Three tea complex
Zuplex's Three Tea Complex, a unique blend of three classic teas – Green Tea, Rooibos and Honeybush – delivers a comprehensive anti-ageing and skin-protective solution for the modern cosmetic formulator.
INCI NAME
Aspalathus linearis leaf extract, Cyclopia genistoides leaf extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract propanediol/ glycerine, water
CHARACTERISTICS
Appearance: Dark reddish brown liquid
Solubility: Water-soluble
- Non-irritant
- Derived from nature
- Safe
- Traditionally used
- Halal certified
- Safe
- Vegan
- GMO free
- Gluten free
- Not animal tested
USAGE
Use level: 1–5%
Shelf-life: 24 months
SOURCE
Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) originates from China and Southeast Asia and has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. It is processed without fermentation to preserve its exceptionally high polyphenol content Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is an endemic South African fynbos shrub cultivated exclusively in the Western Cape. The Khoikhoi people of South Africa have used it as a soothing herbal tea and traditional medicine for centuries. Honeybush (Cyclopia genistoides) is a woody legume found in the mountainous regions of the Western and Eastern Cape of South Africa. Its distinctive bright yellow flowers carry a characteristic sweet honey-like fragrance, giving the plant its common name.
TRADITIONAL USES
Green Tea has been used in East Asian traditional medicine for over four millennia, valued for its ability to prolong skin health, detoxify, and treat inflammatory conditions. It holds a central place in Japanese beauty traditions and is prized for its rejuvenating effects. Indigenous South African communities have used rooibos for generations to soothe skin irritations, relieve allergies, and promote general skin health. The Khoikhoi and San peoples applied it topically to treat eczema, rashes, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Honeybush has long been used in South African traditional medicine to soothe skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, and is valued for its anti-inflammatory, soothing and moisturising properties.
ACTIVE COMPONENTS
Green Tea is the richest dietary source of catechins, primarily epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin (EGC). EGCG is one of the most extensively researched polyphenols in cosmetic science, with proven activity against free radicals, UV-induced damage and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade collagen.
Rooibos is uniquely rich in aspalathin and nothofagin — rare dihydrochalcone flavonoids found almost exclusively in this plant. These, together with additional polyphenols and minerals such as zinc and magnesium, deliver exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Honeybush contains mangiferin, isomangiferin, hesperidin, luteolin, diosmin and vicenin-2. Mangiferin is the dominant bioactive, a potent xanthone with established antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-collagenase and anti-elastase properties. Hesperidin contributes skin-brightening and melanin-inhibiting activity.
CLAIMS
Antioxidant protection: All three teas contribute to free radical neutralisation. Rooibos aspalathin has demonstrated free radical scavenging activity comparable to or exceeding that of EGCG. Green Tea EGCG is a well-established antioxidant that protects skin cells from oxidative damage, including lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation.
Anti-ageing and collagen support: Honeybush mangiferin has demonstrated inhibition of collagenase and elastase, enzymes that break down the skin's structural proteins. Green Tea EGCG inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), reducing UV-induced collagen degradation and supporting skin firmness and elasticity.
Photoprotection: Rooibos chalcone derivatives protect skin cells against UVB-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Honeybush extracts have shown UV-protective activity in vitro. Green Tea polyphenols reduce UVB-induced immunosuppression and limit pro-inflammatory cytokine production following UV exposure.
Anti-inflammatory and soothing: Rooibos and Honeybush display anti-inflammatory activity beneficial for sensitive, reactive and eczema-prone skin. Green Tea EGCG reduces production of inflammatory mediators, making the complex suitable for use in formulations targeting redness and skin sensitivity.
Skin brightening: Honeybush hesperidin has demonstrated inhibition of tyrosinase and melanin synthesis, contributing to an even, radiant skin tone. Green Tea polyphenols also suppress melanogenesis