alpha-lipoic acid operates in both phases - their co-presence extends antioxidant coverage from the water phase (green tea's primary domain) into the lipid phase simultaneously.

Stable Vitamin C THD Ascorbate

INCI: Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.

At 2% in both creams and 7% in the Oil-Serum. Synergy Note: EGCG and vitamin C are both studied in connection with collagen matrix protection - EGCG through its researched MMP-associated activity, vitamin C through its collagen synthesis cofactor role. Their co-presence addresses both the protective and the production dimensions of the collagen appearance environment.

ECM Peptide Complex Matrikynes® Bone Peptides

INCI: Hydrolyzed Cow Bone Extract.

At 3% in all four formulas, associated with improvements in the appearance of skin density and aging signs. Synergy Note: Green tea's EGCG is studied in connection with protecting existing collagen from oxidative degradation; Matrikynes® is associated with supporting new collagen density. These two actives address the protect-and-renew approach to the collagen appearance environment from complementary research-based directions.