Tatcha Water Cream

Every once in a while, a beauty product inspires a frenzy that leads to gushing online reviews and sold out inventory. One of those runaway products is Tatcha Water Cream, which debuted in 2017 and quickly became the best-selling cream at Sephora in April 2017—and sold out twice that month. Here’s a look at what makes this cream so special, what’s in it, and is it worth the hype?

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What is Tatcha Skin Care?

Tatcha skincare was created by Harvard Business School grad Victoria Tsai. The beauty entrepreneur says she used to suffer from acute dermatitis and eczema, until a trip to Kyoto changed her skin, as well as her career path. According to Tatcha, while traveling in Kyoto, Tsai asked a geisha in a beauty store how she achieved her flawless looking skin. Their conversation led Tsai to delve into the world of geishas and traditional Japanese skincare.  According to company lore, Tsai learned about classical Japanese beauty secrets passed down through generations thanks to an ancient text, which the company still uses today for inspiration and ideas. Tsai’s complexion cleared up once she adopted a Japanese skincare routine, which is meant to gentle. The idea for Tatcha was born, and the company launched in 2009. Its products are created in conjunction with modern day geishas as well as Japanese scientists. Tatcha’s skincare philosophy is “less is more” and uses traditional Japanese ingredients such as green tea, pearl, silk rice and algae.

What is Tatcha Water Cream?

The Water Cream is an oil-free, anti-aging moisturizer formulated for normal as well as normal to oily skin types. It is important to note that the cream is not meant for those with dry skin. The Water Cream is packed with Japanese botanicals and superfoods, and is designed to balance and hydrate the skin. The formula is part of a new wave of Japanese and Korean beauty products that “burst” upon application, which are meant to deliver a dose of nutrients without leaving the skin greasy or sticky. The addition of 23 karat gold is meant to leave behind a little glow. The milky white cream, which some beauty editors describe as looking like vanilla pudding, comes with a gold spatula for scooping it out of the jar.

What Ingredients Are in Tatcha Water Cream?

The Water Cream contains Japanese Wild Rose to help tighten pores and smooth skin texture; Japanese leopard lily to keep oil production in check and also encourage skin cell turnover; Hadasei-3, Tatcha’s signature anti-aging trio of green tea, rice and algae, along with a touch of 23 karat gold. Other ingredients include dimethicone (a silicone), glycerin (a humectant), and sodium hyaluronate, a water soluble form of hyaluronic acid. The cream is formulated without mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, urea, DEA, TEA or phthalates.

How Should Tatcha Water Cream Be Used?

The Water Cream can be used twice a day, in the morning and at night.

How Much is Tatcha Water Cream?

A 10ml travel size pot of Tatcha Water Cream sells for $20 while the full sized 50 ml jar is $68.

Where is Tatcha Water Cream Sold?

Tatcha Water Cream and all Tatcha products are sold on its website as well as Sephora and select Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons hotels, as well as select Joyce beauty locations in Hong Kong.

Is Tatcha Water Cream Cruelty Free?

Yes. As the company states, “We have proudly informed you that we are a cruelty-free skincare company — we do not test on animals in any country, nor do our chemists, raw material suppliers, formulators or manufacturers.”

What Are The Best Alternatives?

If you’re looking for skincare products to address the signs of aging, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin. We recommend the Day & Night Routine.

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