T-House

I have always believed that a brand is a promise. When I started Tatcha over a decade ago, our promise to you was, and remains, to help bring you harmony from skin to soul. Throughout this journey, we ask ourselves constantly if we’re living up to this promise, and how we can be of service to you. Two years ago I focused my work at Tatcha entirely on the connection between the skin and the mind. We have always believed that skincare is self-care, but what we’ve learned through research into bodymind science is that skincare can be care of all health: physical, mental, and even spiritual. There is a saying in Japanese, hinou dokon, which translates to “skin-mind same root.” It comes from the belief that caring for the skin is caring for the mind. This is biologically true: our skin and brain develop along the same stem cell line so that our skin both affects and reflects our internal state, even how we think and feel. From goosebumps and blushing to stress breakouts and eczema, our skin is constantly talking to us about what’s happening under the surface. This work has completely changed my relationship to my skin. For decades, we have been taught to see our skin as a list of problems to be solved and offered an arsenal of increasingly harsh treatments. But the truth is, your skin was not made to be burned, stripped or scrubbed. It is a wondrous organ that carries you through life. Our hope is that by empowering you with a deeper understanding of the wonder of skin, you can fall in love with yours too. To date, the skincare industry has created formulas for what you see on the surface, and rarely addressed skin health at the root. But serums and creams can only go so far if you aren’t attentive to your well-being, because caring for your skin requires caring for all of you. With this realization, Tatcha is undergoing a transformation. All our skincare will now be formulated to provide both physical and emotional benefits, such as a calmer spirit or clearer mind. And for truly holistic care, we will also offer curated well-being rituals that touch the mind, and engage your five senses for harmony from skin to soul. Our research is new and ongoing, and we will be sharing our learning journey with you every step of the way. As part of this work, we’re changing how we show and talk about skin—honoring its dynamism as an organ, without perpetuating unhealthy beauty standards. We will phase out the use of “normal” as a skin type from our packaging and retail merchandising because it implies that the natural condition of skin is somehow abnormal. We are also phasing out “anti-aging,” as a term because we believe that aging is a gift, and our formulas are crafted to support healthy aging. We are all trying to live longer, healthier lives, and supporting our skin helps promote longevity. And finally, we’re making an even deeper commitment to portray skin as it really is, celebrating it at every age, in every shade of beautiful. As a woman and a mother, I’ve come to realize how important it is to not only practice self-care, but self-compassion, too. Perhaps if we view our skin as a part of ourselves, we can give it the appreciation and care it deserves. Wishing you health and harmony,

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.

You may be wondering how our iconic Liquid Silk Canvas and The Silk Canvas differ, and which one best suits your skin, so we made this little guide to help. What's the Difference Between The Silk Canvas and The Liquid Silk Canvas? The Silk Canvas is a rich balm and is velvety soft on skin.The Liquid Silk Canvas is an oil-free fluid and feels weightless on the skin. Do Both Primers Protect Skin From Makeup and Pollution? Yes! Both the original balm and new oil-free fluid are skincare-first formulas made using three types of Japanese silk, skin-protecting botanical extracts, and Hadasei-3, our antioxidant complex for healthy, ageless skin. As a result, both formulas help to protect skin from makeup and pollution. Do Both Primers Improve Makeup Wear? Yes! Both the original balm and new oil-free fluid provide a beautiful canvas for makeup from your face, to your eyes and lips. Also, both formulas pair beautifully with liquid, cream, and powder makeup to provide remarkable makeup payoff and prolonging its wear. Which Silk Canvas Is Right for You? Good news, it’s totally up to you. If your skin tends to get mid-day shine, if you prefer liquid formulas, or if you like your primers to feel lightweight, you’ll love the new Liquid Silk Canvas. If your skin is feeling a bit dry, or if your skin just loves richer, creamier textures, the original Silk Canvas is the one for you. Also, our skin changes with the seasons, our hormones, and our diet. The good news is, no matter how it’s feeling, there’s a Silk Canvas for you. We can’t wait to hear how your skin is looking after you try these formulas and thank you always for the honor of taking care of you. Wishing you healthy-looking skin and perfect makeup, The Tatcha Family

