Matcha lattes might be having their well deserved moment, but the antioxidant-rich green powder has been quietly working wonders in skincare for much longer, and has been a staple in Japanese culture for thousands of years.

Beauty lovers have been leaning on this vibrant green antioxidant to calm redness, rebalance oil, and soothe angry skin.

Here are some long-loved matcha skincare staples (and a few new takes on cult favourites) that are worth a spot on your skincare shelf.

The Cultural Conversation

It’s important to acknowledge that matcha’s rise in Western wellness culture is just one chapter in its much longer history.

Matcha has deep cultural roots in Japan, where it plays a central role in traditional tea ceremonies and carries spiritual significance.

The ritual and preparation of matcha reflect a philosophy of mindfulness, respect, and connection, which can get lost in the trends.

As we embrace matcha in our skincare and self-care rituals, it’s worth pausing to appreciate its origins and approach it with the same intention and respect that shaped its heritage.

The Matcha-Fuelled Favourites

Tatcha The Matcha Cleanse, $69

A soap-free gel cleanser that works to gently exfoliate the skin and uses BHA alternatives like Japanese Coix Seed (Hatomugi) and Willow Bark.

Tatcha’s cleanser is packed with Japanese Kyo-Matcha, known for calming redness and balancing oil.

How matcha is sourced is integral to it’s effectiveness when used in skincare, noting “Tatcha’s [Matcha] is sourced from Uji, Kyoto within Japan, most renowned for matcha production and grown under a parasol for a few weeks before harvest to increase the amount of theanine, an amino acid.”

Amino acids play a crucial role in skincare, acting as building blocks for proteins like collagen, which is essential for skin structure, elasticity, and repair.

Why we love it:

Soothes and decongests without drying
Rich in high grade matcha from Kyoto

SOME BY MI Super Matcha Pore Tightening Serum, $37

If you’ve ever wished your serum could double as a pore-perfecting filter, this is it.

With 93% green tea extract and a blend of BHA and Centella Asiatica, this K-beauty staple tackles oiliness and breakouts without stressing out sensitive skin.

What it does:

Minimises the look of pores
Hydrates while keeping oil in check
Helps to clear blackheads and whiteheads

sabbiaco Matcha Clay Mask, $49

A viral skincare hit for a reason, this antioxidant-rich mask has sold out 36 times and counting, and was available well before any western matcha craze.

It blends Australian clays, organic matcha, Tasmanian kelp, and jojoba beads to purify and brighten.

The mask is a powder that you mix into a paste and apply.

Standout benefits:

Gently exfoliates with jojoba beads
Soothes inflammation with matcha and kelp
Detoxifies and rebalances with clay

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Matcha Bubble Tea (Limited Edition), $31

Laneige’s cult overnight lip mask just got a limited-edition twist inspired by two famous bubble tea flavours, Matcha Bubble Tea and Taro Bubble Tea.

If you haven’t used the Lip Sleeping Mask, it features a Berry Fruit Complex, Vitamin C, and coconut oil, which all work to smooth and soften while you sleep.

Why it’s worth trying:

Locks in hydration overnight that’s still there in the morning
Smooths flaky lips
The 20g tub will last you near forever

Why Matcha Deserves a Place in Your Skincare Routine

When used in skincare, Matcha can deliver serious benefits thanks to its high levels of EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and other antioxidants.

These compounds help neutralise free radicals (like pollution in the air), reduce inflammation, and support the skin barrier.

Matcha can also help gently exfoliate without stripping skin of moisture, which is why it’s loved by skin that's oily, acne-prone, and easily irritated.

Would you give any of the picks on this list a try? Let us know below in the comments.

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