T. House Blog: Japanese Beauty & Skincare Tips

Heritage & CultureJan 14, 2025

These 5 Japanese Beauty Trends Are Forever

All fads come and go. And yet some of the best Japanese beauty trends in skincare and cosmetics have long histories—and don’t seem to be going anywhere soon. They say that trends are cyclical—and everything comes back. It’s true from fashion to food. The things that are in today, be they bellbottom jeans or pastel macaroons, fall out of favor and then back in. Changes to the way we communicate, like the internet and social media, have only made these trend cycles spin faster and faster, leading to fad aesthetics that last no more than a couple of months.Then there are other trends—the ones that stay a little longer. “Slugging”, for one example from the beautysphere, became popular on Instagram and TikTok towards the end of 2022, and describes the final skincare flourish of layering one’s face in petroleum jelly for an overnight mask. The trend has roots in Korean skincare, but dermatologists pointed out that petroleum jelly has been used as a mega moisturizer for about as long as it's been around. Some even recommend the trend, though it’s better suited for dry than acne-prone skin.Trends come from all sorts of places, and we only tend to hear about them at their peak. Some trends are refined from ancient wisdom or specific traditions that reemerge into contemporary culture. As beauty becomes more popular than ever, there is a constant feed of new trends—from “clean girl” to “Strawberry skin”—that quickly flame out, as well as trends that seem new but have actually been around for awhile. At Tatcha, we take much of our inspiration from Japanese beauty trends, paying special attention to those that have centuries-old roots. Here are a couple of these trends that don’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon. Heirloom advice: Techniques from olden daysSome of our earliest beauty wisdom is inherited; from our parents, guardians, siblings, or those around us. But what if we looked even farther back? That is how Tatcha’s founder, Vicky Tsai, came across the skincare rituals of geisha and maiko performers, for whom beauty was not just a veil or veneer, but a philosophy and way of life.When a colleague showed Tsai a copy of the “Capital Beauty and Style Handbook,” a three-volume text documenting the fashion and beauty routines of 18th century Japan, she was transfixed by some of its timeless (and less timeless) advice. An exfoliant of nightingale droppings would, if made today, be unlikely to catch on. But other ingredients caught her eye, like rice bran and camellia oil, which respectively could be used as an exfoliant and moisturizer.These recommendations helped inspire a two-part skincare ritual known as the double cleanse, or the Kyoto Cleanse. Step one is the Camellia Cleansing Oil, capable of melting even thick performance makeup, and step two is the Rice Polish, which uses a finely-milled bran to cleanse and exfoliate. Used in tandem, these formulas use a little ancestral know-how to produce silk-soft, smooth skin. Protect, protect!: The Importance of SPFThere may be no beauty product as important to Japanese women than sunscreen. The geisha performers of yore used parasols and thick, mineral oshiroi makeup that protected their faces from the sun. In modern day Japan, oshiroi is far less common, but Japanese women are diligent in protecting their skin from the sun without sunscreen, even as teens—wielding parasols on their walks to work, and covering exposed skin with hats, visors, gloves, sunglasses, even leggings.It’s no wonder why: Not only is sunburn unpleasant and even dangerous, but UV light is a main cause of skin aging—about 