Objectives The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate a topical proprietary formulation containing lipophilic catechins (AverTeaX) on recurrent herpes labialis. Methods A double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial with 40 participants initially in two groups. Results Compared to the vehicle group, AverTeaX applied topically 6-8 times daily resulted in a significant reduction of clinical episode duration (median 4.5 days, range 1-11 days vs. 9 days, range 2-11 days, p=0.003) and shortened blistering/ulceration stages within an episode from a median of 3 (range 0-6) days to 1 (range 0-3) day (p=0.0003). Median quality of life scores based on a multi-question survey showed significant differences between the groups with respect to duration of itching, from a median of 4 (range 0-7) days to 1 (range 0-5) day (p=0.0021) and duration until symptom free, from a median of 8 (range 3-11) days to 4 (range 1-10) days (p=0.0016). Significant differences were not found for median scores of itching, pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and stress. Adverse effects were not reported. Conclusion AverTeaX formulation containing lipophilic catechins effectively inhibited herpes simplex labialis infection with clinical significance.