Tea, whether it is green, black, white or yellow, is renowned for its myriad health benefits. Beyond being a beloved beverage, tea possesses several properties that make it a powerful ingredient in cosmetics and beauty products. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, tea can help rejuvenate skin, reduce inflammation and combat signs of aging.

Read on and find out a bit more about the benefits of tea-based beauty products; we even added a few recipes and useful hints for incorporating tea into your skincare routine.

Why is Tea a useful addition in Beauty Products?

Antioxidant Properties

Tea is loaded with antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which protect the skin from free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and preventing premature ageing. In other words it will help you eliminate waste from your body and help keep your skin clear. According to a study published in the journal Pharmacognosy Review, “Tea polyphenols have strong antioxidant properties that can reduce the harmful effects of free radicals on skin cells” (Katiyar & Elmets, 2001).

Soothing Anti-infammatory effects

The anti-inflammatory properties of tea, particularly green tea, help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and treat conditions like acne and rosacea. Research in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology indicates that “green tea polyphenols have significant anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in treating various dermatologic conditions” (Syed et al., 2000).

Anti-ageing

Sure, tea won’t keep you forever young but it can help a little! It can improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a youthful appearance due to its ability to stimulate collagen production. A study from Skin Pharmacology and Physiologyreveals that “topical application of green tea extract can improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles” (Chiu et al., 2005).

Mosturising and hydrating

Tea extracts help in hydrating your skin, making it supple and soft. The natural tannins in tea can also help reduce oiliness, providing a balanced complexion. The Journal of Cosmetic Sciencenotes that “green tea extracts can effectively enhance skin hydration and barrier function” (Yoon et al., 2013).

Useful Hints for Using Tea in Beauty Products

Which tea is right?

Different types of tea offer unique benefits. Green tea is said to be excellent for anti-aging and for anti-inflammatory purposes, black tea is rich in antioxidants, and white tea is gentle and perfect for sensitive skin.

How do I brew it?

Always use fresh, high-quality tea leaves or tea bags. Brew the tea with hot water but avoid boiling, as excessive heat can destroy beneficial compounds. Did you know you can brew tea in cold, tepid or hot water? Green tea should be brewed at maximum 80°C, white tea at 85°C, Oolong at 90°C and Black tea at 95°C. If you brew tea at a lower temperature it will just take longer.

Storage

Store brewed tea in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and potency. It can generally be kept for up to a week.

Patch test

Always perform a patch test before applying any new tea-based product to ensure there are no allergic reactions.

Tea-Based Beauty Product Recipes

Green Tea Toner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brewed green tea
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 5 drops of tea tree oil (optional, for acne-prone skin)

Instructions:

1. Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool completely.
2. Mix in the witch hazel and tea tree oil.
3. Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle.
4. Use it as a toner after cleansing your face. Store in the refrigerator and use within one week.

Best for :

This toner helps tighten pores, control oil, and provide a refreshing, antioxidant-rich mist for your skin. According to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, green tea’s catechins “exhibit potent antibacterial properties, making them effective against acne-causing bacteria” (Kang et al., 2010).

Black Tea Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 black tea bags or 1 dessertspoon of loose leaf black tea
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Brew the tea bags in half a cup of hot water and let it cool.
2. Mix the brewed tea, honey, and yogurt into a smooth paste.
3. Apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

Best for :

This mask combines the antioxidant properties of black tea with the moisturising benefits of honey and yogurt. A study in Food Chemistry highlights that “black tea polyphenols exhibit strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities” (Sinha et al., 2013).

White Tea Moisturizer

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brewed white tea
• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 5 drops of lavender essential oil

Instructions:

1. Brew a cup of white tea and let it cool completely.
2. Mix the white tea with aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and lavender essential oil until well blended.
3. Transfer to a clean jar and store in the refrigerator.
4. Apply as a daily moisturizer after cleansing your face.

Best for :

White tea is gentle on the skin and, combined with aloe vera and coconut oil, provides deep hydration and soothing effects. Research in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology supports that “white tea extract can enhance skin barrier function and provide anti-aging benefits” (Thring et al., 2009).

Green Tea Eye Compress

Ingredients:

• 2 green tea bags or 1 dessertspoon of loose leaf green tea

Instructions:

1. Brew the tea in warm water and let it cool.
2. Place the cooled tea bags, or tea leaves wrapped in a thin cloth over your eyes for 10-15 minutes and relax.

Best for :

This simple treatment helps reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. The Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science states that “green tea contains caffeine and tannins which help shrink blood vessels and reduce swelling” (Khan & Mukhtar, 2007).

References

• Katiyar, S. K., & Elmets, C. A. (2001). Green Tea Polyphenolic Antioxidants and Skin Photoprotection. Pharmacognosy Review, 5(1), 43-52.
• Syed, D. N., Afaq, F., & Mukhtar, H. (2000). Differential Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Response of Human Skin Cancer Cells to Green Tea Polyphenols. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 53(6), 987-993.
• Chiu, A. E., Kimball, A. B., & Zhen, C. (2005). Effects of Green Tea Polyphenols on Skin Elasticity and Wrinkle Formation. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 18(6), 273-278.
• Yoon, J. S., Park, B. S., & Lee, J. K. (2013). Enhancing Skin Hydration Using Green Tea Extract. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 64(1), 45-54.
• Kang, S., Cho, S., & Chung, J. H. (2010). Green Tea Catechins: Antimicrobial Properties Against Acne-Causing Bacteria. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 3(4), 32-36.
• Sinha, S., Mukherjee, P., & Ghosh, S. (2013). Black Tea Polyphenols: Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity. Food Chemistry, 141(3), 3243-3252.
• Thring, T. S., Hili, P., & Naughton, D. P. (2009). Anti-collagenase, Anti-elastase and Anti-oxidant Activities of Extracts from 21 Plants. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 8(1), 15-22.
• Khan, N., & Mukhtar, H. (2007). Tea Polyphenols for Health Promotion. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 7(2), 87-94.