Green tea is derived from the young leaves of Camellia sinensis, an evergreen shrub with glossy foliage and delicate white blossoms native to East Asia. Long valued as a daily ritual for vitality, it has become a cornerstone of modern skincare. With its fresh, vegetal character, it brings notable antioxidant support—helping to reinforce the skin’s resilience against everyday environmental stressors.
“Green tea is the quiet luxury of skincare — refined, restorative, and endlessly protective.”
Benefits
Antioxidant Guardian
Green tea is rich in catechins—most notably EGCG—alongside polyphenols and essential vitamins. Together, these compounds provide strong antioxidant support, helping to defend against environmental stressors while soothing visible redness and supporting a more even, refined complexion. Its calming properties also make it well-suited to blemish-prone skin, while contributing to the maintenance of skin elasticity over time.
History
Ancient Ritual
Green tea traces its origins to ancient China, where it was first revered for its restorative qualities. By the 9th century, it became central to Japanese tea ceremonies, symbolising balance and mindfulness. Introduced to the West centuries later, it evolved from a daily infusion into a valued cosmetic ingredient, gaining prominence in modern formulations for its antioxidant profile and enduring association with clarity and care.
Cultivation
Misty Shade Lover
Camellia sinensis flourishes in humid, temperate climates, favouring acidic, well-drained soils and partial shade. Often grown in mist-laden highland regions, the shrubs are carefully pruned to encourage tender new growth. The most prized leaves are cultivated slowly, developing a refined composition suited to high-quality green tea.
Harvest & Extraction
Tender Prime
The youngest leaves and buds are hand-harvested at first light, when their composition is most delicate. To preserve their freshness, they are quickly steamed or gently heated to prevent oxidation, maintaining their characteristic green profile. For skincare, the leaves are typically extracted using water, glycerin, or advanced methods such as CO₂ extraction, yielding concentrated infusions rich in protective polyphenols.
