Ingredient Encyclopedia

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Discover what’s inside your skincare — from retinol to aloe vera — with clear guides on benefits, uses, and safety.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Green Tea (EGCG) – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Green Tea (EGCG) (Epigallocatechin Gallate) is the most biologically active and high-potency expression of the green tea plant, functioning as a precision antioxidant shield for modern environmental defense. Unlike whole-plant extracts that offer a broad but diluted profile, EGCG is a standardized bioactive molecule that neutralizes oxidative stress and calms inflammation pathways with extreme efficiency at concentrations as low as 0.05–1%. It serves as a daytime resilience anchor, specifically targeting the radical damage triggered by urban pollution and UV exposure before it manifests as visible aging or chronic redness. Because it is a fragile, water-soluble polyphenol, its efficacy depends entirely on stable formulation—ideally housed in opaque, airless packaging at a pH of 4.5–6.0. While immediate soothing is common, the true value of EGCG is cumulative cellular protection; consistent morning application over an 8-to-12-week timeline builds a fortified skin baseline that remains calm, defended, and visibly stable even under high-stress conditions.