Quick answer
Amino acid found primarily in green tea; Proven antioxidant and soothing benefits; Helps attract and hold water throughout skin’s uppermost layers; Also used as a flavor enhancer in foods and beverages Key benefits: Hydration, Soothing.
Theanine
Updated
N-Ethyl-L-Glutamine
Purpose
An amino acid with proven antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits. Occurs naturally in green tea leaves.
Rating
BEST
Category
Emollient, Humectant, Antioxidant
INCI Purpose
HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT
Benefits
Alternative Names
At a Glance
Amino acid found primarily in green tea
Proven antioxidant and soothing benefits
Helps attract and hold water throughout skin’s uppermost layers
Also used as a flavor enhancer in foods and beverages
Article
Theanine is an amino acid that has emollient, humectant, and soothing properties on skin. It can be lab-synthesized but also occurs naturally in green tea leaves and some types of edible mushrooms. Consumption of green tea has numerous studies supporting its benefits for overall health and vitality, and its theanine component is of strong worth for use in skin care, too.
Its low molecular weight allows it to penetrate past skin’s surface, where it works within its epidermal layers to attract and hold water, thus maintaining skin’s hydration. It also works within skin’s uppermost layers to offset factors that lead to signs of inflammation.
Theanine is used on its own in foods and caffeinated beverages to enhance flavor (it tastes of caramel which offsets the bitterness of caffeine). As such, it is considered safe for use on skin although usage levels of theanine in cosmetics haven’t been established.
See: Amino Acids, Green Tea, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
References