Did you know that while you sleep, your skin devotes all its energy to repairing, healing, and growing so it comes back better the next day—just like you? Every night our bodies go through a natural recovery process from the inside out, so that in the morning we feel refreshed and recharged—including our skin. Our skin is our immune system’s first line of defense—its strength is essential to our well-being. All day, our skin protects our insides, acting as a natural armor against daily stress from pollution, climate, and the environment. These stressors can cause visible irritation, from redness to dryness. At night, our skin switches to repair mode, and this is where the idea of beauty sleep comes in.The closer you get to the ideal sleeping range of 7-9 hours, the better the opportunity for your skin to have the most visible recovery. As you sleep, skin rebuilds its collagen, which helps visibly plump skin, reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin regeneration peaks at nighttime, which occurs because your body produces more melatonin—yes, the same kind you can take to help fall asleep. Without enough sleep, you will produce more of the stress hormone known as cortisol, which makes your skin prone to inflammation. If you’ve ever woken up with puffiness around the eyes, that is a perfect example of inflammation from lack of sleep. Studies have even shown that getting more sleep can help heal wounds faster. Ultimately, getting some shut eye will make you feel better, but it can help you look your best, too.Whether or not you’re always able to get in that ideal 7-9 hours of sleep, we formulated our newest overnight treatment, Indigo Overnight Repair, to help accelerate skin’s natural recovery process. This cushiony serum in moisturizer is formulated to treat and nourish your complexion as the final step in your evening ritual, cocooning skin in gently effective, nourishing botanicals to reveal calmer, stronger skin by morning.What is most exciting about this formula is how you can see a difference in your skin after just one night. In a 4-week clinical study of 41 participants, 93% of panelists showed improvement in skin radiance and 88% showed improvement in skin softness and suppleness after one night using Indigo Overnight Repair. Japanese indigo extract and red sage root visibly calm irritation caused by pollution and environmental stress, from redness to dry patches. Irritation like this is usually due to a depleted skin barrier, so we formulated this treatment with ceramides, which replenish lipids to retain hydration in the skin barrier. You can see this through a diminished look of dry, fine lines and wrinkles, and in our 4-week clinical study of 41 participants, 100% of the panelists demonstrated a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles after 4 weeks.We also included mondo grass root to balance the microbiome, which is an invisible ecosystem that lives on the skin. Home to billions of friendly living microorganisms, this layer of skin communicates with our immune system, protects us against infection, tempers inflammation, and protects against environmental aggressors. When unbalanced, the microbiome may function less effectively, and can lead to conditions like psoriasis, allergies, eczema, contact dermatitis, acne, poor wound healing, skin ulcers, rosacea, and accelerated skin aging. A balanced microbiome is important because its innate immune defenses can actively prevent bad bacteria from proliferating while allowing good microbes to flourish, which helps skin perform at an optimal level, revealing radiant, healthy-looking skin.

