Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Also known as Green Tea Leaf Extract, Tea Leaf Extract, Green Tea Extract
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
The CIR Expert Panel assessed Camellia sinensis-derived leaf ingredients as safe in current cosmetic use concentrations when formulated to be non-sensitizing (Final report 09/2014). A 2019 IJT re-review (PMID 31840549) confirmed this conclusion for leaf-derived ingredients, noting that systemic exposure from cosmetic applications is substantially lower than from beverage consumption. Topical EGCG (the primary bioactive catechin) showed minor dermal irritation in some animal models and moderate sensitizing potential in guinea pig maximization testing (PMID 16387402), supporting the CIR's non-sensitizing formulation condition.
Potent antioxidant activity via catechins (EGCG, ECG, EGC, EC) — scavenges reactive oxygen species
Skin-conditioning and anti-inflammatory properties documented in multiple in vitro and clinical studies
Substantially lower systemic exposure from cosmetic use than from oral tea consumption
- · Moderate sensitization potential of EGCG in guinea pig maximization test — supports CIR non-sensitizing condition
- · Cumulative sensitization risk when multiple botanicals with shared constituents (polyphenols, tannins) are co-formulated
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract row: Finding=SQ, Citation=Final report 09/2014 avai…
“Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract | SQ | safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non-sensitizing | Final report 09/2014 available from CIR”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 20