Tatcha – The Water Cream Review

A luxurious gel-like cream that’s packed with Japanese ingredients and designed to restore healthy-looking, youthful radiance to the skin. Our Aesthetician’s Choice for the best non comedogenic cream for oily skin

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Overview: Tatcha – The Water Cream

Video: TATCHA The Water Cream on QVC

Winner: Stylist Best Beauty Awards 2023: skincare winners, 2022 Readers' Choice Awards, Men's Folio Grooming Awards 2022

Verdict: The best non comedogenic cream for oily skin

Best for: Normal to Oily & Combination skin, Large pores, Anti-aging

Brand & Product Line: OG Flagship product of the Tatcha brand

Type: Humectant; AM/PM moisturizer

Formulation Base: Water-based moisturizer

Color: Sheer white

Consistency: Lightweight water-gel

Finish: Dewy and glowing finish

Clean Beauty: Formulated without mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, urea, DEA, TEA, or phthalates.

Safety Studies: Oil-free. Non-comedogenic. Non-irritating. Dermatologist tested. Cruelty-free.

Part of: The Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers for Oily Skin; The Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin

KEY BENEFITS:

  • Tatcha's proprietary Hadasei-3™ blend features a trio of Japanese superfoods, including green tea, rice, and algae, that work together to combat the signs of aging and restore a more youthful, radiant complexion.
  • Contains nutrient-rich botanicals that clarify the skin, visibly tighten pores, and smoothen skin texture
  • Has a light, water-based texture that absorbs easily into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
  • Comes with a gold scoop for a luxurious and convenient application experience
  • Provides a subtle radiance with a hint of 23-karat gold
  • Oil-free, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating, making it potentially suitable for a wide range of skin types.
  • Dermatologist-tested and cruelty-free, emphasizing clean beauty and ethical product testing

CONS:

  • More expensive compared to other moisturizers on the market
  • Not fragrance-free. You may find the product's scent to be off-putting or too strong.
  • While the gold scoop adds a touch of luxury, you may prefer a more hygienic packaging design like a pump or bottle.

Product Review: Packaging, Formulation, Results, Before & After

Video: How to use Tatcha The Water Cream

“Hey everyone, my name is Claire and I'm here today to share with you how I prep my skin for makeup using the Water Cream from Tatcha. So before I go into any primer or makeup, I always like to prep my skin with a great moisturizer. And I naturally have oily skin, so I love something like the Water Cream because it's perfect for daytime. It has this beautiful water burst technology inside, so as soon as you apply it, it feels like a big drink of water. Really nice and cooling and refreshing. And because it's that gel formula, it absorbs into my skin beautifully.

The Water Cream is also packed with fantastic ingredients. There's Japanese wild rose, which helps reduce the appearance of pores, Japanese leopard lily, which helps reduce oil production as well as calms the skin, and then of course Tatcha's signature Hadasei-3.

All you need is a little scoop. Every moisturizer comes with a little spatula, and then I like to rub it in between my hands and apply from the center outwards, and really take my time to really feel the drink of water. I love the way that this feels. Really take the time to enjoy this ritual in the morning. And once everything is absorbed, your skin just feels really nice and smooth, really nice and supple, and ready for the next step.”

– Claire, from Cosmetify

Packaging, Size, and Versions:

With its incredible texture, lightweight formula, and impressive hydrating power, Tatcha's The Water Cream has earned a cult following in the beauty industry.

From skincare aficionados to experts, this non comedogenic cream for oily skin has become an undeniable phenomenon.

I'm also an avid fan, as my several empties can attest. And nothing gives a product a stronger endorsement than multiple purchases.

But before we dive into the formula, let's talk about packaging and size.

The Tatcha Water Cream comes in a sleek, frosted glass jar reminiscent of traditional Japanese porcelain.

The inspiration behind the packaging design is the delicate balance between nature and science, which is also the foundation of Tatcha's philosophy.

The jar's signature blue hue reflects the calming and soothing properties of the formula, while delicate gold lettering adds a touch of elegance to the overall look.

One of the standout features of the packaging is the included gold scoop, which adds a luxurious feel to the experience of using the product.

However, as an esthetician, I also place a high value on the hygienic aspect of the packaging.

While the scoop is a nice touch, I would prefer a more secure container to ensure the product's stability and efficacy.

Light and air can affect the formula's potency, and a more airtight container would help to prevent contamination and preserve the product's effectiveness.

Despite this, the packaging is still beautiful and worthy of display on any vanity.

Size

The size is relatively small compared to other moisturizers on the market, with the jar containing just 1.7 oz/50 ml of product.