Are you craving deeper, more restful sleep? With all the demands of modern life, it can be difficult to fit in the recommended eight hours, and even when you do, you may not wake up feeling as rejuvenated as you hoped. But quality sleep is vital to your well-being because it’s the only time your brain, body, and even your skin truly recover from the environmental stressors of the day. To help you achieve your best night’s sleep, we’ve compiled our favorite bedtime rituals. These simple practices are an easy way to prepare your mind and body for sleep so that you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Play soothing sounds Set the tone for your bedtime ritual with a playlist of your favorite nature sounds like rain, beach waves, or a crackling fireplace. It’s proven that naturalistic sounds affect the systems that control the ‘fight or flight’ response, promoting relaxation. Light some incense  Did you know smells can impact how you feel? Functional fragrances like incense, activate one of the oldest parts of our brain using the olfactory system to control mood, memory, behavior and emotion. Calming aromas like Japanese cypress induce relaxation and promote better sleep. Bathe in comfort In Japan, it’s customary to bathe at night to cleanse away the dirt and pollutants of the day while relaxing the mind and body. More recently, research has shown that an evening soak also helps you fall asleep faster, too. The warm water stimulates blood circulation from your core to your hands and feet, reducing your internal body temperature by 2-3 degrees, which is ideal for falling asleep. Drink in calm Wind down with an herbal tea like chamomile, which is thought to have anti-anxiety benefits. The bedtime tea is rich in an antioxidant called apigenin, which binds to receptors in your brain that can decrease anxiety and help initiate sleep. Release tension with healing touch Elevate your evening skincare ritual with a short facial massage with your favorite moisturizer. We recommend the Indigo Overnight Repair, because it's made to amplify your skin's nightly recovery cycle so you can wake up to calmer, more luminous skin. Massaging the cream into your skin for just a few minutes, you can stimulate circulation while releasing tension to calm the body and mind. Follow the instructions below for our custom Yuyake Face Massage, which can be performed with our Akari Gold Massager, or just your hands. Yuyake Face Massage Step 1: Begin just above the hairline and move in a back-and-forth motion on the scalp. Step 2: Press the massager above the inner corner of the eyebrow and slide outward along the brow, stopping in front of the ear. Step 3: Press tool to the base of the nose and move outward along cheekbone. Step 4: Place the massager behind the ear and draw down along the jaw and neck to the collarbone.Repeat five times on each side of the face, using the narrow side.

We’re delighted to introduce our first-ever Global Well-Being Mentor, Toryo Ito. In this first of its kind role, Toryo Ito will share his unique knowledge of holistic health education acquired as a zen monk from Japan, as well as help us develop new treasures that return to you a sense of well-being. His first encounter with Tatcha was in 2016. Our founder, Vicky Tsai, attended a zazen meditation class led by Toryo Ito at the Ryosokuin Temple in Kyoto. Afterward, the two found many similarities between his philosophy and her vision for Tatcha, namely the mind-body connection and a holistic approach to well-being. It was from Toryo Ito that Vicky learned the “mind” is not just in the brain, but throughout the body, pointing to universal expressions about gut instincts and changes of heart. Toryo Ito’s own meditation style is rooted in the five senses. He says, “[meditation] is an act of re-acknowledging what you already think you know. Activating your five senses elevates your awareness of your body and mind, creating harmony between you and your surroundings.” Toryo Ito shares more tips for meditation in his recently published book, Monday Meditation, which is currently only available in Japanese. Before becoming a zen monk, Toryo Ito studied Philosophy and Education at Ryukoku University before training at Rinzaishu Senmon Dojo and Rinzai Sect. Now, drawing inspiration from his traditional Japanese approach to life, Toryo Ito will work with us to marry timeless Japanese wisdom with emerging scientific research to create sensorial rituals that benefit skin, mind, and body. We’re thrilled to welcome him into the Tatcha family, and can’t wait to share the rituals of well-being we create together.

