Tatcha may have only launched in the UK in June 2022 but in a short time, it has garnered the type of buzz that other, more established brands could only dream of where each new launch is a stop-the-press moment.
The brand is on a mission to transform our skincare practices to daily moments of self care and compassion, so each of the products have a sensorial aspect with botanicals at their heart.
Its mission is to bring Japanese wisdom and rituals to our bathroom cabinet using nutrients to enrich the skin, strengthen the barrier and reduce inflammation with unique proprietary ingredients like the Hadasei-3 complex of double-fermented Akita rice, Uji green tea and Okinawa algae. And it works - counting the likes of Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, Selena Gomez and Doja Cat among its extended celebrity fan base.
The newest drop to land on British soils is The Silk Serum, following on from hero products like The Silk Cream by harnessing the power of a skin-plumping silk protein to create an advanced anti-ageing formula.
It is pegged by the label as a fine line-fighting retinol alternative that encourages cell turnover with a combination of upcycled cranberry extract that is brimming with peptides and amino acids and sea fennel to smooth rough and calm irritated skin. The silk protein packs in moisture, while the Hadasei-3 complex encourages a healthy complexion.
Its USP? The potent non vitamin A alternaive can be used by all - including during pregnancy and while breast feeding.
In a clinical study, 100 per cent of people saw an improvement in texture, redness and the look of fine lines in just two weeks of use, while 78 per cent saw improved firmness and 85 per cent noticed an improvement in the look of fine lines and wrinkles in four. But could it pass the ES Best test?
See what we thought below.
Buy now, £98 | Space NK
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Ellie Davis, Shopping Editor
The first thing to note about The Silk Serum, before I can even wax lyrical about the benefits, is the herbaceous, botancial aroma that feels like a luxurious application every morning and night. This is only enhanced by the lightweight, easily absorbed texture that glides onto the skin with ease.
I have combination skin where the dry areas of my face are incredibly dry. Retinol and this don’t always go hand in hand, and it can leave my skin flaky and dry. That’s where this supercharged serum shines. You get the benefits of the anti-ageing powerhouse (improving the appearance of fine lines, evening out skin texture and boosting radiance) but without the down side (irritation, redness, flaking skin). It works to hydrate as it goes and while I always wear SPF (as should you!), it isn’t photo sensitive so you can apply in the day too.
This is a high powered formula but doesn’t load up your skin with inflammation-causing ingredients. The natural cranberry and sea fennel feel instead like a treat. While it may not turn back the clock, it does have a welcomed blurring effect that is enough to make it a staple part of my routine.
Peter Bevan
PSA: The Silk Serum works just as well for men as it does for women - especially if, like me, you want to look just as dewy as Kim Kardashian, who’s also a loyal fan of the brand.
Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of using retinol. The risk of increased photo-sensitivity doesn’t work well with my sometimes sensitive skin, so hearing that Tatcha’s less-harsh alternative was launching in the UK, I was literally thrilled - and it lives up to the rep.
I already use the label’s Violet-C Brightening serum, so I couldn’t wait to try The Silk Serum out next.
Although the brand states that the plumping and smoothing effects happen within four weeks, after using the serum for just a few days I could feel the difference on my skin. From day one, I was using the deliciously smelling soft, milky formula twice a day. It instantly left me feeling firmer and more nourished - not to mention giving me dewy glow on the daily.
Like the entire range, I love the shelfie-worthy packaging, too.
It’s given my skincare regime and my bathroom shelf the glow-up it needs.
Tatcha The Silk Serum
Buy now £98.00, Space NK
