Matcha Is the New It-Girl of Skincare—Here's Why!

Meet the skincare superfood having its main-character moment right now.

Matcha has officially moved beyond your morning latte. From café menus and TikTok recipes to minimalist kitchen shelves, the vibrant green powder has become a full-blown lifestyle staple. Now, it's made its way into skincare—bringing its antioxidant-packed benefits along for the glow.

In K-beauty, Matcha isn't a passing trend. It's derived from Camellia Sinensis, the same tea leaf used in Green Tea, and has been used for centuries in Korea's traditional Hanbang skincare practices. Long before Green Tea appeared in toners and serums, it was consumed for its skin-supporting properties—making Matcha one of K-beauty's most time-tested ingredients.

Related article: Meet Korea's Latest Skincare Trend: PDRN (aka... Salmon Sperm?)

What Is Matcha in Skincare?

In skincare formulations, Matcha refers to extracts from Camellia Sinensis. What makes this ingredient so powerful is its high concentration of EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), a potent antioxidant known for protecting and calming the skin.

When used topically, Matcha helps defend against environmental stressors like pollution and UV exposure, which can weaken the skin barrier and contribute to premature ageing.

Benefits of Matcha for Skin

Matcha is more than just a trend ingredient—it offers real, science-backed benefits:

• Powerful antioxidant protection: EGCG helps neutralise free radicals caused by UV rays and pollution.

• Calms redness and irritation: Ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.

• Supports clearer skin: Known for its sebum-regulating and anti-acne properties.

• Improves skin texture: Helps smooth and refine the look of skin over time.

• Boosts hydration: Studies suggest Camellia Sinensis can help enhance moisture levels and strengthen the skin barrier.

These benefits make Matcha especially popular in routines designed for oily, acne-prone or reactive skin types.

Should You Add Matcha to Your Skincare Routine?

If your skin is feeling oily, congested, irritated or easily stressed, Matcha is a great ingredient to consider. Its multitasking nature makes it easy to slot into both minimalist and more advanced routines—especially for those looking to strengthen their skin barrier while keeping breakouts at bay.

Ready to take your Matcha obsession beyond your cup? We've rounded up the best Matcha-infused skincare worth making shelf space for—formulas that deliver on glow, calm and clarity 🍵✨

The Best Matcha Skincare Products in K-Beauty

1. Heimish Matcha Biome Perfect Cleansing Oil

The Heimish Matcha Biome Perfect Cleansing Oil is a gentle way to introduce Matcha into your routine, starting with the first cleanse. This pH-balanced oil melts away makeup, sunscreen and impurities without stripping the skin, while Matcha Biome™ helps soothe and support the skin barrier. Finished with nourishing oils and Shea Butter, it leaves skin clean, calm and comfortably hydrated—never greasy.

2. B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser

The B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser is a gentle, low-pH cleanse that keeps skin balanced while washing away daily buildup. Infused with Matcha, it helps calm and protect the skin barrier as it cleanses, while its plush foam leaves skin feeling fresh, comfortable, and hydrated—not tight or stripped. An easy, everyday cleanser for all skin types!

3. TIRTIR Matcha Skin Toner

The TIRTIR Matcha Skin Toner is a calming, skin-balancing step powered by Matcha-PDRN to help soothe redness and support skin recovery. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it delivers lasting hydration while keeping excess oil in check—making it especially well-suited to sensitive, oily or combination skin. Use it daily to reset the skin after cleansing or as a calming prep step before the rest of your routine.

4. Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask

The Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask is a pore-reset in mask form. Powered by Matcha Powder and Clay, it helps pull out congestion, absorb excess oil and visibly refine pores—without drying your skin out. The result? Clearer-looking pores, smoother skin and that fresh, just-cleansed feeling.

5. Heimish Matcha Biome Oil-Free Calming Gel Moisturizer

The Heimish Matcha Biome Oil-Free Calming Gel Moisturiser is a lightweight, oil-free gel that instantly cools and comforts stressed skin. Powered by Matcha and Probiotics, it delivers a quick hit of hydration while helping calm redness and support the skin barrier—without clogging pores or feeling sticky. Ideal for oily, acne-prone or dehydrated skin that wants moisture without the weight.

6. Tirtir Matcha Calming Cream

If you loved the lightweight feel of the Heimish Matcha Biome Oil-Free Calming Gel, the Tirtir Matcha Calming Cream is its richer, more cushioning counterpart. With a bouncy, pudding-like texture, it wraps skin in soothing hydration while Matcha-PDRN helps calm redness and support the skin barrier. Lightweight yet comforting, it's ideal for sensitive skin that wants extra resilience, bounce and long-lasting moisture.

So… which Matcha moment are you adding to your routine? 🍵✨