Don't just drink matcha, add it to your skincare routine too

Matcha madness has taken over the world and the love for the sprightly green drink has been so abundant, Japan is reported to be running out of it. From Kylie Jenner to Gwyneth Paltrow to Brad Pitt, celebrities from across the world have exalted the drink for its many health benefits. Consumption is continuing to rise but now, it's no longer limited to lattes. While you've seen its inclusion is most desserts and juices already, expect for the matcha obsession to reach an entirely new level as it's now even in skincare. The ceremonial tea has been replacing coffee as the beverage of choice these days, and is steadily making its way onto beauty shelves too. In 2024, we saw the surge of the colour green in makeup, all thanks to Charlie XCX’s Brat trend. This year, we can thank this Japanese tea for infusing that very same colour into skincare regimens. 

"Matcha-infused products can help give your skin a radiant appearance"

Matcha has been stealing the spotlight as a skincare ingredient recently, so much so that it has even been giving competition to niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Now shedding its pretentious label with its availability across beverage chains, it is also achieving mass appeal thanks to its integration in mainstream beauty. Says Dr. Bindu Sthalekar, a celebrity dermatologist and founder of Skin Smart Solutions in Mumbai, "Matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins like EGCG which help neutralise free radicals, reduce inflammation, and protect the skin from environmental stressors. It’s especially helpful in calming redness, improving skin tone, and supporting the skin’s natural repair process. If you’re someone who deals with dullness or occasional breakouts, matcha-infused products can help give your skin a more balanced, radiant appearance.”

This is due to matcha containing chlorophyll, L-theanine, and high levels of catechins, which are powerful antioxidants. These compounds help reduce oxidative stress, support detoxification, and have anti-bacterial properties. For topical use, Dr. Sthalekar advises using matcha as a face pack or using it as a cleanser. 

(Also read: 7 Mumbai cafes that will be matcha made in heaven for every matcha lover)

"Topical matcha use helps in calming the skin"

Pratishta Rawat, the founder of Glow Glossary, a ceremonial-grade matcha brand, speaks about the benefits one can be reap from the topical use of matcha. “Drinking matcha can lead to a detox and repair cells, whereas its topical use helps in calming the skin and soothing inflammation. Cult beauty brands such as Laneige have also hopped on to the matcha train, with their iconic lip balm and lip sleeping mask getting a matcha variant. Elsewhere, matcha is steadily finding itself as a potent skincare ingredient in cleansers and face masks with Indian brands, like Clay Co and Quench Botanics, too.

Resonating deeply with today's consumers who are always eager to jump onto a trend, it's no surprise that matcha-infused products are all the rage as they promise aesthetic appeal with skincare benefits backed by experts.

(Also read: Has hair oiling become cool again? Gen Z is saying yes)