Is Oolong Tea Good for Skin? Benefits and How to Use It

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

A 2001 Japanese study found that 54% of eczema patients who drank oolong tea daily saw noticeable improvement in their condition within one month. This suggests that oolong tea is good for skin health, offering more than just a delicious beverage experience.

Quick Summary

Oolong tea's rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can promote healthier, more radiant skin. It helps combat free radical damage, supports hydration and elasticity, and may aid in managing inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and acne.

Key Points

Rich in Antioxidants: Oolong tea contains powerful polyphenols that combat free radical damage, protecting the skin from premature aging and environmental stress.
Combats Inflammation: Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe and reduce symptoms associated with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Supports Hydration and Elasticity: The tea's mineral content and hydrating effects help promote plump, moisturized skin and maintain its natural elasticity.
Protects Collagen: Active compounds like EGCG help inhibit enzymes that break down collagen, aiding in the prevention of sagging and fine lines.
Aids in Detoxification: Drinking oolong tea supports the body's natural detoxification processes, contributing to a clearer, more balanced complexion.
Multiple Application Methods: In addition to drinking, oolong tea can be applied topically as a toner, face mask, or in a bath to deliver benefits directly to the skin.

The Science Behind Oolong Tea and Skin Health

Oolong tea, a traditional Chinese tea, falls between green tea (unoxidized) and black tea (fully oxidized) due to its unique partial oxidation process. This gives it a complex flavor and a powerful blend of antioxidants, including polyphenols like catechins, theaflavins, and thearubigins, all of which contribute to its potential skin benefits. These compounds work from the inside out to protect and nourish the skin.

The Antioxidant Effect and Anti-Aging Properties

Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage skin cells, leading to premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. The high concentration of antioxidants in oolong tea helps neutralize these free radicals, mitigating their damaging effects. By protecting skin from oxidative stress caused by factors like UV rays and pollution, regular consumption can help maintain a more youthful and vibrant complexion.

Key antioxidants in oolong tea for skin:

Catechins: Also found in green tea, these are powerful antioxidants that protect cells and can help reduce inflammation.
Theaflavins: Unique to partially and fully oxidized teas, these antioxidants help fight against free radical damage and promote healthy aging.
EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate): A potent catechin that helps protect collagen, the protein responsible for skin's firmness and elasticity.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits for Eczema and Acne

For those with inflammatory skin conditions, oolong tea offers a natural calming effect. Studies have indicated that the polyphenols in oolong tea possess anti-allergic properties that may help soothe conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis). The anti-inflammatory action can help reduce redness, irritation, and itching associated with these conditions. It is also believed to help balance the skin's microbiome and reduce sebum production, addressing some root causes of acne.

How oolong tea helps with inflammatory skin issues:

Reduces histamine release: Oolong tea can help reduce the body's inflammatory response.
Combats bacteria: Its natural antibacterial properties can help fight bacteria that contribute to acne and infections.
Regulates hormones: It may help regulate hormone and insulin levels, which can influence hormonal breakouts.

Oolong Tea vs. Other Teas for Skin Health


Feature	Oolong Tea	Green Tea	Black Tea
Oxidation Level	Partial (10-80%)	Non-oxidized	Fully oxidized
Antioxidant Profile	A mix of catechins, theaflavins, and thearubigins.	High in catechins, especially EGCG.	High in theaflavins and thearubigins.
Eczema Support	Evidence suggests significant relief from symptoms in studies.	May help, but oolong has specific study backing.	Contains anti-inflammatory compounds, but less researched for eczema specifically.
Anti-Aging Power	Robust, thanks to a blend of antioxidants that fight free radicals and protect collagen.	Strong, primarily due to high EGCG content.	Good, with antioxidants that reduce premature aging.
Flavor Profile	Highly varied, from light and floral to dark and roasted.	Vegetal, often described as grassy.	Bold, robust, and malty.

How to Incorporate Oolong Tea for Radiant Skin

For best results, integrating oolong tea into your daily routine both internally and externally is recommended.

Internal Consumption (Drinking)

Brewing instructions: Steep 2–3 grams of loose-leaf oolong tea in 200 ml of hot (not boiling) water, around 194°F, for 3–5 minutes. Steeping too long can make it bitter, while a shorter steep may yield less antioxidant benefit. Some sources suggest brewing in slightly cooler water for a different flavor profile.
Frequency: Aim for 2–3 cups daily for consistent benefits over time.
Consistency: The key to seeing improvements is regular, consistent intake over several weeks to months.

Topical Application (External Use)

Tea toner: After brewing, let the tea cool completely. Use a cotton pad to apply it as a toner, which can help tighten pores and reduce inflammation.
DIY face mask: Mix cooled, brewed oolong tea with other natural ingredients like honey or yogurt to create a nourishing face mask. This can soothe and refresh the skin.
Soothing bath soak: For broader application, you can add brewed oolong tea to a warm bath to let your entire body soak in its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Conclusion: Oolong Tea as a Skin-Boosting Elixir

Based on its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content, oolong tea offers significant potential benefits for skin health. Regular consumption can help protect against premature aging, combat free radical damage, and may even aid in managing inflammatory conditions like eczema and acne. While robust clinical research is still developing, the traditional use and promising preliminary studies suggest that incorporating oolong tea into a holistic skincare regimen is a worthwhile and enjoyable practice. Whether consumed as a beverage or used in topical treatments, this ancient brew provides a natural and potent way to achieve a clearer, more radiant complexion.

Explore reputable oolong tea varieties and their flavor profiles here to find your perfect brew.

Frequently Asked Questions

While individual results vary, some studies on eczema patients noted significant improvement in as little as one to two weeks, with sustained benefits seen after several months of consistent consumption.

Oolong tea's unique antioxidant profile, which combines catechins from green tea with theaflavins from black tea, provides comprehensive benefits. While green tea is famous for its high EGCG content, oolong's mix of antioxidants and specific studies on conditions like eczema suggest it offers a distinct, and for some, superior, advantage for skin health.

Yes, you can place cooled, used oolong tea bags under your eyes for 10-15 minutes. The caffeine and antioxidants may help constrict blood vessels, reducing puffiness and the appearance of dark circles.

Used in moderation, oolong tea is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, those with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before using it topically. Excessive caffeine intake from any source can potentially cause unwanted side effects.

Both lighter and darker oolongs contain beneficial compounds. Some varieties like 'Iron Goddess of Mercy' (Tie Guan Yin) are known for their floral, fresh notes, while others like 'Wuyi' have a more robust profile. The best choice depends on personal preference and consistent consumption is key.

Oolong tea's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can help fight the bacteria that contribute to acne and reduce excess sebum production. This can lead to a reduction in redness and breakouts over time.

To potentially see benefits, consuming 2-3 cups of oolong tea per day is often recommended. Consistency is more important than quantity for long-term results.