Glycolic Acid + Green Tea Extract (EGCG)
Safe to Combine
These ingredients are generally well-tolerated together with no special precautions needed.
Green tea extract provides antioxidant protection that complements glycolic acid's exfoliating action.
What the Research Says
Green tea extract, particularly its active compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is one of the most well-researched antioxidants in skincare. It neutralizes free radicals, reduces UV-induced oxidative stress, and has anti-inflammatory properties. These benefits make it an excellent companion to glycolic acid, which can temporarily increase the skin's vulnerability to environmental damage by removing protective dead cell layers.
The antioxidant protection from green tea extract helps shield newly exfoliated skin from oxidative stress while glycolic acid does its work. EGCG has also been shown to inhibit collagenase (the enzyme that breaks down collagen), which complements glycolic acid's ability to stimulate new collagen production. Together, they address skin aging from multiple angles: glycolic acid promotes cell turnover and collagen synthesis, while green tea protects existing collagen from degradation.
There are no pH conflicts or chemical interactions between these ingredients. Green tea extract is stable across a wide pH range and does not interfere with glycolic acid's exfoliating mechanism.
Timing & How to Use
Can be applied together in the same routine without any timing restrictions. Layer glycolic acid first, then a green tea serum or moisturizer. Green tea extract is also excellent as a morning antioxidant when glycolic acid is used at night.
Practical Tips
- 1Look for products listing EGCG, camellia sinensis leaf extract, or polyphenols
- 2Green tea extract is particularly useful as a morning antioxidant alongside sunscreen
- 3Vitamin C and green tea together provide enhanced antioxidant protection after glycolic acid exfoliation
- 4Green tea's anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe skin after glycolic acid application
References
- OyetakinWhite P, et al. Protective mechanisms of green tea polyphenols in skin. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2012;2012:560682.
- Katiyar SK, et al. Green tea polyphenols in chemoprevention of skin cancer. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol. 2001;14(3):69-76.
- Elmets CA, et al. Cutaneous photoprotection from ultraviolet injury by green tea polyphenols. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;44(3):425-32.
