Korean Retinol Tea Promises Younger-Looking Skin—Experts Reveal the Truth About the Trend
Learn the real benefits, risks and how to brew this trendy beauty elixir at home
When you think about maintaining healthy skin with age, your mind may go straight to topical products: brightening face masks, skin-firming creams and hydrating sprays, all promising big results. And you wouldn’t be wrong. Research published in Dermato Endocrinology confirms that several studies have found topical skin interventions improve skin health.
But equally important is what’s going on inside the body. We know things like drinking enough water and getting enough sleep matter, but could a drink also help? One of the newest wellness trends people are asking about is something called “Korean retinol tea.” Here’s what to know about what this tea can (and can’t) do for your skin.
How retinol improves skin health
If you’re big on skincare and healthy skin aging, you’re likely familiar with the perks of retinol, but let’s start with a refresher.
Woman's World Answers
“Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and a popular go-to for skin health, especially in the anti-aging market,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Eat Well Gulf Coast. “It supports collagen production by speeding up cell turnover (think fewer wrinkles) and can help improve skin texture, pigmentation and acne.”
Is the Korean tea really made with retinol?
Judging by its name, you may think Korean retinol tea contains retinol. But it actually doesn’t.
“From a marketing standpoint, the name is clever because everyone knows that retinol is an effective ingredient, but it is a bit misleading,” says Maria Knöbel, MBBS, BSc(hons), a primary care doctor in London, England, internationally board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine and Medical Director of Medical Cert UK. “Retinol is a specific molecule, a vitamin A derivative that you put on your skin—not something you can simply brew in tea.”
So what is Korean retinol tea?
“Korean retinol tea is a modern wellness drink inspired by traditional herbal remedies,” says Bourgeois. “Recipes can vary, but many include natural ingredients like persimmon leaves, green tea leaves and other vitamin-rich herbs that support your skin from the inside out.”
Although there are variations, common recipes include persimmon, green tea and mugwort leaves. “Persimmon leaves come from the persimmon tree,” says Bourgeois. “They’re packed with skin-enhancing nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.”
“Mugwort, also known as St. John’s plant, is another herb with healing properties and a rich history in traditional medicine,” Bourgeois adds. “It’s more commonly known for its effect on gastrointestinal and gynecological problems, but researchers are exploring its potential impacts on skin health.”
Can Korean Retinol Tea really help with skin aging?
While it’s by no means a miracle brew, Korean retinol tea can deliver tangible beauty benefits. Here’s what each key ingredient can do:
Persimmon leaves firm skin
“The antioxidants and vitamin C found in persimmon leaves help fight free radicals in the body, one of the main culprits behind premature aging and skin damage,” says Bourgeois. “Their nutrient profile can support collagen synthesis (hello, skin firmness and elasticity!) and reduce inflammation and irritation.”
Green tea tames inflammation
“Green tea is probably the most well-studied of the three ingredients,” says Dr. Knöbel. “It’s touted as containing catechins, specifically EGCG, which are powerful antioxidants. The antioxidants in green tea help reduce the environmental damage that accelerates aging.”
Dr. Knöbel says the brew also has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. “Inflammation is often the driver of many common skin concerns and also the aging process itself,” she explains. “Consuming anti-inflammatory foods and beverages will help create a calmer internal environment, which also contributes to clearer and healthier-looking skin.”
Mugwort reduces redness
“With dried mugwort, the application benefits for skin are often most recognizable when it is applied directly with a cream or serum, as it is very soothing and can help with skin redness,” says Dr. Knöbel. “When you drink it in a tea, the support for your skin is likely more indirect. Mugwort tea is traditionally used to balance or soothe the gut.”
Other benefits of Korean retinol tea
“These skin-loving ingredients can do more than nourish your natural glow—they offer other benefits too,” says Bourgeois. “Research suggests that green tea can promote heart health, support weight management efforts and even reduce the risk of some cancers. And the bioactive compounds in persimmon leaves may help with blood sugar and blood pressure control.”
As for Mugwort? “It is classified as a ‘bitter herb,’ which is known to have a specific action on the body,” Dr. Knöbel explains. “The bitter flavour sends a signal through a reflex that stimulates the entire digestive system, increasing stomach acid, bile and enzyme production. This allows the body to break down food, especially fats, more easily and can also provide relief from bloating and indigestion.”
Potential side effects of Korean retinol tea
Before you head to your local wellness shop in search of these herbs, it’s important to be aware of a few safety considerations.
“The first thing to consider with this tea is the green tea component, which contains caffeine,” says Dr. Knöbel. “For many women in perimenopause and menopause stages, caffeine may actually worsen common symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety or sleep difficulties.”
“Mugwort is another ingredient to be aware of,” adds Dr. Dr. Knöbel. “It has a long history of use and is considered safe when used appropriately. However, it is noted to have stimulating effects on the uterus. Because it can interact with female hormones, I would highly recommend that every woman considering drinking a tea that contains mugwort speak to her doctor if she is taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or has any history of any gynecological conditions.”
Bourgeois also urges those considering Korean retinol tea to consult a nutrition or medical professional to avoid interactions that could occur between the herbs in this drink and certain medications.
How to make Korean retinol tea—and boost the benefits
If your doctor gives you the go-ahead, keep in mind that Korean retinol tea works best when combined with healthy lifestyle habits. “Retinol tea isn’t a magical potion for skin care, but it can be a beneficial addition to a well-balanced diet,” says Bourgeois. “It’s typically made with ingredients that have evidence-based health benefits, but it cannot replace adequate sleep, proper hydration and well-balanced nutrition.”
To make it at home, try this recipe from Lin Recipes:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1/2 tsp. green tea leaves
- 1 tsp. dried persimmon leaves
- 1/2 tsp. dried mugwort
Directions: Boil water, then remove from heat. Add green tea, mugwort and persimmon to a teapot or container of your choice. Add hot water; steep for five to six minutes. Strain into a mug and enjoy. Serves 2.
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