Does Matcha Actually Offer Any Skincare Benefits?

What is matcha?

Matcha is a vibrant green powder made from finely ground, shade-grown green tea leaves. “Unlike traditional green tea, the whole leaf is consumed, delivering a more concentrated source of nutrients,” Axa Toyloy-Ashi, Tatcha’s Education Manager, tells us.

She goes on to explain that matcha is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and tea ceremony rituals, symbolising balance and mindfulness – much like that of a skincare ritual.

Does drinking matcha provide any skincare benefits?

In short, yes.

“Matcha is rich in powerful antioxidants, which help protect your body from oxidative stress, a key contributor to premature ageing and dullness,” Axa adds. It also contains polyphenols and flavonoids, which help to reduce inflammation, while chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for matcha's vivid green colour, aids in detoxification and supports healthy skin from within.

Matcha is also a source of vitamins A, C and K, alongside minerals like zinc and magnesium - all of which play a role in maintaining a healthy, balanced complexion. It also contains L-theanine, which promotes a sense of calm and focus, and since stress plays such a big role in the appearance of our skin, that's no small benefit either.

Can similar benefits be achieved with matcha-infused skincare?

If you like the sound of these benefits but consider yourself more of a coffee or English breakfast tea drinker, don't worry. Axa tells us that you can still reap the benefits by incorporating matcha into your beauty routine.

“When used in skincare, matcha helps to calm and soothe skin, reduce visible redness and protect against environmental stressors,” she says. “Topical application allows these benefits to work directly on your skin’s surface.”

Therefore, matcha-infused skincare can be a particularly good fit for acne-prone skin, helping to calm inflammation, balance excess oil and support overall clarity.

How to use matcha in your skincare routine

Intrigued? We’ve rounded up our favourite matcha-infused products to try for yourself.