Green tea's main compound, EGCG, has been tested on skin oil-gland cells in the lab, on the skin, and by mouth[1][2]. A 2023 review in JAMA Dermatology listed green tea among the supplements with fair- or good-quality evidence of possible benefit for acne[3]. In a trial against a placebo, women with adult acne on green tea extract had fewer inflamed spots around the nose, chin and mouth[4]. ClearDerm with Probiotics includes green tea extract, alongside zinc and 20 other ingredients, to help promote clear skin[5]. Here is what the research shows.
On this page
From Anirva, the maker of ClearDerm with Probiotics. This article is general information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
- In the lab, EGCG acted on several features of acne.[1] In skin oil-gland cells, it lowered oil production and calmed inflammation signals; it also reduced the acne-linked bacterium.
- By mouth, one trial found fewer inflamed spots in some areas.[4] Women with adult acne had fewer inflamed spots on the nose, chin and around the mouth than on placebo; total spot counts did not differ.
- Reviews are mixed for capsules.[3][6] A 2023 review rated the oral green tea evidence fair or good quality; a 2021 meta-analysis found a clear benefit on the skin and a small one by mouth.
- On the skin, small studies found less oil and fewer spots.[1][7][8]
- ClearDerm provides 100 mg of green tea extract,[5] half of it EGCG.
Facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ingredient and form | Green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf extract, 50% EGCG |
| Amount in ClearDerm | 100 mg a day, in 2 capsules, giving about 50 mg of EGCG (calculated from the label) |
| Caffeine | [AMOUNT REQUIRED] mg per serving |
| EFSA finding on EGCG | Supplements at or above 800 mg of EGCG a day may harm the liver; EFSA could not name a safe dose |
| Kinds of evidence | Lab studies, one placebo-controlled oral acne trial, a skin trial with green tea drinks, small studies on the skin, and two reviews |
| Last reviewed | [DATE] |
What is green tea extract?
Green tea comes from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, which are steamed or pan fried and dried, but not fermented. It contains plant compounds called catechins, and caffeine.
EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is the main catechin in green tea. It is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant compound.
How may green tea help acne-prone skin?
A 2013 study tested EGCG on human skin oil-gland cells in the lab[1]:
- Oil. EGCG lowered oil production in the cells.
- Inflammation. It turned down two inflammation pathways.
- Bacteria. It reduced the acne-linked bacterium.
The authors wrote that EGCG targets "almost all the pathogenic features of acne." These were lab tests. The research is still growing on what EGCG by mouth does in skin.
What the studies show
By mouth: a placebo-controlled trial in women (2016)
Eighty women with moderate to severe adult acne took decaffeinated green tea extract or a placebo daily for 4 weeks[4]. 64, aged 25 to 45, completed it. The extract was 1,500 mg, providing 856 mg of EGCG. This is above the 800 mg level at which EFSA found possible liver concerns.
Compared with placebo, inflamed spots fell more on the nose, around the mouth and on the chin. Total spot counts did not differ between the groups.
The authors called for more research.
By mouth: green tea drinks and skin (2011)
Sixty healthy women aged 40 to 65, without acne, drank a green tea beverage or a control drink daily for 12 weeks[10]. The tea gave 1,402 mg of catechins a day.
In the green tea group, redness after UV light fell by 16% at 6 weeks and 25% at 12 weeks. Skin elasticity, roughness, scaling and moisture also improved.
On the skin
- EGCG on half the face (2013).[1] In an 8-week split-face trial, EGCG improved acne and was well tolerated.
- 2% green tea lotion (2009).[7] In 20 people with mild to moderate acne, spots fell from 24 to 10 on average over 6 weeks. There was no comparison group.
- Green tea emulsion and skin oil (2013).[8] In 22 healthy adults, green tea, alone or with lotus, lowered facial oil more than placebo on the other half of the face over 60 days.
What the reviews conclude
A 2016 review of eight studies found "some evidence" that tea polyphenols on the skin may lower skin oil and help acne[2]. It called for larger, high-quality studies, by mouth and on the skin.
A 2023 review in JAMA Dermatology looked at 42 trials of oral supplements for acne[3]. Studies of fair or good quality showed potential benefit for green tea, among a few others. Many studies were small.
A 2021 meta-analysis pooled 5 trials with 247 people[6]. Green tea on the skin clearly reduced inflamed spots and blackheads or whiteheads. By mouth, it reduced inflamed spots by about 1.4, with no effect on blackheads or whiteheads.
Study summary
| Study | What was used | People and length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lu 2016 | Oral extract, 856 mg EGCG | 80 women randomized, 64 completed; 4 weeks; vs placebo | Fewer inflamed spots in some areas; total no different |
| Heinrich 2011 | Green tea drink, 1,402 mg catechins | 60 healthy women (not acne); 12 weeks | Less UV redness; better texture |
| Yoon 2013 | EGCG on the skin; lab tests | 8 weeks, split-face | Acne improved; less oil in cells |
| Elsaie 2009 | 2% green tea lotion | 20 people; 6 weeks; no control | Spots 24 to 10 |
How much green tea is in ClearDerm?
Two capsules provide 100 mg of green tea leaf extract, half of it EGCG, so about 50 mg of EGCG[5].
Caffeine per serving: [AMOUNT REQUIRED] mg.
Is green tea extract safe?
Green tea as a drink has no reported safety concerns for adults. Extracts are different.
- Side effects. Extracts can cause nausea, constipation, stomach discomfort and higher blood pressure.
