The Editor-Approved Tatcha Skincare Routine

Words by Olivia de Courcy

Japanese skincare brand Tatcha is proof that the big J-beauty boom was no passing fad, it’s here to stay. Earning cult status among celebrities and beauty insiders alike, and now, it has been given the Harrods seal of approval, with its arrival in The Beauty Halls and harrods.com. But what makes Tatcha so special?

For founder Vicki Tsai, it all started with burnout. After years in a high-stress corporate job that left her skin (and spirit) in rough shape, she went looking for something better, something gentler. That search led her to the calming, minimalist beauty rituals of Japan. In 2009, she launched Tatcha to bring those centuries-old practices to modern skincare routines.

Fast forward to now, and her timing couldn’t feel more relevant. With stressed-out skin, tired complexions, and over-complicated routines everywhere you look, Tatcha’s focus on balance and simplicity, and its arrival at Harrods, couldn’t be more relevant.

Inspired by Okinawa – one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people live remarkably long, healthy lives – Tatcha leans into the Japanese idea of nuchi gusui, or “food is medicine.” As Tsai puts it, “Japanese women have understood for centuries that what’s good for the body is also good for the skin.” And honestly? That philosophy might be just what we all need right now.

Having put Tatcha’s top formulas to the test, beauty editor Olivia de Courcy shares the products she’ll be replenishing on repeat.

A Can’t-Skip Cleansing Ritual

I fully subscribe to the double cleansing hype, using the first step to remove SPF, make-up and dirt, and the second to clean and replenish my skin. The Indigo Cleansing Balm melts instantly on contact with skin and removes even the most stubborn of mascara without stinging my sensitive eyes. It’s no wonder, as the indigo used from the Yoshino River in Japan helps soothe irritation and strengthen the skin barrier. The balm is best applied to dry skin, emulsified with a little water and removed with a damp cotton cloth. For my second evening cleanse, I’ll reach for the Rice Polish, an enzyme cleanser that starts as a powder and transforms into a creamy foam when mixed with water. Although it’s an exfoliant, it’s gentle enough to use daily; my skin always feels refreshed and pepped up after using.

Tatcha’s Top Hydrators

If you only know one product from Tatcha, chances are it is the Dewy Skin Cream in its iconic purple pot. My favourite is the Water Cream, more suited to my oily-combination skin, though I’ll reach for The Dewy Skin Cream when my skin needs extra nourishment in winter. I remember friends bringing back Tatcha’s Luminous Dewy Skin Mist from their US travels before the brand was available in the UK – and now I see why. It’s just the right level of moisture without being too wet or sticky. I always use a mist before I apply any serum, as a top dermatologist I trust once told me your serum is better absorbed on damp skin. The Brightening Serum and The Water Cream have become my new power duo. Because of Tatcha’s skin-soothing philosophy, The Brightening Serum is one of the only vitamin C serums my reactive skin can tolerate and I have noticed a reduction in some unwanted pigmentation on my cheeks. And then, the Water Cream has the most gorgeous gel-like texture to lock in the goodness.

Tatcha

The Water Cream (75ml)

£97.00

Tatcha

Luminous Dewy Skin Mist (40ml)

£48.00

Tatcha

The Brightening Serum (30ml)

£86.00

The Lip Duo

Perhaps some of my favourite but the most underrated products I’ve tried from Tatcha are the lip products. As a lipstick wearer, a lip scrub is a vital item in my beauty kit to keep them soft and not flaking. The Kissu Lip Scrub has just the right amount of physical exfoliants to lightly buff away dry skin, which I then follow with The Kissu Lip Mask for extra hydration. I use the latter like a lip balm, and it’s particularly great at night. I often think a marker of a great lip balm is that you can still feel it on in the morning, and with the Kissu Lip Mask, you can.

Best Tatcha Products for Dry Skin

While my oily skin lends itself to certain products that are lighter weight, Tatcha’s nourishing formulas are brilliant for all different skin types. Here are some that I would recommend for those with normal-to-dry skin types.