EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATE (EGCG)

EGCG is the abbreviation for epigallocatechin gallate, one of the most important polyphenolic compounds found in green tea (Camellia sinensis). This molecule, which belongs to the class of catechins, is known for its many health benefits. These are based on its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (1, 2)

The antioxidant defense system protects our skin from reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by UV radiation, cigarette smoke or oxidative stress. ROS promote the progression of skin ageing, wrinkling and pigmentation. Excessive production of ROS activates cell-internal programmed cell death (apoptosis).1 EGCG is therefore also said to have antimutagenic and antitumor effects. (1, 2,3)

An in-vitro study from 2018 came to the conclusion that EGCG is not only suitable as a cosmetic ingredient due to its free radical scavenging activity, but also due to its positive effect on skin hydration and reduced wrinkle formation. (1)

The powerful antioxidant is able to rejuvenate skin cells, effectively protect them from ionizing radiation and improve the general condition of the skin. EGCG is used in cosmetic products to effectively prevent premature skin ageing and acts as a protective shield for our skin. (4, 5)

(1) Kim, E., Hwang, K., Lee, J., Han, S., Kim, E., Park, J., & Cho, J. (2018). Skin Protective Effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19.

(2) Nagle, D., Ferreira, D., & Zhou, Y. (2006). Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG): chemical and biomedical perspectives.. Phytochemistry, 67 17, 1849-55.

(3) Proniuk, S., Liederer, B., & Blanchard, J. (2002). Preformulation study of epigallocatechin gallate, a promising antioxidant for topical skin cancer prevention. Journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 91 1, 111-6.

(4) Chen, J., Li, Y., Zhu, Q., Li, T., Lu, H., Wei, N., Huang, Y., Shi, R., Ma, X., Wang, X., & Sheng, J. (2017). Anti-skin-aging effect of epigallocatechin gallate by regulating epidermal growth factor receptor pathway on aging mouse model induced by d-Galactose. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 164, 1-7.

(5) Zhu, W., Xu, J., Ge, Y., Cao, H., Ge, X., Luo, J., Xue, J., Yang, H., Zhang, S., & Cao, J. (2014). Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) protects skin cells from ionizing radiation via heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) overexpression. Journal of Radiation Research, 55, 1056-1065.