Ingredient | Polyphenol Antioxidant (Green Tea Catechin)
Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)
INCI · Epigallocatechin Gallate
Related names and forms: EGCG. This list does not indicate synonyms or exact ingredient matches.
Epigallocatechin gallate (INCI: Epigallocatechin Gallate, or EGCG) is the most abundant and most studied catechin polyphenol in green tea (Camellia sinensis), and the molecule to which much of its antioxidant effect is attributed. The key distinction on this page is that EGCG is a single defined molecule, whereas green tea extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) is a mixture containing many ingredients, including EGCG. This page therefore considers EGCG as an isolated antioxidant molecule; the whole-plant and soothing context of green tea is left to the main green tea extract page. In cosmetics, EGCG is discussed for potential free-radical neutralisation and its antioxidant role in environmental stress (UV and pollution). It is supplied as a purified active or a component of the extract. Stability is an important formulation issue: EGCG is sensitive to light, oxygen and pH and can degrade over time, so dark packaging and companion antioxidants are common. A frequent confusion is that drinking green tea is the same as applying it to skin. Oral consumption and topical use are different routes and are not equated. It appears on labels as Epigallocatechin Gallate and has a verified individual PubChem record (CID 65064, C22H18O11; confirmed with CAS 989-51-5). Klaris assesses EGCG through purity and presentation, stability conditions and a measured view of its effects.
i. Cosmetic Functions
Frequently Discussed Effects
The following headings summarise areas of effect frequently discussed in the literature; visible results in each area require regular use and a suitable formula.
Polyphenol Antioxidant
The main catechin in green tea, contributing to potential free-radical neutralisation.
Environmental Stress Context
Discussed in antioxidant formulas addressing signs associated with UV and environmental exposure.
Isolated Active or Extract
Used in formulas as purified EGCG or as a component of green tea extract.
Mechanism
What Happens Within the Skin?
The following points summarise mechanisms from dermocosmetic literature in plain English. Klaris presents them as background information to help readers understand the context, not as medical claims.
Step 1
Green Tea Catechin
The most abundant catechin polyphenol in green tea, and the molecule to which much of its antioxidant effect is attributed.
Step 2
Isolated Molecule and Extract
EGCG is a single defined molecule. Green tea extract is a mixture of many ingredients, including EGCG. The two are considered differently.
Step 3
Antioxidant Activity and Environmental Stress
Discussed for potential free-radical neutralisation and its antioxidant role in the context of UV and pollution.
Step 4
Stability Sensitivity
Sensitive to light, oxygen and pH. Dark packaging and support from companion antioxidants affect formula quality.
Step 5
The Broader Green Tea Context
The whole-plant and soothing context of green tea is covered on the main green tea extract page. This page considers EGCG as an isolated antioxidant molecule.
ii. Role in the Formula
How Is It Read on a Label?
EGCG is the catechin to which much of the antioxidant effect of green tea extract is attributed. In purified form, it is used at low concentrations. Its stability is sensitive to light, oxygen and pH, so good formulas support it with dark packaging and companion antioxidants. Whole green tea extract (Camellia Sinensis) and pure EGCG are considered differently: one is a multicomponent extract, the other a single molecule.
A Closer Look · pH, Stability, Synergy
EGCG is the catechin behind much of the antioxidant messaging around green tea extract. In cosmetics, it appears either as a purified single molecule or as a component of Camellia Sinensis extract. The framework here is the distinction between an isolated molecule and a whole extract. EGCG is a single defined molecule, which is why it has a verified PubChem record. Green tea extract is a mixture containing other catechins, caffeine and plant components alongside EGCG, so it cannot be reduced to a single molecular record. Klaris considers the two separately: this page addresses EGCG as an antioxidant molecule, leaving the whole-plant and soothing context to the main green tea extract page. Stability is the most important formulation issue. EGCG is sensitive to light, oxygen and especially pH changes, and can degrade over time in aqueous systems. Good formulas manage this with dark, airtight packaging and companion antioxidants such as vitamin E and ferulic acid. Klaris remains measured about expectations: EGCG is a strong antioxidant widely investigated in cell and oral studies, but this literature does not translate directly into a topical cosmetic promise. Drinking green tea and applying it to skin are different routes. The size of the topical antioxidant effect is considered cautiously according to concentration, stability and the whole formula. When assessing an EGCG product, Klaris considers whether it is a pure molecule or part of an extract, stability conditions, companion antioxidants and the whole formula together.
Typical Concentration Range
Low concentrations (in purified form, depending on the formulation context)
Ingredient Family
Antioxidants
iii. Sensitivity Advisory
A Note on Extra Care in Context
Generally well tolerated, although rare sensitivities are possible despite its plant origin. For sensitive profiles, observing a new product on a limited area first is a more measured approach.
A sensitivity advisory is not an instruction for use; where individual health circumstances, pregnancy or known sensitivities are involved, discussing the decision with your doctor may be a more contextual approach.
Common Misconceptions
Frequently Confused Points
Common Belief
EGCG and green tea extract are the same thing.
A More Contextual Reading
EGCG is a single defined molecule. Green tea extract is a mixture containing many ingredients, including EGCG. One is an isolated active, the other a multicomponent extract, and they are considered differently.
Common Belief
Drinking green tea has the same effect as applying EGCG to skin.
A More Contextual Reading
Oral consumption and topical use are different routes. The behaviour of EGCG in a product is considered within the whole formula, not equated with a drink.
Common Belief
A natural antioxidant cannot degrade and works the same in every formula.
A More Contextual Reading
EGCG is sensitive to light, oxygen and pH and can degrade over time. Dark packaging and antioxidant support are part of formula quality. Its effect depends on stability and the whole formula.
Common Belief
EGCG is a miraculous anti-ageing ingredient.
A More Contextual Reading
In topical cosmetics, EGCG is considered an antioxidant ingredient. Findings from cell and oral studies are not directly equated with topical effects. Concentration, stability and the whole formula are decisive.
Scientific Basis
Sources and Their Scope
The following headings indicate areas of research; they are not citations of a specific publication or confirmation that every statement on this page has been verified. The links provided should be read with their individual scope in mind.
- International INCI / CosIng database
- Dermocosmetic research publications
- Formulation chemistry guides
Source Links
Database records provide ingredient identity and registration information; on their own, they do not establish the effect of a finished product or its suitability for a profile. Search links are not specific research papers.
v. Antioxidants Family
Other Ingredients in the Same Family
Explore ingredients in the same functional family to deepen your reading of formulas.
vi. Academy · Related Reading
For a Closer Look
Klaris · Example Analyses
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