White Tea Extract—Why We Chose This Anti-Inflammatory Anti-Aging Hero

Legend has it that around 5,000 years ago, the Chinese emperor Shen Nung was traveling in the countryside when he stopped for a drink beside a river. The water was dirty and unfit for drinking, so he ordered for it to be boiled. Suddenly, the wind blew a tea leaf into his cup of hot water, and the curious emperor let the leaf soak before drinking the brew. Tea was born.

While green and black teas are considered to be very healthy, white tea actually has the most antioxidants of all of these varieties. These benefits extend to the topical application of white tea, or, more accurately, the extract from the white tea plant, (Camellia Sinensis). Its extract is a key skincare ingredient with proven clinical results. According to a 2021 study published by the National Institutes of Health, (NIH), white tea (Camellia sinensis) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has a protective effect against wrinkles, sunburn and UV damage to the skin.[1] White tea extract is a botanical hero ingredient in three of our most popular youth-boosting offerings.

Is White Tea Good For the Skin?

Antioxidants, or substances that can help prevent cell damage, are popular skincare ingredients. Replete with antioxidants, white tea has anti-inflammatory and youth-boosting properties, according to a 2019 NIH study, which is why we use it as a key ingredient in Retrouvé skincare.

In 2009, researchers in England analyzed the skin-supporting potential of 21 plants and herbs and found that white tea outperformed them all. The study looked at the effects on structural proteins found in the skin called elastin and collagen. Elastin helps maintain the elasticity of the skin, helping skin return to its original position when you poke it or pinch it. Collagen is found in connective tissue that supports the skin’s strength as well as elasticity. Too little of both elastin and collagen can lead to age-related wrinkles and saggy skin.

Anti-aging Benefits of White Tea In Skincare

Ingredient Spotlight: Camellia Sinensis

Product Spotlight: Retrouvé Dynamic Nourishing Face Cream

We paired white tea extract with squalene and pomegranate to create a sugar-based emollient. The result is a non-greasy moisturizer that can smooth out the signs of skin aging, including fine lines and creases. The short-ingredient list is paraben free and does not contain added phthalates. Its velvety soft texture provides a cushion for skin for the ultimate hydration.

What Editors Say About It: “Enjoy nourished, non-greasy smooth skin all day long with this game changing cream.” —C Magazine

Brightening Benefits of White Tea in Skincare

Ingredient Spotlight: Camellia Sinensis

Product Spotlight: Retrouvé Nutrient Face Serum

We paired white tea with antioxidants vitamin C and pomegranate so this anti-inflammatory formulation intensely brightens, fades dark spots, and improves the look of a dull complexion. We also added squalane, C10-18 triglycerides, and fatty acids, to give this serum plant-based power to help activate the skin’s natural reparative process.

What Editors Say About It: “Glowier skin guaranteed.” —GRAZIA

Firming Benefits of White Tea In Skincare

Ingredient Spotlight: Camellia Sinensis

Product Spotlight: Retrouvé Intensive Replenishing Facial Moisturizer

We paired white tea with coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant that aids in neutralizing free radicals and can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and added apple stem cells. The result is an intensely rich moisturizer replete with botanical oils to fortify the skin’s natural barrier functions, imparting a glowing and radiant appearance.

What Editors Say About It: “Each ingredient of this luminous elixir is formulated to moisturize, nourish, and enhance skin.”—Vogue