Matcha has recently become the star ingredient in beauty routines, with Google searches for ‘Matcha Skincare’ up 2300% in the past week.
Packed with antioxidants and boasting impressive anti-inflammatory properties, many people don’t realise matcha isn’t just for drinking.
From calming redness to giving your skin a radiant boost, it’s easy to see why everyone’s talking about this green tea powerhouse. But what exactly is matcha skincare, and is it worth the hype?
Franchesca Villar, Beauty Editor at Cosmetify, has provided insight into the latest skincare trend, and whether it’s effective.
“Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. Originating in Japan, it has been a central part of Japanese culture and tea ceremonies for centuries.
“Unlike regular green tea, which uses leaves that are steeped and thrown away, matcha uses the whole leaf that is then ground into a powder. By using the whole leaf, it means the powder has a higher concentration of nutrients and antioxidants, which have many benefits for the skin.
“Introduced into Western culture as a drink, it seems as if only now people are understanding just how versatile matcha is, and how it can enhance your health in many different ways.”
But what are some of those benefits in terms of skincare?
Rich in Antioxidants
“Matcha contains a high concentration of epigallocatechin gallate, an antioxidant that combats free radicals, which can damage skin cells and accelerate ageing.
“It also helps protect the skin from environmental factors, like pollution and UV rays.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
“The natural compounds in matcha help reduce redness, irritation, and swelling, making it ideal for those who have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Brightens the Complexion
“Matcha’s chlorophyll content detoxifies the skin, helping to achieve a more even complexion. As a result, it can also leave the skin feeling brighter.
Oil Control
“Matcha can help regulate sebum production, making it an excellent choice for those with oily or combination skin.
Anti-Ageing Benefits
“Its antioxidant properties also support collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Gentle Exfoliation
“Many matcha-infused scrubs and masks offer a mild exfoliating effect, removing dead skin cells without irritation that other exfoliants may do.
“While matcha is widely celebrated for its health benefits, its role in skincare is still being explored,” says Franchesca.
She adds: “While the benefits of drinking matcha are well-known, there’s less research on its effectiveness in using it as skincare. Because of this, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, especially if they are prone to reactions.
“As it could be combined with other active ingredients, it’s important to check the label and perform a patch test before use.
“High-quality matcha can be expensive, so products with genuine benefits might come at a higher price. Bear this in mind and be cautious of lower-quality products with minimal matcha content.”