- Liver. Liver injury from extracts is uncommon but has been reported. EFSA found possible liver concerns at or above 800 mg of EGCG a day from supplements, and could not name a safe dose.[9]
- Medicines. Green tea may interact with nadolol, atorvastatin and raloxifene.
- Caffeine. Green tea contains caffeine; in pregnancy, caffeine should stay at moderate levels.[11]
Green tea is one part of ClearDerm
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule skin supplement with 22 ingredients: vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, an enzyme and six probiotic strains. They were chosen to promote clear skin, support a clear complexion and support the gut–skin connection.
Green tea is one of the plant extracts. Zinc, niacinamide and vitamin A support the skin, and the probiotic blend supports the gut–skin connection.[5]
ClearDerm has not been clinically tested as a finished product. When you take it, you are not relying on one ingredient alone.
ClearDerm is made in Phoenix, Arizona, in a cGMP-certified facility. Every ingredient is listed on the label, and the probiotic blend is given as one total.
Green tea drinks are usually taken with food. A few points help you use ClearDerm well: take ClearDerm with food and water, as the directions say[5]; if you also take another green tea or EGCG supplement, add up your total EGCG[9]; and if you are pregnant or nursing, have liver problems, take nadolol, atorvastatin or raloxifene, or take any medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you start.[11]
22 ingredients, including green tea extract and zinc
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule supplement that pairs green tea extract with zinc and other vitamins, minerals and plant extracts chosen to support clear skin. Every ingredient is listed on the label.
See ClearDermIf you are deciding
In the lab, EGCG lowered oil, calmed inflammation and reduced the acne-linked bacterium[1]. By mouth, one placebo-controlled trial found fewer inflamed spots in some areas of the face[4], and a 2021 meta-analysis found a small effect[6]. On the skin, small studies found less oil and fewer spots[7][8]. A 2023 review rated the green tea evidence fair or good quality[3]. ClearDerm provides green tea extract with zinc and 20 other ingredients chosen to promote clear skin.[5]
The short version
In lab tests on skin oil-gland cells, green tea's EGCG lowered oil and inflammation signals[1]. ClearDerm includes green tea extract, alongside zinc, to help promote clear skin.[5]
Frequently asked questions
Is green tea good for acne-prone skin?
What is EGCG?
Epigallocatechin gallate, the main catechin in green tea. In the lab, it lowered oil, calmed inflammation and reduced the acne-linked bacterium.[1]
Does green tea taken by mouth help skin?
How much EGCG is in ClearDerm?
About 50 mg a day, from 100 mg of extract at 50% EGCG.[5]
Is green tea extract safe?
Side effects can include nausea and stomach upset. Liver injury is uncommon but reported. EFSA found that 800 mg or more of EGCG a day from supplements may harm the liver, and it could not name a safe dose.[9]
Does ClearDerm contain caffeine?
Green tea contains caffeine. ClearDerm's caffeine per serving is [AMOUNT REQUIRED] mg. The oral acne trial used a decaffeinated extract.[4]
Can I take green tea with my medicines?
Green tea may interact with nadolol, atorvastatin and raloxifene. Ask your doctor before you start.[11]
References
- Yoon JY, Kwon HH, Min SU, Thiboutot DM, Suh DH. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate improves acne in humans by modulating intracellular molecular targets and inhibiting P. acnes. J Invest Dermatol. 2013;133(2):429-440. doi:10.1038/jid.2012.292. PMID: 23096708.
- Saric S, Notay M, Sivamani RK. Green tea and other tea polyphenols: effects on sebum production and acne vulgaris. Antioxidants (Basel). 2016;6(1):2. doi:10.3390/antiox6010002. PMID: 28036057.
- Shields A, Ly S, Wafae B, Chang YF, Manjaly P, Archila M, et al. Safety and effectiveness of oral nutraceuticals for treating acne: a systematic review. JAMA Dermatol. 2023;159(12):1373-1382. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.3949. PMID: 37878272.
- Lu PH, Hsu CH. Does supplementation with green tea extract improve acne in post-adolescent women? A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 2016;25:159-163. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2016.03.004. PMID: 27062963.
- Anirva. ClearDerm with Probiotics Supplement Facts label and product page. https://anirva.com/pages/clear-derm-with-probiotics (accessed October 12, 2026).
- Kim S, Park TH, Kim WI, Park S, Kim JH, Cho MK. The effects of green tea on acne vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytother Res. 2021;35(1):374-383. doi:10.1002/ptr.6809. PMID: 32812270.
- Elsaie ML, Abdelhamid MF, Elsaaiee LT, Emam HM. The efficacy of topical 2% green tea lotion in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. J Drugs Dermatol. 2009;8(4):358-364. PMID: 19363854.
- Mahmood T, Akhtar N, Moldovan C. A comparison of the effects of topical green tea and lotus on facial sebum control in healthy humans. Hippokratia. 2013;17(1):64-67. PMID: 23935347.
- European Food Safety Authority. EFSA assesses safety of green tea catechins. News item, April 18, 2018. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/180418 (accessed October 4, 2026).
- Heinrich U, Moore CE, De Spirt S, Tronnier H, Stahl W. Green tea polyphenols provide photoprotection, increase microcirculation, and modulate skin properties of women. J Nutr. 2011;141(6):1202-1208. doi:10.3945/jn.110.136465. PMID: 21525260.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Green tea: usefulness and safety. Last updated February 2025. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/green-tea (accessed October 7, 2026).
