Woman with matcha face mask.

Matcha Benefits for Skin: A Complete Guide to Radiant, Healthy Skin

Written by: Mecene Research Team

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Published

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Time to read 7 min

Matcha, a vibrant green tea powder made from the camellia sinensis plant, has become a cornerstone in skincare routines thanks to its numerous benefits for skin health. Packed with potent antioxidants, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and boasting anti-inflammatory properties, matcha contains antioxidants that may help reduce free radicals, and its compounds are believed to have calming effects on the skin.


Its growing popularity in skincare products and daily skincare routines highlights its versatility for various skin types, including sensitive and oily skin. This guide explores how matcha green tea and its rich antioxidant content can improve skin texture, boost skin elasticity, and support overall skin wellness.

Matcha powder in a wooden bowl.

What is Matcha and Why Is It Good for Your Skin?

Matcha is a powdered green tea made by grinding whole tea leaves from the camellia sinensis plant into a fine, vibrant green powder. This unique process preserves all the nutrients, making matcha more concentrated than traditional green tea.


Known for its rich antioxidant content and amino acids, matcha green tea powder is celebrated as a health drink and is widely used in skincare for its potential benefits. Its ability to promote glowing skin and protect against free radical damage makes it a popular choice for skincare routines.

What are Some Matcha Tea Benefits for Skin?

Matcha tea is packed with nutrients that detoxify, protect, and nourish the skin. These components work together to enhance skin health and maintain a radiant complexion.


"Matcha green tea contains a high concentration of antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which helps protect the skin from free radical damage caused by pollution and UV exposure.”

Top Benefits of Matcha Green Tea for Skin Health

Matcha green tea offers several powerful benefits for skin wellness. Its rich composition makes it a versatile ingredient for improving the skin's overall health and appearance.

Antioxidant Powerhouse for Fighting Free Radicals

Matcha green tea contains a high concentration of antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which helps protect the skin from free radical damage caused by pollution and UV exposure. These potent antioxidants also reduce signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, while promoting a radiant complexion. Drinking matcha or skincare products with matcha helps fight oxidative stress, making the skin healthier and more youthful.

Matcha powder being whisked into tea in a bowl.

Reduces Inflammation and Soothes Irritated Skin

Matcha's anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for calming irritated skin, reducing redness, and alleviating puffiness. Its rich green tea extracts contain natural compounds that soothe sensitive skin and help manage conditions like acne breakouts or eczema. Incorporating matcha into your daily skincare routine can help balance the skin’s pH levels and maintain a calm, even skin tone.

Detoxifies and Purifies the Skin

Matcha’s chlorophyll content is believed to have purifying properties that may benefit the skin. This detoxifying effect can help clear clogged pores, reduce acne breakouts, and prevent future blemishes. Mixing matcha powder with aloe vera gel or coconut oil to create a matcha face mask is an excellent way to achieve glowing skin and enhance your skin’s wellness.

Protects Against UV Damage and Pollution

The antioxidants in matcha, particularly EGCG, may help reduce oxidative stress caused by UV rays and pollutants. These natural antioxidants prevent sun damage, photoaging skin, and oxidative stress caused by daily exposure to pollution. Drinking matcha tea or applying it topically with skincare products ensures better protection and long-term skin health.

Boosts Collagen Production for Youthful Skin

Matcha contains amino acids and vitamins that are thought to support skin health and elasticity. Collagen also helps improve skin texture and promotes a brighter complexion. Incorporating organic matcha into skincare routines or drinking matcha daily can enhance your skin's natural elasticity and restore its youthful glow.

A glowing face with smooth, radiant skin.

How to Use Matcha in Your Skincare Routine

Drinking matcha regularly may support overall health and contribute to skin wellness. Matcha green tea benefits the skin by providing hydration and delivering antioxidants, which help combat free radical damage and promote glowing skin. Incorporating matcha tea into your daily routine can enhance your skin’s hydration, reduce redness, and improve its elasticity.

Applying Matcha Topically in DIY Skincare Treatments

Matcha is a versatile ingredient for at-home skincare treatments. Using culinary matcha in DIY recipes ensures the maximum benefits for your skin.


  • Matcha Face Mask: Mix matcha powder with aloe vera gel and a few drops of coconut oil to soothe and hydrate irritated skin.

  • Matcha Scrub: Combine matcha green tea powder with sugar and a small amount of olive oil to gently exfoliate dead skin cells.

  • Matcha Toner: Brew matcha tea and let it cool before using it as a natural toner to brighten your complexion and tighten your pores.

