Green tea has long been known as a health-promoting beverage. But its benefits extend well beyond what is in your cup.
The leaves of Camellia sinensis contain polyphenols and catechins that are now widely studied for topical skincare applications. One of the most direct ways to harness the compounds in Camellia sinensis is through a green tea body scrub.
Unlike scrubs that rely solely on coarse granules for abrasion, a green tea body scrub offers a dual benefit: it removes dead skin cells while delivering antioxidants to the skin’s surface.
The following overview takes a closer look at what makes green tea effective for skincare, based on recent research findings.
Also Read: Japanese Self-Care Rituals That Can Help Your Body Feel Calmer Amid a Busy Life
Why Is Green Tea Good for the Skin?
The power of green tea lies in its polyphenol content, particularly a group of compounds called catechins.
Among the various types of catechins, the most dominant is EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), which accounts for approximately 59% of the total catechins in green tea (Febrinasari et al., 2025).
This compound has been the most extensively studied for its skin benefits, as outlined below.
1. Rich in Antioxidants That Combat Free Radicals
Exposure to pollution, UV radiation, and environmental stress generates free radicals that can damage skin cells and accelerate ageing. Green tea polyphenols help neutralise these free radicals before they have the chance to cause harm.
Research shows that EGCG can inhibit free radical production by 50-60% after skin cells are exposed to damaging agents (Febrinasari et al., 2025). Its ability to neutralise various types of free radicals reaches 40-90%, depending on the concentration of EGCG used.
2. Supports Skin Protection Against UV Rays
UV-B radiation is one of the primary causes of environmentally driven skin ageing. EGCG has shown promising protective effects in this area.
Studies found that the survival rate of skin cells after UV-B exposure increased by 71-85% with the application of EGCG (Febrinasari et al., 2025).
It is worth noting that the UV-protective benefit of green tea is supportive in nature. In other words, applying green tea to the skin helps reinforce the skin’s natural defences, but it does not replace the function of sunscreen in protecting against direct sun exposure.
3. Helps Maintain Moisture and Supports Elasticity
Green tea also helps the skin retain its moisture.
Clinical trials on volunteers showed that a topical formulation of green tea polyphenols was able to reduce water evaporation from the skin’s surface (Febrinasari et al., 2025).
On a related note, green tea extract has been shown to inhibit enzymes that break down elastin by up to 39%. Elastin is the component responsible for keeping skin supple and elastic, so inhibiting this enzyme helps maintain overall skin firmness.
How a Green Tea Body Scrub Works on the Skin
When applied as a body scrub, green tea delivers its benefits through two mechanisms working in tandem.
1. Gentle yet Effective Exfoliation
The fine granules in a green tea scrub function as a physical exfoliant. They lift dead skin cells from the surface without the need for excessive friction.
This process helps clear pores, even out texture, and stimulate local blood circulation, which encourages the regeneration of new skin cells.
2. Nutrients Absorbed Directly into the Skin
Once the layer of dead skin cells has been removed, the skin becomes more receptive to absorbing nutrients. Antioxidants and polyphenols from the green tea can be absorbed more effectively at this stage.
If the scrub formula also contains natural oils, the combination helps lock in moisture so the skin does not feel dry after treatment.
3. A Naturally Brighter Skin Appearance
Studies show that EGCG can inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for excess melanin production, by up to 43% (Febrinasari et al., 2025). A green tea scrub does not “whiten” the skin; rather, it helps even out skin tone so it appears cleaner and more radiant.
Regular exfoliation also removes the dull surface layer, revealing fresher skin beneath.
Also Read: How to Make Your Soaking Experience More Calming
Experience the Benefits of Authentic Japanese Green Tea in Ryokucha Body Scrub from Onsei
Onsei brings the benefits of green tea into a real skincare treatment through the Ryokucha Body Scrub.
Ryokucha (Japanese green tea) is the primary ingredient of this scrub, rich in antioxidants, with fine granules and nourishing oils designed to remove dead skin cells while providing moisture. The Ryokucha Body Scrub treatment lasts 30 minutes and is available as an add-on to the massage of your choice.
For a more complete experience, the Ryokucha Body Scrub is also part of the Onsei Flow Ceremony and the Onsei Bamboo Ceremony, rituals that combine massage, body scrub, and a Signature Onsen Bath in one seamless sequence.
Book here to experience the benefits of green tea firsthand at Onsei.
References
Febrinasari, R. P., Benedictus, B., Tan, K., Mardhiati, Y., Putri, S. K., Choiri, S., & Wahyuni, D. S. C. (2025). Green tea as a cosmetic agent for skin aging: A scoping review. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 14(5), 1393-1407.
