Green Tea for Skin: What the Antioxidant Research Shows

July 10, 2026

Green tea is enjoyed worldwide as a drink, and its extracts increasingly appear in skincare. The interest comes down to its antioxidants.

What the research says

A review describes how the polyphenols in green tea, especially one called EGCG, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and how green tea has been studied for skin photoprotection (Katiyar, 2003, PMID 12871030). Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals, the reactive molecules generated by ultraviolet light and pollution.

Where antioxidants fit in a routine

Applying an antioxidant in the morning, then sunscreen, is a classic pairing for daytime defence.
Antioxidants support your sun protection, they do not replace it.
Vitamin C is the most studied topical antioxidant, and green tea polyphenols are another option being researched.

At Verdo we stock the Medik8 C-Tetra vitamin C antioxidant serum and the Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF to pair with it.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. The studies cited are from peer-reviewed journals and are provided for educational context. Individual results vary. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist before changing your routine. Verdo Cosmetics makes no therapeutic claims about the products or services mentioned.

Frequently asked questions

Is green tea good for your skin?

Green tea polyphenols, especially EGCG, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have been studied for skin photoprotection (Katiyar, 2003). Antioxidants help neutralise the free radicals generated by UV and pollution.

What is EGCG?

EGCG is the main polyphenol in green tea and the constituent most linked to its antioxidant effects. It is the ingredient researchers focus on when studying green tea for skin.

Can antioxidants replace sunscreen?

No. Antioxidants support your defences against free radicals, but they do not block UV. Daily broad spectrum sunscreen is still the foundation, ideally applied over a morning antioxidant.

Is green tea or vitamin C better for skin?

Vitamin C is the most studied topical antioxidant, while green tea polyphenols are another researched option. Either works best paired with daily sunscreen rather than used alone.

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