However, a little goes a long way and a jar can last for several months. This makes it more cost-effective than other moisturizers of similar quality and price.

The small size is also travel-friendly, making it easy to take on the go. The compact design means it can fit in a purse, gym bag, or carry-on without taking up too much space.

Compared to other luxury skincare brands, Tatcha's The Water Cream is competitively priced. This makes it an excellent option for those who want to invest in their skincare without breaking the bank.

Product Formulation & Results: Before and After

Lightweight Texture & Consistency

Tatcha's The Water Cream boasts a whipped, cloud-like gel texture that is light, refreshing, and unique.

As soon as it touches the skin, it immediately melts in and absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy or oily residue.

The fast absorption rate is perfect for those who prefer to apply makeup directly after their skincare routine.

Compared to other moisturizers with similar textures and consistency, Tatcha's The Water Cream stands out as one of the lightest and most weightless options available.

Unlike heavier creams that can leave the skin feeling weighed down or congested, this moisturizer feels like a cool drink of water for your skin.

The cloud-like consistency is unique in that it doesn't separate or become watery over time, ensuring a consistent application with every use.

Intense Hydration

Tatcha's The Water Cream is known for its hydrating properties, and it lives up to its reputation.

It contains a blend of powerful hydrating ingredients, including Japanese purple rice, which is rich in anthocyanin and helps to keep the skin moisturized and supple.

It also has hyaluronic acid, which helps to boost the skin's moisture levels and keeps it hydrated throughout the day.

The Water Cream‘s unique formulation allows it to hydrate the skin without leaving a heavy or greasy feeling.

The product is easily absorbed into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.

It has a blend of antioxidants, including algae and HADASEI-3, which help to protect the skin from environmental stressors and promote overall skin health.

It's a great choice for those with oily skin who prefer a lightweight moisturizer that won't clog pores or feel heavy on the skin.

Brightening & Anti-Aging

Tatcha's The Water Cream is a multitasking moisturizer that hydrates the skin and helps brighten your complexion. This is thanks to a carefully curated selection of active ingredients that synergistically promote skin health and radiance.

The key brightening ingredient in the product is Japanese wild rose, which is rich in vitamins A and C and helps to improve uneven skin tone and texture visibly.

The addition of algae and hyaluronic acid helps boost hydration levels and plump up the skin.

In terms of anti-aging benefits, The Water Cream also contains a proprietary blend of green tea, rice, and algae extracts, which work together to protect the skin from environmental stressors and promote a more youthful-looking complexion over time.

These ingredients are rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that help to prevent premature aging and support the skin's natural repair processes.

The Water Cream is also free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin or who are looking for clean beauty products.

Key Ingredients:

Tatcha's The Water Cream is formulated with an exceptional blend of ingredients that work together to hydrate and brighten. 

One of the main ingredients is Japanese wild rose, which is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to improve skin texture and radiance.

Another key ingredient is Japanese leopard lily, which helps to control excess oil production and reduce the appearance of pores.

These two ingredients work together to balance the skin and improve your overall complexion.

The formula also contains a powerful blend of algae, rice, and hyaluronic acid, which work together to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture. 

Algae is rich in vitamins and minerals, and is known for its ability to protect the skin from environmental stressors.

On the other hand, rice is a natural source of inositol, a carbohydrate that helps promote cell turnover. 

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws moisture from the air and helps to keep the skin plump and hydrated.

These carefully selected ingredients work together to provide optimal hydration, balance, and anti-aging benefits for the skin. 

Key Ingredients:

  • Hadasei-3 – This proprietary blend of Japanese superfoods (green tea, rice, and algae) provides nourishing and anti-aging benefits for the skin.
    • Uji Green Tea – prized in Japan as the purest and finest source of green tea known to detoxify and prevent signs of premature aging
    • Okinawa Mozuku Algae – rich in polysaccharides, essential for the skin’s water retention and renewal
    • Akita Rice – the finest rice in Japan, also rich in essential proteins for a nourishing moisturizer
  • Japanese Wild Rose – This ingredient is rich in antioxidants and helps to visibly minimize the appearance of pores and smooth the skin's texture.
  • Japanese Leopard Lily – This ingredient helps to control excess oil production and clarify the skin for a more balanced, radiant complexion.

All of the ingredients in The Water Cream are carefully sourced and of the highest quality.

Tatcha is known for using traditional Japanese beauty practices and natural ingredients in their products, and this is no exception. 

Combining these ingredients in this lightweight formula is unique and effective, providing the skin with the nourishment it needs to look and feel its best.

When compared to other products with similar ingredients, The Water Cream stands out for its ability to provide long-lasting hydration without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin. 

