Topical Green Tea for Acne

A study in 2009 found that a 2% topical lotion of green tea applied twice daily significantly improved acne over 6 weeks. There was no placebo or control group. Participants ranged in age from 15-36 years old. Green tea has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. No serious side effects were noted. A few participants had mild itching after the green tea lotion was applied.

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 Apr;8(4):358-64. PMID: 19363854.