90% of visible wrinkles and spots, according to the Cleveland Clinic, form due to sun overexposure. In fact, sunscreen is one of the best anti-aging products there is. Which is why you should always have one. The best face sunscreen should be tailored to your skin type, and it’s a good idea to wear sunscreen every day, wherever skin may be exposed: on your body, on your hands, even on your lips. You’ll be able to see the results pay off in time.Shades of nature: Color products with buildable texturesMakeup is worn all throughout Japan, and has been for centuries. Even as early as the Edo period, in the 17th century, women were instructed on makeup application, and cosmetics became an important part of presentation. Even today, Japanese makeup is prized throughout the world, and exists in a nearly endless variety of colors, textures, and ways to wear.A prevailing makeup trend involves soft, natural colors for the lips and cheeks that can be intensified according to the wearer’s preference: One layer for a wash of color, a few more for something more dramatic. Far from your statement makeup products, they’re made to accessorize your own beauty—not overpower it. Tatcha’s Kissu Lip Tint SPF 25 captures the trend with a small wardrobe of lip colors, each inspired by a prized Japanese petal, from the coral pink ume to the punch red tsubaki. Each color’s buildability gives it many ways to wear. Earth to skin: Time-tested active botanicalsMany aspects of Japanese culture tie back to a deep and abiding respect for the world around us. Shintoism beholds nature as something like divinity itself, and across Japan many communities’ cultures are highly entrenched in their local surroundings. The nation is home to an abundance of climates, flora, and fauna; celebrating these things never goes out of style.There are cuisines made entirely of only-local ingredients, and festivals for every shade of flower petal; it follows that many Japanese beauty trends would prioritize botanicals important to Japanese culture. Over time and testing, it’s been proven that many of these botanicals do, indeed, have skin benefits. One example is indigo, which was not only a dye often used in Japanese garment-making (and now its world-famous denim) but was believed to have palliative effects in Japan’s samurai days, worn under armor, over injuries.Today, indigo extract is the blue jewel of Tatcha’s sensitive skincare collection, but it is at its most soothing in the Indigo Overnight Repair, a cushiony serum-in-moisturizer. Worn as you sleep, it visibly calms irritation and strengthens skin’s barrier. It’s shown to help balance the skin’s microbiome, too—a true multitasker, with an interesting history. Mindful minutes: The ritual of skincareBeyond what is required for our basic hygiene, skincare can be an indulgence. Not just because, well, it involves cleansing oils and serums-in-moisturizer, but also because it mandates a small amount of time for you to pay attention to yourself. When we repeat this act, it becomes a routine. When we honor this routine, it becomes a ritual. As Tsai observed the geisha performers, she realized that skincare might be necessary, but it isn’t a chore. Whether the first time or the hundredth, it can be performed with precision and care.There is a saying in Japanese: Ichi-go, ichi-e, or; “Just this one moment, once in a lifetime.” Many of the things we do in a day are throwaway gestures, but we can think of them differently if we apply a little mindfulness. A simple skincare routine, with time and discipline, can be elevated into something restorative—healing, even. Beauty trends and products will come and go, and always be here; it's what we do with them that really matters.

