Natural Green Tea Extract

NATURAL GREEN TEA EXTRACT FOR DIY SKINCARE & HAIR CARE

A water-soluble liquid botanical extract of organic Camellia sinensis leaf in a glycerine and water base. Added at 1% to 5% into toners, gels, masks, creams and hair rinses. Order online in Australia in 30mL, 50mL and 100mL.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

• Botanical name: Camellia sinensis
• INCI name: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
• Ingredients: Organic Glycerine, Aqua, Organic Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Organic Ethanol, Naticide, Potassium Sorbate
• Appearance: Amber to brown liquid
• Odour: Light, characteristic of the extract
• Solubility: Water soluble
• Suggested usage rate: 1% to 6%
• Status: Natural
• Usage: External use only

COMMON USES & APPLICATIONS

For skin

• Toners and facial mists: Blended into the water phase for a light, non-greasy finish.
• Gel and clay masks: Stirred through a clay or gel base just before application.
• Serums and lotions: Added to the water phase of emulsions at cool-down.
• Cleansers: Blended into gel and foaming cleanser bases.

For hair

• Hair rinses and leave-ins: Added to the water phase of rinses, sprays and leave-in conditioners.
• Scalp blends: Carried into water-based scalp treatments and pre-wash sprays.

For formulating generally

• Water phase additions: Works in any water-based or emulsified formulation where an oil-soluble extract will not disperse.

FORMULATOR GUIDELINES

Phase rule

Add this extract to the water phase, at cool-down, once the batch has dropped below 40°C. Holding botanical extracts at emulsification temperature for extended periods degrades them, and there is no benefit to adding it early.

Usage rate

Use 1% to 6% of the total batch. Start at 2% and adjust from there. Going above 6% adds colour and glycerine without adding much else.

Preservation

The extract carries its own preservative system so the bottle keeps well, but that does not preserve your finished product. Any formulation containing water still needs a broad-spectrum preservative at its own correct usage rate.

Colour

It is an amber to brown liquid, so it will tint a pale formulation. Test at your intended rate on a small batch before scaling up, particularly in white creams and clear gels.

Glycerine load

Glycerine is the first ingredient in the extract, so it adds to the total humectant load of your formula. If your base already carries glycerine, adjust downward or the finished product can feel tacky.

DIY purifying clay mask

• 1 tablespoon kaolin or bentonite clay
• 1 tablespoon floral water
• 5 drops natural green tea extract

Mix into a smooth, spreadable paste, apply to clean skin, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Mix in a glass or plastic bowl rather than metal if you are using bentonite. Make it fresh each time, as it contains no preservative.

TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Add at cool-down, below 40°C.
• Check and adjust the pH of the finished formulation after adding, aiming for 4.5 to 5.5 and keeping it within the working range of the preservative you are using.
• Store the bottle in a cool, dark place and reseal it tightly, as repeated air exposure degrades botanical extracts.
• Make small batches of anything water-based and label them with the date.
• Patch test before first use.

CARE & CAUTIONS

• For external use only, do not ingest.
• Avoid the eye area.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the container tightly closed between uses.
• Keep out of reach of children.