Nature provides a treasure trove of botanicals that contain potent, beneficial phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are naturally occurring chemicals found in plants that have been harnessed throughout history for numerous benefits internally, as well as in skin care formulations to achieve phenomenal results. Vitamin C is perhaps the most iconic phytonutrient, first discovered in the vibrant, jewel-toned Hungarian paprika pepper by Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi.
As science evolved, so has our ability to identify the botanicals containing beneficial phytonutrients. One of these botanicals emerging from nature’s chrysalis is butterfly pea flower, also known as blue matcha. This ingredient is rapidly becoming a superstar in the skin care world because of its multiple benefits, in addition to the attention-grabbing allure it creates with the vibrant purple-blue tones it lends to products. In this article, we’ll discuss the powerful phytonutrients blue matcha contains, the ideal types of blue matcha products, and some of its internal benefits.
Green Vs. Blue
So, what exactly is matcha? Traditional matcha is made from green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves that have been grown in a shadier environment than standard green tea. The decrease in light exposure increases the leaves’ natural chlorophyll content, making them greener and thus more nutrient-dense. The leaves are then harvested, ground into a fine powder, and stirred into hot water to create matcha tea.
In the case of blue matcha, a similar process occurs with dried butterfly pea flower petals when ground into a fine powder. Although this powder is referred to as blue matcha, it isn’t related to traditional matcha tea
in any sense.
Both types contain anti- inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, but their differences are more significant than their similarities. For instance, traditional matcha is known for its stimulating, awakening properties due to its natural caffeine content, whereas blue matcha has calming, soothing benefits that can help ease anxiety and stress. Those effects are just the beginning of blue matcha’s magic.
Brian Goodwin is an award-winning international educator for Éminence Organic Skin Care. As a master medical esthetician, master herbalist and consultant, Goodwin leverages more than 15 years of spa industry experience to bring fun, engaging education to spa professionals around the world.
