Green Tea Oil Vs Fragrance
For Bath and Massage Uses?

Green tea is a popular scent these days. Everything from bath oil to massage oil comes scented with this cool, enticing fragrance.

It is a potent source of antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols called catechins.

In cosmetic products, it neutralizes free radicals, and may even offer some protection against the ravages of aging. Being a powerful anti-inflammatory agent in nature, green tea soothes redness and pimples.

My quick search of Amazon.com reveals the following:

• Diffuser oils for your home

• Body oils to soothe dry skin

• Gift sets to give to friends and family

With so much to choose from, how do you know which products are right for you?

Quality green tea leaves are plucked when they are young. These tea leaves contain high level of catechins (which contain the antioxidant benefits) and theanine (which is a powerful relaxant and gives tea its characteristics unami taste).

Tea leaves do not contain much essential oils. Essential oils rank very low in green tea's chemical composition. So the question is: Does real green tea oil exist?

The answer is "yes", it does exist, but in the form of tea seed oil, not green tea oil. Let me explain.

Many green tea products are labeled as “aromatherapy.” Aromatherapy is the art of using potent essential oils from plants to create specific physiological effects.

For example, lavender oil reduces stress and can induce sleep. Peppermint can help relieve nausea, headaches and fatigue.

Unlike many common fragrances, green tea does not have a traditional aromatherapy use.

There are two types of green tea oils in the market: those made from synthetic fragrance and those made from green tea extract added to an oil base.

Green tea fragrance does not contain any green tea. You should avoid synthetic green tea fragrance in bath oil, massage oil, or any product that will come into contact with your skin.

According to the Environmental Working Group, artificial “fragrance” is usually made of petroleum-based products and often contains harmful chemicals like phthalates.

Now, this doesn't mean all synthetic fragrance are harmful. However, manufacturers are not required to disclose what’s in their “fragrances” and it is better to be safe.

Bath and massage oils which say they contain real "green tea" have green tea extract added to the oil. They are not extracted directly from green tea leaves.

Dissolving green tea extract in oil is a tricky process. This is because green tea in its natural state is water-soluble, not oil-soluble. What this means is that it is difficult to find real oil-based products for green tea.

There are many products out there that are “sneaky.” Many of them contain only synthetic fragrance. Or, green tea may be included in the ingredients, but only in minute amounts.

Camellia oil is often called “green tea oil” because it comes from the seeds of the green tea plant. Camellia oil is light, non-greasy oil that is used as a moisturizer for skin.

Camellia oil is excellent for facial skin because it does not block pores. Also, it contains a treasure trove of important vitamins and nutrients for skin, including polyphenols, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. For this reason, it is often used to prevent and even treat fine lines and wrinkles.

In some parts of China, camellia oil is also used for cooking. Camellia oil can be incorporated into a healthy diet because it is high in “good” fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, but low in “bad” saturated fats.

Nee's Weeds Green Tea Body Oil contains primarily camellia oil, with added coconut oil and calendula oil.

Described as an excellent moisturizer for aging skin, the purity of its ingredients makes it suitable for anyone who wants soft skin without having to worry about the synthetic chemicals that are in many other cosmetics today.

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