tatcha the essence

this is the description from their website: resurface, soften and plump with the essence. made of 100% hadasei-3, a trio of fermented japanese superfoods, the essence is proven to make your skincare 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.

the complex is rooted in akita rice fermented with a specially selected yeast strain to yield much less alcohol. as the base, this ferment helps deliver nutrients directly into the skin, allowing them to permeate. moisture-retaining okinawa algae replenishes the skin barrier for a plumped appearance, and antioxidant-rich uji green tea protects the skin from premature aging. with each component represented at its optimal level, this harmonious trio of superfoods is fermented once more, boosting the benefits of the transformative superfoods therein. this fermentation process produces amino acids and AHAs like lactic acid, which support natural surface cell turnover for smooth skin.

featured ingredients: hadasei-3 complex - our proprietary complex of double-fermented akita rice, uji green tea and okinawa algae. this trinity of time-tested ingredients work in harmony to deliver radiant, healthy-looking skin. rich in essential amino acids, it supports the skin's moisture-keeping factors while promoting natural skin surface turnover for brighter, beautiful skin at every age.

the packaging: since i bought this in a set, it comes in pink/purple abstract bag with all the products inside. all the products are placed in a plastic tray so everything is safe and secure. the essence itself comes in a white gradient glass bottle with a screw cap. they seal the cap with a patterned sticker. see..the glass is quite heavy, that's why i don't want to risk it being broken on the way so that's the reason why i didn't want to bring it while traveling. the bottom part of the bottle is transparent so you can see the remaining product inside. it only comes in 25 ml. there's a bit description at the back of the bottle but no ingredients list. they use the usual toner opening to pour out the essence.

the scent: there's no added fragrance and there's no foul scent either. 

the product: it's a watery type essence. it looks and feels just like water. it's very watery so i have to be careful not to pour too much. i pour it to my palm and immediately pat it to my face. since this is watery, it's absorbed immediately into my skin and doesn't leave any traces behind. no tacky feeling. sorry there's no picture of the product because since it's transparent, it's hard to capture it.

the result: it makes my skin glowing a bit right afterward, but it vanished afterward. this one is definitely hydrating but i don't see anything else. however, i feel this works well with other products in my routine. and somehow it calms my skin. yeah, i didn't realize i was about to get my period until i get the unbearable PMS pain and when i did, i feel my skin is getting better even around my period time.

one thing that i realize after using this essence is that my skin is more likely prefer watery toner/essence like this one and not so much with the slightly viscous slippery one. back to the essence, this one is good for all skin types but maybe not for dry skin since it won't change much. anyway, i don't think i'll purchase the full size one because it's pricey, but if you like something lightweight and hydrating, then give it a try if you have the budget.