Cosmetics · Plant extracts
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Japanese Tea)
チャ葉エキス (Cha-ha ekisu)
Also known as: Green Tea Extract, Japanese Green Tea Extract
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract |
| Japanese labeling name | チャ葉エキス |
| Common Japanese notations | チャ葉エキス, 緑茶エキス |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Camellia sinensis) |
| Typical functions | Antioxidant, Astringent, Skin conditioning |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI labeling name dictionary. The same leaf base produces food and beverage teas under separate regulatory frameworks. |
Camellia sinensis leaf extract — usually sourced in Japan from green tea leaves grown in Shizuoka, Kagoshima, Mie, and other major tea regions — is one of the most widely used cosmetic ingredients in the country. Its catechin content, led by epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), underpins its positioning as a natural antioxidant.
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Face toners and essences
- Body washes and cleansers
- Hair products
- Oral care
What it is
Camellia sinensis leaf extract is produced by water or hydro-alcoholic extraction of green tea leaves. Japanese cosmetic-grade extracts typically use unfermented green tea as the source material, preserving catechin content.
Related but distinct ingredients include Camellia sinensis leaf powder (finely ground leaves for use as a particulate ingredient), Camellia sinensis leaf water (the distillate fraction), and fermented-tea-leaf variants.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In Japanese cosmetics, green tea extract is a near-ubiquitous supporting ingredient, appearing in toners, essences, face cleansers, body washes, hair products, and oral care. Antioxidant positioning is the dominant narrative.
In food and beverage, Camellia sinensis in its various preparations (sencha, matcha, hojicha, gyokuro, bancha) is the base of Japanese tea culture.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Cosmetic use is permitted under the JSCI dictionary. Food tea is separately regulated.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. Widely used in finished products. |
| China | Permitted per IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Widely used; permitted under KFDA / MFDS. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after each product's current full ingredient list has been verified.
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Related ingredients
References
- JSCI labeling name directory — チャ葉エキス
- EU CosIng entry: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.