Yerba mate is a beloved drink across South America. The same leaves are also a source of antioxidants that make a quiet but useful addition to skincare.
What Is Mate Leaf Extract?
Mate Leaf Extract comes from Ilex Paraguariensis, a holly native to South America. In our formulas it is sourced from organic farming.
A 2011 review in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology summarizes mate's chemistry: it is rich in polyphenols, especially chlorogenic acids, and also contains methylxanthines such as caffeine, plus saponins. The review highlights mate's strong antioxidant activity.
What It Does for Skin
Adds antioxidant support. Mate's polyphenols help protect skin from environmental stressors.
Helps skin look fresh and energized. As part of a balancing formula, mate supports a clearer, brighter-looking complexion.
Complements oil-control ingredients. In our blemish-care products, mate works alongside kaolin clay and other balancing ingredients.
Where You'll Find It at True Colour Beauty
The Blemish Care Purifying Face Wash and the Blemish Care Daily Moisturizer both include organic mate leaf extract.
How to Use It
Cleanse morning and evening with the face wash, then follow with the moisturizer. Finish with sunscreen during the day. Mate is gentle and pairs well with the rest of a blemish-care routine.
What the Research Doesn't Say
Most mate research looks at the drink and at lab extracts. There is little clinical research on mate applied to skin, so we treat it as an antioxidant booster rather than a lead active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does mate extract contain caffeine?
Mate leaves naturally contain caffeine. The amount in a skincare extract is small.
Is it suitable for oily skin?
Yes. In our range it is used in products made for oily and blemish-prone skin.
Are True Colour Beauty products cruelty-free?
Yes. True Colour Beauty is Leaping Bunny certified.
From the Gourd to the Bottle
Mate brings antioxidant-rich polyphenols to a balancing routine. Explore the True Colour Beauty skincare collection.
Sources
Bracesco N, et al. Recent advances on Ilex paraguariensis research: minireview. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;136(3):378-384.
Heck CI, de Mejia EG. Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis): a comprehensive review on chemistry, health implications, and technological considerations. J Food Sci. 2007;72(9):R138-151.
