Green tea is rich in a type of bioavailable compound called polyphenols. EGCG is probably the best-known polyphenol in green tea, but there are many others. Green tea polyphenols are strong antioxidants, able to mitigate cellular damage from UV radiation, smoke, and pollution.
Green tea extract has been found to have significant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, both of which make green tea extract an excellent treatment for breakouts. In fact, one study even found that green tea extract was able to decrease excess sebum production, making it ideal for oily skin types.
In addition to all its potent effects, it’s also highly gentle and non-irritating, and is typically tolerated even by very sensitive skin.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6930595/
- Baumann, L. (2015). Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic ingredients (First Edition, pp. 137-144). McGraw-Hill Education/Medical.