Ah, Tatcha. You most definitely have my heart when it comes to luxury skincare. But as with all great love affairs, there are moments when the chemistry falters, and sadly, Tatcha The Essence is is one of them.
What is it?
A hydrating and resurfacing essence.
What Do I Think?
Tatcha’s The Essence promises much: a booster for your entire skincare regime, delivering hydration, resurfacing, and a petal-soft complexion regardless of age. Central to its formula is the Hadasei-3 complex, a fermented trifecta of rice, algae, and green tea that pays homage to traditional Japanese diets. It’s a poetic concept and a bottle that whispers of ceremony and ritual. But for me, the results fell just short of the brand’s claims.
As a first step post-cleansing, it’s undeniably pleasant. My dry skin gratefully soaks up the hydration, leaving a plumper, slightly bouncier finish. But when it comes to resurfacing and brightening? The effect is subtle – so subtle, in fact, that I still find myself reaching for my trusted Kate Somerville ExfoliKate once a week to keep my skin polished and glowing. With daily and nightly use, I wanted more than a polite nudge towards radiance.
Then there’s the price: £102 for 150ml. It’s an investment, and for me, the returns don’t quite justify it. Yes, it’s long-lasting – four months in, I’ve only just hit the bottom of the bottle – but longevity alone doesn’t make it indispensable. Given the choice, I’d save my pennies for Tatcha’s Silk Serum, which delivers tangible results, and pair it with a more affordable hydrating mist or toner.
Would I recommend?
Ultimately, Tatcha The Essence is a graceful addition to any routine but not the transformative powerhouse I’d hoped it to be. While it didn’t win my loyalty, I’ve no doubt it will revel in others skincare wardrobes. You only have to read online reviews to see how much people love this. For me, though, it’s a gentle reminder: even in a love affair with luxury, not every piece needs to come home with you.
Brands Product Description
Resurface, soften, and plump with The Essence, now 100% Hadasei-3™, a trio of fermented Japanese superfoods, proven to make your skincare ritual more effective. This simple yet transformative formula is 100% Hadasei-3™, a proprietary fermented complex of the very superfoods core to the Japanese diet: rice, algae, and green tea. This potent formula boosts the effects of skincare, resurfaces, and hydrates for primed, plump, petal-soft skin at any age.
Key Ingredients
- Hadasei-3™Complex – Tatcha’s proprietary complex of double-fermented Akita rice, Uji green tea, and Okinawa algae. Rich in essential amino acids, it supports the skin’s moisture-keeping factors while promoting natural skin surface turnover for brighter, beautiful skin.
How I Use It
I’d use this morning and evening, straight after cleansing. I’d then continue with my serums and follow with moisturiser, and sunscreen if it’s daytime.
Would I Repurchase/Buy?
Sadly I didn’t see the results to justify the price, so I wouldn’t repurchase this one.
How Much?
£63 for 75ml (Travel-Size)
£102 for 150ml (Full-Size)
