Sip it, Smooth it: Green Tea or Matcha?

Matcha. We’ve all seen, heard, and tasted matcha (probably). This powdered form of green tea, traditionally served with hot water, boasts a diverse resume. I’ve seen lattes, smoothies, desserts, bread, tahini, and even pesto. Now we’re also starting to see it in skincare. Before the craze that caused the current global matcha shortage, there was our conventional green tea. Take a step back with us as we talk about our beloved green tea, made from the soaked leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.

The major and most studied polyphenolic compound, the source of plant antioxidant power, in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Healthy skin means a healthy skin barrier in which hydration and protection are key. EGCG provides moisture to our skin and performs as well as retinol in preserving collagen, strengthening the skin barrier, and regulating inflammation. EGCG’s strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties shield against environmental stressors that cause cellular damage, like UV radiation and air pollution. Protecting against these stressors gets us healthy, hydrated skin where collagen is preserved and is less susceptible to irritation and premature aging.

Well, what about matcha? Matcha, ground Camellia sinensis leaves, is basically conventional green tea with superpowers. It contains 10x more antioxidants than green tea. But too much EGCG can be irritating and make formulations unstable; they are more susceptible to breaking down and losing their effect. Yes, matcha is powerful. Green tea is the gentler cousin and safer for the sensitive skin community.  

We mentioned EGCG’s performance with retinol before. To be clear, retinol is strong in reducing wrinkles and fine lines by stimulating collagen production while the EGCG in Camellia sinensis leaf extract and water is best for hydration, protecting against environmental harm, and inflammation. It is a gentle and natural alternative for people with sensitive skin to more potent actives with irritation potential. KNOURS PDRN Rice & Green Tea line uses a vegan green tea PDRN, composed of Camellia sinensis leaf extract and 1,2-Hexanediol, to provide a gentle and safe option for all skin types and ages.

Whether it’s matcha or green tea, both bring skin-loving antioxidants to the table. Because the truth behind fluctuating skin is the skin barrier, KNOURS’ Rice & Green Tea PDRN line is designed to restore balance and strengthen your skin barrier with clean, plant-powered innovation.

The next time you sip your banana bread matcha latte with brown sugar cold foam, think of it as more than a treat; your skin might be craving that same green tea-powered renewal. 

Thanks for tuning in :)