BOTANICAL EXTRACT
White Tea Leaf Extract
Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract
An extract of the young, lightly processed buds and leaves of the tea plant, rich in polyphenol antioxidants and used to help skin stand up to everyday environmental stress.
Source
Young buds and leaves of the tea plant, simply withered and dried
Used for
Antioxidant support, all skin types
How it works
The gentlest tea, picked young.
White tea comes from the same plant as green and black tea, Camellia sinensis. What makes it white tea is how little is done to it: the young buds and leaves are picked and simply dried, without the rolling and oxidation that turn leaves into black tea. Because of that gentle handling, white tea keeps much of the leaf's natural polyphenols, and it has been reported to show strong antioxidant capacity.
In a study with volunteers, white and green tea extracts applied to the skin helped it cope better with simulated sunlight, even though neither acted as a sunscreen, so tea extracts work alongside daily sun protection rather than replacing it.
In cosmetics the tea leaf extract is listed as an antioxidant, humectant and skin conditioning ingredient. It brings a light, fresh feel to toners, gels, serums and creams and suits every skin type, morning or night.
In a study with volunteers, white and green tea extracts applied to the skin helped it cope better with simulated sunlight, even though neither acted as a sunscreen, so tea extracts work alongside daily sun protection rather than replacing it.
In cosmetics the tea leaf extract is listed as an antioxidant, humectant and skin conditioning ingredient. It brings a light, fresh feel to toners, gels, serums and creams and suits every skin type, morning or night.
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01
Rich in natural tea polyphenols with antioxidant activity
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Helps skin stand up to everyday environmental stress
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Light and fresh, suits every skin type
Questions
What is the difference between white, green and black tea?
All three come from the leaves of the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The difference is what happens after picking: white tea is the least handled, green tea is not fermented, and black tea is fermented, which oxidises its polyphenols into the compounds behind its dark colour. (Tenore et al., 2015)
Why is white tea used in skincare?
For its antioxidant polyphenols. Tea polyphenols are well known antioxidants, which is why white tea extract is added to formulas designed to help skin face everyday environmental stress. (Tenore et al., 2015)
Can white tea extract replace sunscreen?
No, and it is not meant to. In a study with volunteers, white tea extract applied to skin helped it handle simulated sunlight better, but it had no sunscreen effect of its own. It is best thought of as a supporting antioxidant to use alongside a daily SPF. (Camouse et al., 2009)
Is white tea extract suitable for sensitive skin?
It is generally a gentle, well-liked ingredient for all skin types. In the European cosmetic ingredient database, tea leaf extract is listed with skin conditioning, humectant and tonic functions, which describe its light, comfortable feel on the skin. (COSMILE Europe)
About the plant
White, green and black teas are all made from the buds and leaves of Camellia sinensis. White tea is the rarest and least handled of the three, and its polyphenol content is shaped by how gently the leaves are treated after picking. (Tenore et al., 2015)
In cosmetics the leaf is used as an extract with antioxidant, humectant, skin conditioning and tonic among its functions. (COSMILE Europe)
In cosmetics the leaf is used as an extract with antioxidant, humectant, skin conditioning and tonic among its functions. (COSMILE Europe)
The research
- Camouse MM, Domingo DS, Swain FR, Conrad EP, Matsui MS, Maes D, Declercq L, Cooper KD, Stevens SR, Baron ED. Topical application of green and white tea extracts provides protection from solar-simulated ultraviolet light in human skin. Experimental Dermatology. 2009;18(6):522-526. PMID: 19492999. (opens in a new tab)
- Tenore GC, Daglia M, Ciampaglia R, Novellino E. Exploring the nutraceutical potential of polyphenols from black, green and white tea infusions: an overview. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. 2015;16(3):265-271. PMID: 25601602. (opens in a new tab)
- COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe) cosmetic ingredient database: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (plant: Assam tea, black tea, Chinese tea, green tea; leaves; solvent extract; functions include antioxidant, humectant, skin conditioning, emollient, skin protecting, tonic, astringent) (opens in a new tab)
Found In
Type: Face Care
Lactic Acid Overnight Concentrate
30mlRegular price £38.00Sale price Regular price
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