Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract is primarily an antioxidant/soothing botanical used at low concentrations (often <1–5%) and is generally well-tolerated in clinical use. However, as a complex plant extract containing polyphenols and other constituents, it has a small but real risk of irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in highly reactive or eczema-prone patients, especially in leave-on products and when combined with other actives. Given this nonzero sensitization potential despite overall good tolerability, it fits best as a gentle (not inert) ingredient. Safety Notes: In mass-market cleansers, toners, and emulsions, Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract is often used at very low levels (~0.0005–0.05%) as a label/antioxidant-support botanical, especially when supplied as a dilute liquid extract in glycerin/butanediol. Leave-on serums, essences, and targeted antioxidant products commonly use ~0.1–2%, while high-strength consumer-available “green tea” concentrates and ampoules can reach ~3–5% when formulators use higher-active extracts (often standardized) and manage color/odor and polyphenol stability; rinse-off formats generally sit lower than leave-on due to limited contact time.