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6 Matcha Beauty Benefits That Make It More Than Just Your Fave Drink

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By Dahvi Shira
Published on April 9, 20255 min read
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You’re probably no stranger to drinking matcha (namely, a matcha latte). Or heck, you’ve at least tried regular green tea. The popular green matcha powder is even sold in ceremonial grade form at grocery and health stores. In fact, we personally love to use matcha for baking. But in addition to its versatility, and providing a lighter, less caffeinated alternative to coffee, the superfood boasts many beauty benefits and promotes healthy skin. In fact, matcha, or “green tea” is found in a number of skincare products, including cleansers, serums, and toners.

We reached out to Olive Kim, the co-founder of THE CRÉME SHOP, to offer insight into matcha beauty benefits. “Matcha is a green tea leaf that’s finely ground to a powder, rather than steeping the leaves and drinking their extract,” Kim explains, of how we even became acquainted with the popular ingredient in the first place. “In Korean culture, matcha is served as a symbol of hospitality and respect, and drinking it is associated with mindfulness and reflection, which carries through to self-care.”

More than just a tasty product you consume with health benefits, “It’s also a symbolic gesture,” says Kim. “So even when you use topical products infused with the ingredient, it provides a moment of total self-care.”

Below, Kim shares six major beauty benefits of matcha, while we share some of our favorite matcha skincare beauty products that contain the powerful ingredient.

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Meet the Expert

Olive Kim is the founder of beauty-boosting CLÖUD CAFÉ powders, which offer a premium Korean Jeju matcha latte. She’s also the co-founder of popular K-beauty brand, THE CRÉME SHOP.

6 Matcha Beauty Benefits You Need to Know

1. Matcha Is Rich in Antioxidants

When we’re exposed to oxidative stress, we’re more prone to damaged skin cells, premature aging, dullness, wrinkles, and inflammation. Green tea is known to be a leading supplier of antioxidants, which neutralize UV radiation and other environmental stressors.

“Matcha is full of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and chronic disease,” says Kim. Our rec? The PURLISSE BEAUTY Matcha Green Tea Antioxidant Priming Moisturizer because not only smells like a dream, but it primes the skin for makeup, while amplifying moisture in the skin. We love its lightweight texture, noncomedogenic formula, and suitability for even sensitive skin types. 

2. Matcha Has Anti-Aging Properties 

While matcha’s antioxidant properties are more commonly known, “A lot of people don’t know that matcha also naturally contains vitamin C,” Kim shares. “This helps brighten dullness, sun spots, and other signs of aging.”

The INNISFREE Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum is our tried-and-true for targeting hyperpigmentation and giving life to skin that needs a refresh.

3. Matcha Is Metabolism-Boosting and Detoxifying 

Whether we’ve had a few too many glasses of wine, over-indulged in pizza, or have been under the weather, we can always use a metabolic boost or detoxification to get gunk out of our system.

“As a natural metabolism booster, matcha helps balance and stabilize blood sugar after consuming fatty or oily foods,” Kim explains. “Because it has detoxifying qualities, it also helps improve skin health, reduce excess oils, and improve overall skin appearance.”

4. Matcha Can Help Reduce Stress 

We’re definitely no strangers to how stress can cause your hair to fall out, and that acne is often triggered by stress—so we were pleased to hear that matcha can kick that uncomfy feeling to the curb.

“Matcha naturally contains L-theanine and iron, which help boost cognitive function and promote stress reduction,” says Kim.

5. Matcha Helps Sustain Energy

While caffeine has known beauty benefits when applied topically, when consumed orally, there have been known beauty drawbacks. Because it’s a diuretic, it can cause water loss, which can lead to saggy, dehydrated skin. Matcha provides a sustained energy boost for those sensitive to caffeine,” says Kim, explaining that you can reap the benefits of caffeine without consuming as much as you would with coffee, for example. 

6. Matcha Is a Grounding Self-Care Moment

As you wrap up your morning skincare routine, incorporating a cup of matcha can cap off your personal care process.

“The act of making yourself a matcha, or going to a coffee shop can be a meditative routine,” says Kim. “It’s a moment to show yourself kindness and take care of yourself.”

Before you brew your cup, you can incorporate one of our favorite matcha products into your a.m. routine. We love the MILK MAKEUP Matcha Detoxifying Face Mask for pulling impurities out of skin with kaolin clay, while a combination of glycerin and plant oils help maintain and lock in moisture and hydration to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Final Thoughts on Matcha’s Beauty Benefits

Matcha green tea powder is considered a universally good-for-you ingredient. The antioxidant-rich substance from a green tea leaf supports internal health, while offering a wide array of beauty benefits. It boosts your metabolism which aids weight-loss, while also helping combat skin conditions like sun damage and signs of aging. It’s also culturally associated with meditation and grounding, making it the perfect accompaniment to a beauty or general self-care routine. The wellness fan favorite overall promotes positive well-being. Matcha beauty products are known to be safe and effective for everyone, including those with acne-prone skin, breakouts, or generally irritated skin.

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