Its unique blend of ingredients also makes it a great option for those with oily or combination skin, as it helps to balance the skin's natural oils while still providing plenty of moisture. 

Overall, the ingredients in Tatcha's The Water Cream work together to provide optimal results, leaving the skin looking and feeling healthy, hydrated, and radiant.

Clean Beauty & Safety Tests:

As a clean beauty advocate, I was thrilled to find that Tatcha's The Water Cream adheres to strict standards of clean beauty.

Not only is it oil-free, but it is also non-comedogenic and non-irritating, making it a safe choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Additionally, the product is dermatologist-tested and cruelty-free, ensuring that it is both effective and ethical.

What's more, The Water Cream is formulated without a number of harmful ingredients, including mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, urea, DEA, TEA, or phthalates.

This commitment to ingredient quality and safety is further demonstrated through rigorous safety testing, which ensures that the product is safe for use on all skin types.

Complete Ingredients:

Aqua/Water/Eau, Saccharomyces/Camellia Sinensis Leaf/Cladosiphon Okamuranus/Rice Ferment Filtrate*, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Glycerin, Diglycerin, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Gold, Belamcanda Chinensis Root Extract, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Mica, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Phenyl Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum/Fragrance, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol *HADASEI-3

Please be aware that ingredient lists may change or vary from time to time. Please refer to the ingredient list on the product package you receive for the most up-to-date list of ingredients.


About the Brand

Tatcha is a luxury skincare brand founded in 2009 by Victoria Tsai, inspired by the beauty secrets of geishas. The brand's mission is to share the traditional Japanese approach to skincare, which emphasizes simplicity and efficacy.

Their products are formulated with a blend of time-tested ingredients and innovative technology to deliver visible results while maintaining the skin's health and natural balance.

Tatcha‘s commitment to clean beauty is reflected in its carefully sourced ingredients and strict formulation standards. The brand avoids harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, and all its products are cruelty-free.

Tatcha is also dedicated to sustainability and has implemented several eco-friendly initiatives, such as using recyclable packaging and supporting reforestation efforts.

Since its launch, Tatcha has gained a loyal following of beauty enthusiasts, professionals, and celebrities, who praise the brand's transformative results and luxurious experience.

Their dedication to quality, innovation, and tradition has earned it numerous industry awards and recognition as one of the leading skincare brands in the world.

Tatcha – The Water Cream Review

Tatcha's The Water Cream is a lightweight and hydrating moisturizer that has a unique texture and is infused with anti-aging and pore-refining botanicals.

Gabrielle Sterin

Hydration
Absorption
Skin type (suitability)
Ingredients
Texture & Consistency
Ease of Application
Packaging
Pricing
Size

Summary

Tatcha's The Water Cream is a lightweight and refreshing moisturizer that contains proprietary ingredients that provide intense hydration and moisturization to the skin.
 
It has a unique, whipped gel-like texture that absorbs easily into the skin and imparts a subtle, shine-free glow with a touch of 23-karat gold.
 
While it may be more expensive compared to other moisturizers on the market, it is dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and contains anti-aging and pore-refining botanicals.

Ideal for: Normal to Oily & Combination skin, Large pores, Anti-aging

4.6

References:

  1. Albuquerque, P. B. S., de Oliveira, W. F., dos Santos Silva, P. M., dos Santos Correia, M. T., Kennedy, J. F., & Coelho, L. C. B. B. (2022). Skincare application of medicinal plant polysaccharides—A review. Carbohydrate Polymers277, 118824.
  2. Kanlayavattanakul, M., & Lourith, N. (2021). Natural polysaccharides for skin care. In Polysaccharides of Microbial Origin: Biomedical Applications (pp. 1-23). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
  3. Katiyar, S. K., Ahmad, N., & Mukhtar, H. (2000). Green tea and skin. Archives of Dermatology136(8), 989-994.
  4. Katiyar, S. K., & Elmets, C. A. (2001). Green tea polyphenolic antioxidants and skin photoprotection. International journal of oncology18(6), 1307-1313.
  5. Pitak-Arnnop, P., Hemprich, A., Dhanuthai, K., & Pausch, N. C. (2011). Gold for facial skin care: fact or fiction?. Aesthetic plastic surgery35, 1184-1188.

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Gabrielle Sterin
Beauty and lifestyle editor Gabrielle Sterin has collaborated with several print and digital magazines. She has worked directly with photographers, models, beauty publicists, hairstylists, makeup artists, and nail technicians to bring projects to life. She has also styled still-life beauty shoots and art-directed model & reader fashion shoots.