First, does “mate” rhyme with “latte” or “gate”?

To pronounce it correctly, say YER-buh MAH-tay. “Mate” rhymes with “latte.” Yerba mate means “herb gourd.” A mate is a **hollow gourd that is the traditional vessel for drinking the tea.

Okay, what is yerba mate?

Yerba mate is an herbal tea made from leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, which is part of the holly family. This caffeinated drink can be served hot or cold, over ice. You may even see it for sale in yellow cans in supermarkets and convenience stores. In addition to tasting somewhat like green tea, yerba mate is linked to everything from increasing energy, alertness and the ability to concentrate to helping improve mental health, aid in weight loss and support the immune system in preventing certain diseases.

Yerba mate is also a source of antioxidants, substances that protect against the adverse effects of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that, if there are too many in the body, can damage cells. Common antioxidants are vitamins C, E and A and beta-carotene. Yerba mate also contains polyphenols, plant compounds that can act as antioxidants, as well.

Why is it used in skincare products?

Yerba mate’s natural antioxidants and polyphenols help protect the skin against excessive UV light and photo-aging. Skin looks brighter and more radiant as a result. However, you should always wear protection against the sun’s UV rays. Yerba mate found in skincare such as eye cream or moisturizer does not make that product a replacement for sunscreen.

The caffeine yerba mate contains helps decrease the fluid that accumulates in areas of the skin such as the undereye area, reducing signs of puffiness and swelling.

How is it harvested? Is it sustainable?

Here, you’ll need to do your homework. The yerba mate sourced by Good Molecules comes from a reforestation consortium of farmers in Brazil who are engaged in restoring the Atlantic Forest, which are regions of rainforest in eastern Brazil (and also reaching to Paraguay and Argentina) that have been largely deforested. Traceability and sustainable forest management is guaranteed by Araucária+, an initiative that “invites producers, industry, retail and society to participate in a sustainable consumption and production network, to add more value to the forest and reap conservation benefits.”

Where to find yerba mate in Good Molecules skincare

Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel

Helps with: undereye puffiness, tired eyes

What it does: This eye gel delivers antioxidants and polyphenols to help fight the effects of excessive UV light and photoaging, when combined with sun protection. Skin looks brighter and more radiant. It reduces the look of puffiness and swelling to promote a brighter eye area. It also plumps the appearance of fine lines.

To Wrap Up

Plant-based yerba mate in skincare helps protect against the damaging effects of UV rays, which can cause premature skin aging and skin cancer. It also helps de-puff, thanks to the caffeine it contains. Don’t forget your sunscreen, however. Yerba mate is not a substitute for this all-important step in any healthful skincare routine.