Heritage & CultureSep 6, 2021

Japanese Rejuvenating Superfoods for Your Skin

I am often asked about the most surprising or unexpected things that I learned from the geisha. The most unexpected lesson has also become my favorite: Beauty begins from the inside out. This means two things to them: one, that beauty begins in the heart and the mind; and two, that skincare goes far beyond what you put on your skin. They explained to me that your skin is your body’s largest organ, so it makes sense that the superfoods that are so prized in the Japanese diet would be the most beneficial and rejuvenating for the skin—Rice, Algae and Green Tea. Each of these has stood the test of time, and this powerful trio is now at the heart of our newest discovery, The Essence. RICE—A NOURISHING ESSENTIAL In Japan, it is often said that a beautiful woman’s skin is like ‘polished rice’—bright, translucent, smooth and soft. The longtime dietary staple also made its way into their skincare rituals, appearing in face washes, body scrubs and moisturizers. Today we know that rice contains Vitamins E and B, nourishing essential fatty acids, natural antioxidants and proteins. These skin-loving rejuvenating superfood ingredients help to enhance the immune system and fight free radicals to help prevent the signs of premature aging. We use rice from Akita, Japan, beloved for its perfect environment for beautiful skin. The high humidity, clear water and pure air combine to create world-famous rice, believed to contribute to a glowing complexion. GREEN TEA—A POWERFUL PROTECTOR Green Tea is often called liquid jade in Japan—not just because of its beautiful color, but for its powerful health benefits. Known to detoxify and prevent signs of premature aging, Green Tea has been a beloved part of the Japanese superfood diet for generations. The many benefits of this treasured Japanese botanical superfood also make it essential in any skincare rejuvenation ritual. The unassuming leaves are a rich source of Epigallocatechin Gallate, or EGCG, widely regarded as one of the most powerful antioxidants available. Its polyphenols target free radicals, particularly those caused by UV-induced oxidative damage. It also helps support the immune system. Whether mixed into a tonic, applied directly onto the skin or steeped in a teapot to enjoy in quietude, Green Tea has long been a staple of the geisha’s beauty rituals. Uji, Japan is the prestigious home of green tea in Kyoto, and the place where our beloved Green Tea comes from. ALGAE—A TREASURE FROM THE SEA Algae is found in almost every meal in Japan, whether in the form of a crisp sheet for a snack or enjoyed cold in a seaweed salad. It offers natural polysaccharides to benefit the body and skin alike. Today, we know that Algae is proven to enhance the skin’s barrier function, replenish the natural water reservoir and increase its moisture-retention capabilities. Our Algae comes from Mozuku, Okinawa—it has long been referred to by residents as a treasure from the god of the sea, and is believed to contribute to the longevity of the island’s residents. In creating The Essence, we were inspired by the efficacious natural actives in these three superfoods. We worked with food scientists to create the formula, comprised of 98.7% Green Tea, Rice and Algae. These timeless ingredients are fermented to increase cell turnover and resurface skin for a smooth luster. The water-light formula instantly doubles the hydration of skin above and beyond a moisturizer alone, to soften and plump lines and wrinkles. Skin channels are left flushed with lasting hydration, delivering treatments more deeply and making all skincare more effective. Although The Essence is one of our newest rejuvenating superfood discoveries, its history stretches back centuries—proving that science can only illuminate what nature learned long ago. __________ Our Superfood Recipes Matcha green tea cookies Makes 18 large or 36 small cookies Matcha is essentially green tea in powder form. You can easily add the powder to any baked good to add a dose of antioxidants. My daughter loves to make cookies, especially the Giant Rainbow Cookies from How Sweet Eats, and we simply sift in the matcha powder along with the flour and baking soda. My daughter also likes to add in white chocolate chunks instead M&Ms. 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon matcha powder 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) of salted butter, melted and cooled 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 cup coarsely chopped white chocolate Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Sift together flour, matcha powder and baking soda in a bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix butter and sugars until combined. Add egg, egg yolk and vanilla and stir until mixed. Slowly add flour mixture and combine until a dough forms. Fold in white chocolate chunks. Portion out the dough into ¼ cup portions for 18 large cookies, or 2 tablespoon portions for 36 smaller cookies. Shape into a ball and then pull apart into two equal pieces, then squish the smooth halves of the ball together so the rough sides are facing out. This is a weird trick but really works! Place dough rough-side up on baking sheets with space in between. Bake for 12-15 minutes (large cookies) or 8-12 minutes (small cookies) or until the edges are slightly brown. The centers should be soft and puffy. Let cool completely then dig in! Japanese green rice and chirashi sushi Makes 5 servings of rice Two superfoods in one! The green tea rice provides a wonderful base for chirashi sushi, a convenient and delish dish sometimes referred to as “sushi salad.” It also helps clean out your fridge when it’s getting a bit full. 3 cups uncooked rice 1 tablespoon green tea Dash of salt Anything in your fridge (green beans, baby corn, mushrooms, carrots, tofu, eggs, etc.) Mix dry green tea with uncooked rice, then cook as normal. The green tea will soften when cooking and add flavor, like a Japanese version of parsley rice. While the rice is cooking, prepare your add-in items as needed. Scramble the eggs, saute mushrooms, julienne carrots for topping, and so forth. Once the rice is cooked, let cool for about ten minutes and mix in the other ingredients. Seaweed salad dressing Makes 1 bottle of dressing Sheets of dried seaweeds are my go-to snack, but this dressing is lovely on seaweed salad or crispy lettuce. 5 tablespoons soy sauce 4 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons sesame oil 1 tablespoon cane sugar Whisk together and drizzle on top of wakame seaweed or algae.

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