Epigallocatechin Gallate — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATE
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 989-51-5
- Category
- antioxidant
- Risk Level
- low
- Common Allergen
- No
- Found In
- serum, moisturizer
Is Epigallocatechin Gallate safe in cosmetics?
Epigallocatechin Gallate is rated low risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Commonly found in serum, moisturizer.
What is Epigallocatechin Gallate?
EGCG — the most potent antioxidant in green tea. Anti-inflammatory and anti-aging.
Allergy & Safety Information
Epigallocatechin Gallate is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations.
This ingredient is considered low risk from an allergenicity perspective. Reactions are uncommon at typical cosmetic use concentrations. However, no ingredient is universally safe — if you notice redness, itching, or irritation after using a product containing this ingredient, discontinue use and monitor whether symptoms resolve.
About Antioxidant Ingredients
Antioxidants neutralise free radicals generated by UV radiation, pollution, and metabolic processes, preventing oxidative damage to skin cells and the product formula itself. Common cosmetic antioxidants include tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), BHT, and plant-derived polyphenols.
Relevance for Epigallocatechin Gallate: Most antioxidants are well-tolerated, but some — particularly propyl gallate, BHA (butylhydroxyanisole), and certain plant-derived polyphenols — are recognised contact allergens. Vitamin E (tocopherol) allergy, while uncommon, is occasionally identified in patch testing.
How to Identify Epigallocatechin Gallate in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Epigallocatechin Gallate, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Serum, Moisturizer. These product categories are the most common sources of Epigallocatechin Gallate exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Epigallocatechin Gallate? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Epigallocatechin Gallate and other allergens automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epigallocatechin Gallate safe for sensitive skin?
Epigallocatechin Gallate is generally well-tolerated, even by sensitive skin.
What products contain Epigallocatechin Gallate?
Epigallocatechin Gallate is commonly found in serum, moisturizer.
What does Epigallocatechin Gallate do in cosmetics?
Epigallocatechin Gallate functions as a antioxidant in formulations.
Related Guides
Is Epigallocatechin Gallate causing YOUR skin reactions?
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