White tea is the least processed of all teas. That light touch is exactly why it is so interesting in skincare.
What Is White Tea Leaf Extract?
White tea comes from the same plant as green and black tea, Camellia Sinensis. The difference is in the processing: white tea is made from young leaves and buds that are simply withered and dried, with minimal oxidation. In our formulas it is sourced from organic farming.
Because it is so lightly processed, white tea keeps a high level of polyphenols, the plant compounds behind tea's antioxidant reputation.
What It Does for Skin
Offers strong antioxidant activity. In a 2009 laboratory study in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine that tested extracts from 21 plants, white tea showed the highest anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activity of the group, along with high antioxidant activity. Collagenase and elastase are enzymes that break down the proteins that keep skin firm.
Helps protect against everyday stress. Antioxidants help skin defend itself against environmental stressors like pollution and UV exposure.
Supports a radiant look. As part of a well-built formula, white tea helps skin look fresher and more youthful.
Where You'll Find It at True Colour Beauty
The Double Hydration Boost Gel pairs white tea with a multi-weight hyaluronic acid complex and aloe leaf juice.
The AHA Exfoliating Concentrate adds white tea to an exfoliating formula for antioxidant support.
How to Use It
White tea is gentle and layers well with most ingredients. Use products as directed, and finish your morning routine with sunscreen. Antioxidants and sunscreen work best as a team.
What the Research Doesn't Say
The 2009 findings come from lab tests of extracts, not from a clinical trial of a finished product on people. They show why white tea is a promising antioxidant, not that a cream will rebuild collagen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is white tea better than green tea for skin?
Both are rich in antioxidants. White tea is less processed and performed especially well in the lab study above.
Does white tea contain caffeine?
Tea leaves naturally contain some caffeine. The amount in a skincare extract is small.
Are True Colour Beauty products cruelty-free?
Yes. True Colour Beauty is Leaping Bunny certified.
The Lightest Tea, Strong Support
White tea is a quiet but powerful antioxidant in a modern routine. Explore the True Colour Beauty skincare collection, or read about its sibling in Black Tea Leaf Extract in Skincare.
Sources
Thring TS, Hili P, Naughton DP. Anti-collagenase, anti-elastase and anti-oxidant activities of extracts from 21 plants. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2009;9:27.
Dunaway S, et al. Natural antioxidants: multiple mechanisms to protect skin from solar radiation. Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:392.
