Epigallocatechin Gallate
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a potent polyphenol primarily found in green tea, comprising approximately one-third of its dry weight. While EGCG can also be found in trace amounts in other natural sources such as apple peels, onions, plums, pistachios, kiwis, and pears, green tea remains the primary and richest source of this valuable antioxidant. The cultivation of green tea originates from China but has now spread to countries like Japan, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan. In Europe, tea plantations are scarce due to unfavorable climatic conditions, with only a few located in Turkey and the Azores, and they do not hold significant economic significance. The growth of tea plants requires a tropical to subtropical climate with high humidity and stable temperatures.
The health benefits of epigallocatechin gallate
Research results have indicated for a very long time that epigallocatechin gallate has positive health-promoting effects. The active ingredient is considered an effective remedy for many ailments and diseases: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and HIV, for example; high blood lipid and blood sugar levels; women’s diseases such as endometriosis and fibroids; and also in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Epigallocatechin gallate is able to minimize the formation of tumor blood vessels in both benign and malignant tumors. A tumor is known to be unable to grow without blood vessels. In addition, Epigallocatechin gallate is said to be able to inhibit the growth of polyps in the intestine. In addition, the University Hospital of Barcelona found that EGCG-treatment contributed to a clear improvement in cognitive performance in adults with Down syndrome. Another study from 2014 was able to demonstrate that Epigallocatechin gallate is very suitable for preventing stress, as the substance is able to inhibit its conversion into the stress hormone cortisol.
When an active ingredient has such wide-ranging modes of action, it usually lends itself to use in cosmetics. And indeed, Epigallocatechin gallate can also have a positive influence on our skin and is now regarded as an innovative cosmetic active ingredient of the future.
Epigallocatechin gallate as a dietary supplement
Epigallocatechin gallate is generally considered to be very well tolerated. Caution is only advised when epigallocatechin gallate is administered internally as a dietary supplement. In this case, an increase in blood pressure and even liver damage are possible from a daily dose of 800 milligrams. However, this risk does not exist with external and local application (cosmetics). The consumption of green tea as an infusion drink has also been classified as harmless by the European Food Safety Authority, even when consumed in large quantities.
The power of epigallocatechin gallate: the benefits in cosmetics
Epigallocatechin gallate, commonly found in green tea extracts, is a beneficial ingredient in cosmetic products. It is used in various skincare products such as creams, lotions, serums, face masks, and eye creams.
When applied topically, EGCG provides numerous skin benefits. It has been proven to have a positive effect on UV-induced skin damage due to its antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage. Additionally, EGCG has been found to be effective in reducing redness and vasodilation associated with skin conditions like rosacea and erythema.
Studies have also shown that epigallocatechin gallate is an excellent anti-aging agent. It increases skin thickness by promoting the production of keratinocytes, which are essential for wound healing, immune response, and UV protection. Furthermore, EGCG regulates the formation of filaggrins, key proteins that contribute to the skin barrier function, thus helping to counteract the skin aging process.
For optimal absorption into the skin, EGCG can be combined with liposomes, which enhance its availability. This makes it an ideal ingredient for highly effective anti-aging cosmetics as well as for regenerating and treating stressed skin, such as cracked, reddened, or irritated skin, that may be deficient in filaggrins.
An individual cosmetic formula development is our strength. We can develop a product with EGCG for your product line and manufacture it from as little as 5 kg.
Fact Sheet EGCG
INCI: Epigallocatechin Gallate
Alternative names: EGCG , (2R,3R)-2-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-1(2H)-benzopyran-3,5,7-triol-3-(3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate), Tea Catechins.
CAS number: 989-51-5
Extraction: from green tea
Description: white to pinkish, odorless solid
Melting point: 218 degrees Celsius
Solubility: soluble in ethanol, methanol, water, acetones, tetrahydrofuran, and pyridine
Molecular Formula: C22H18O11
Action: valuable antioxidant, contributes to the growth inhibition of blood vessels, inhibits 11-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (resulting in lower cortisol availability), regulates protein kinase inhibitor, counteracts the skin aging process, improves skin thickness
Fields of application: for high-quality anti-aging products as well as for cosmetics against chapped, irritated, and reddened skin
We like to work with raw materials containing EGCG:
| Trade Name | Company Name | INCI | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Tea Extract (EGCG) 90 | Gfn-Selco | Epigallocatechin Gallate | |
| EGCG | Vital-Chem Zhuhai Co.,Ltd. | Epigallocatechin Gallate | |
| EcoCare EGCG | Ecochem Specialities Ltd. | Epigallocatechin Gallate | |
| Biochemica Matcha Green Tea | Hallstar | Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder | |
| Cosphaderm EGCg ECONAT | Cosphatec GmbH | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract | |
| Inoveol EGCG | Givaudan Active Beauty | Aqua , Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside | |
| Unisooth EG-28 | Givaudan Active Beauty | Propyl Gallate , Gallyl Glucoside , Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside |
EGCG as an innovative active ingredient for sophisticated cosmetics
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol predominantly found in green tea, has garnered recognition for its diverse benefits in medicine. However, its potential in cosmetics has also been established, particularly for addressing the needs of mature, stressed, and redness-prone skin. Cosmacon is pleased to offer comprehensive insights into the wide-ranging applications of this innovative active ingredient.
Sources:
Ethosomal (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate as a novel approach to enhance antioxidant, anti-collagenase and anti-elastase effects.; Beilstein J Nanotechnol. 2022 May 31;13:491-502.
Synergistic antimicrobial potential of EGCG and fosfomycin against biofilms associated with endodontic infections.; J Appl Oral Sci. 2023 Mar 27;31:e20220282.
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Condition for Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and Epigallocatechin Gallate in Lipid-Extracted Microalgae.; Molecules. 2020 Jan 21;25(3):454.
Identification and Quantification of Anthocyanin and Catechin Compounds in Purple Tea Leaves and Flakes.; Molecules. 2022 Oct 7;27(19):6676.
Niosomal Nanocarriers for Enhanced Dermal Delivery of Epigallocatechin Gallate for Protection against Oxidative Stress of the Skin.; Pharmaceutics. 2022 Mar 28;14(4):726.
Effect of α-Glucosylation on the Stability, Antioxidant Properties, Toxicity, and Neuroprotective Activity of (-)-Epigallocatechin Gallate.; Front Nutr. 2019 Mar 22;6:30