Incorporating Matcha-Infused Skincare Products

High-quality skincare products that include matcha as a key ingredient can hydrate, soothe, and nourish the skin. These products often combine matcha with other natural antioxidants like green tea extracts and potent vitamins to enhance skin health. Look for matcha-infused skincare items like cleansers, serums, and moisturizers to easily incorporate this superfood into your daily skincare routine.

Matcha face mask.

Can Matcha Help with Specific Skin Concerns?

Does Matcha Help with Acne?

Yes, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce redness and manage acne. Matcha face masks or toners may help calm inflammation and improve oily skin.

Is Matcha Good for Anti-Aging?

Yes, matcha’s antioxidant content may help reduce oxidative stress and support skin health. Its epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) helps maintain a youthful, radiant complexion.

Can Matcha Improve Skin Tone and Texture?

Yes, matcha is believed to improve skin tone and texture and may help minimize the appearance of scars and dark spots. Its vitamins and amino acids enhance skin tone, promote even skin texture, and support a smoother, healthier look.

Face with acne.

Common Myths About Matcha for Skin

Is Matcha Only for Drinking?

Matcha is not just for drinking; it can also be applied topically for remarkable skin benefits. Drinking matcha tea provides antioxidants and hydration from within while using matcha in DIY skincare treatments or matcha-infused skincare products directly targets skin concerns like acne, redness, and dullness. Combining these methods ensures comprehensive skin wellness.

Does Matcha Cause Skin Irritation?

Matcha is generally gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties make it effective for calming irritation. However, it’s important to patch-test DIY matcha treatments before applying them to your face, especially when mixing matcha powder with other ingredients.

Is Ceremonial Matcha Better for Skincare Than Culinary Matcha?

While ceremonial matcha is a higher-grade powder designed for drinking, culinary matcha is equally effective for skincare purposes. Culinary matcha provides the same detoxifying and antioxidant benefits and is more affordable, making it a practical choice for DIY masks, scrubs, and toners.

Bowl of vibrant green matcha.

Expounding the Benefits of Matcha for Skin Health

Matcha is a powerhouse for skin health, offering antioxidants to fight free radical damage, anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritation, and detoxifying agents to purify the skin. Whether incorporated into your diet or skincare routine, matcha green tea promotes glowing, healthy skin. Experiment with DIY matcha face masks or explore matcha-infused skincare products to find what works best for your needs and enjoy the benefits of radiant skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I use matcha on my skin?

Matcha can be applied 2-3 times per week, depending on your skin type and concerns.

Can matcha help with oily skin?

Yes, matcha’s detoxifying properties help regulate sebum production and clear up excess oil.

Is it safe to use matcha on sensitive skin?

Yes, matcha is gentle and anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Can drinking matcha alone improve my skin?

Drinking matcha regularly can provide internal support for skin health, but combining it with topical treatments will maximize the benefits.

Which matcha is best for skincare: ceremonial or culinary?

Culinary matcha is more cost-effective and more beneficial for skincare than ceremonial matcha.

REFERENCES

  1. Di Sotto, A., Gullì, M., Percaccio, E., Vitalone, A., Mazzanti, G., & Di Giacomo, S. (2022). Efficacy and Safety of Oral Green Tea Preparations in Skin Ailments: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies. Nutrients, 14(15), 3149. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153149

  2. Lu, P. H., & Hsu, C. H. (2016). Does supplementation with green tea extract improve acne in post-adolescent women? A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 25, 159-163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2016.03.004

  3. Martins, T., Barros, A. N., Rosa, E., & Antunes, L. (2023). Enhancing Health Benefits through Chlorophylls and Chlorophyll-Rich Agro-Food: A Comprehensive Review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 28(14), 5344. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145344

  4. Mokra, D., Joskova, M., & Mokry, J. (2022). Therapeutic Effects of Green Tea Polyphenol (‒)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) in Relation to Molecular Pathways Controlling Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(1), 340. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010340

  5. Ouyang, J., Zhu, K., Liu, Z., & Huang, J. (2020). Prooxidant Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in Health Benefits and Potential Adverse Effect. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2020, 9723686. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/9723686

  6. Park K. (2015). Role of micronutrients in skin health and function. Biomolecules & therapeutics, 23(3), 207–217. https://doi.org/10.4062/biomolther.2015.003

  7. Sivanesan, I., Gopal, J., Muthu, M., Chun, S., & Oh, J. -W. (2021). Retrospecting the Antioxidant Activity of Japanese Matcha Green Tea–Lack of Enthusiasm? Applied Sciences, 11(11), 5087. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11115087 

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. James Pendleton

Dr. James Pendleton is a primary care physician specializing in a naturopathic approach to family medicine. He has nurtured a family practice in Seattle, directed a VIP medical center in Abu Dhabi, published several books and scientific articles, and designed innovative nutritional supplements for manufacturers worldwide.