EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATE (EGCG)

EGCG is the abbreviation for Epigallocatechin Gallate, one of the most important polyphenolic compounds from green tea.(Camellia sinensis). This molecule, which belongs to the class of catechins, is known for its various 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) that are generated by UV radiation, cigarette smoke, or oxidative stress. ROS promote the progression of skin aging, wrinkle formation, and pigmentation. An excessive production of ROS activates the intracellular programmed cell death (apoptosis).1 Therefore, EGCG is also attributed with antimutagenic and antitumor effects. (1, 2,3)

An in vitro study from 2018 concluded that EGCG is suitable as a cosmetic ingredient not only because of its radical-scavenging activity but also due to its positive effects on skin moisture and reduced wrinkle formation. (1)

The strong antioxidant is capable of rejuvenating skin cells, effectively protecting them from ionizing radiation, and improving the overall condition of the skin. EGCG is used in cosmetic products to effectively prevent premature skin aging and serves 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.