Reconnecting with nature through shinrin yoku Sunlight streams through the lush greenery, illuminating spiderwebs, creating a visual feast. Conversations between squirrels and birds harmonize with wind-rustled branches. An errant breeze kisses your cheek as your feet sink ever so slightly into the soft earth. The smells of damp moss, fresh flowers, and wet wood fills your lungs. You feel your pulse gently slow. Your breathing becomes easier. You are forest bathing. All month long, we’ve been exploring the Japanese concept of shizen, which focuses on the importance of nature to our well-being. With so much of our lives existing in the digital space, we’ve come to realize how nurturing it is to reconnect to nature. One of our favorite ways to do this is forest bathing. Better known as shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is any act that involves making contact with and taking in the atmosphere of the forest. Coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in 1982, shinrin-yoku is an ideal way to restore harmony in your mind, body, and soul. Something as simple as taking a walk through a wooded area has been shown to help lower pulse and blood pressure*. Even if you live in the heart of a city, spending some time in a nearby park or green space can help trigger the same soothing effects. You could consider forest bathing a form of healthcare. Many studies have been conducted with positive results concluding that spending prolonged time in nature can help reduce stress levels and boost immunity. Humans evolved in nature, so it stands to reason that returning to our original environment can act as a natural remedy for our modern-day stresses. Forest Bathing: How To Engage Your Senses With Shinrin-Yoku from Tatcha on Vimeo. For the most authentic experience with the best results, we recommend diving in head first—leave your phone at home and no, you don’t need to bring a bathing suit! While bathing is in the name, forest bathing does not involve swimming. Our preferred forest bathing activity is slow, aimless wandering. Walk without a destination in mind—the destination is to simply experience each and every aspect of the present moment. Take in the environment and mentally note each sensation you feel—the warmth of the sun on your skin, the pungent scent of soil in your nose. If you feel so moved, stop to examine the lines in a leaf, or peek under some brush—who knows what beauty you may come across.

Did you know that the same ingredients we use to care for your skin can also care for your insides? It’s understood that what is good for the body is also good for the skin, so many of our most beloved ingredients are present in the Japanese diet. For instance, Hadasei-3™, our proprietary complex, consists of three superfoods that are dietary staples in Japan: rice, algae, and green tea. Incidentally, Japan has the longest life expectancy among developed countries. Scientists credit their longevity to genetics, but also, importantly, to lifestyle and diet. The same way you care for your skin, you can care for your body with natural, wholesome ingredients. Not only will you feel better, but it will also have a positive impact on your skin, since your skin is an expression of what is going on under the surface. So when you regularly feed your body healthy food, you’ll be rewarded with a healthy glow. Below, we’ve put together three easy recipes to help you incorporate these simple yet transformative ingredients into your meals. RICE Chirashi-style Green Tea Rice Makes 5 servings From Vicky: I adore this recipe because you get two superfoods in one dish—and now you have a fantastic reason to clean out your refrigerator. (My daughter loves to rummage through our fresh veggie drawer and hand me ingredients.) The green tea rice makes a beautiful and flavorful base for whatever you sprinkle on top. 1 tablespoon green tea leaves 3 cups uncooked Japanese short-grain white rice Anything in your fridge (eggs, mushrooms, carrots, snow peas, green beans, baby corn, tofu) Pinch of salt, to taste Mix the green tea leaves with the dry rice in a bowl and then cook the rice as usual. The green tea will soften on the stove and add flavor. While the rice is cooking, prepare your add-in items as needed. Scramble eggs over heat and sauté vegetables like mushrooms, julienned carrots, and snow peas. Once the rice is cooked, let it cool for about 10 minutes and mix in the other ingredients. For a crunchier version, add vegetables raw and let the heated rice cook them slightly. ALGAE Seaweed Pesto Makes about 2 cups From Vicky: Reimagine traditional Italian pesto as a savory Japanese topping with this easy-to-prepare recipe. I sometimes add it to my Chirashi Sushi so I manage to enjoy all three superfoods at once. 5 sheets roasted seaweed (such as wakame), torn 1/2 cup pine nuts 1/2 cup olive oil 2 cups mixed greens (parsley, spinach, or basil) 2 garlic cloves 2 tablespoons lemon juice In a food processor, combine the seaweed, pine nuts, and olive oil. Pulse until blended and then add greens, garlic, and lemon juice. Finally, blend and stir. Serve over rice or atop crackers, or add a dollop to poached salmon, grilled tofu, or any other protein. GREEN TEA Homemade Oat Milk + Matcha Latte Makes 1 serving A finely ground powder of young green tea leaves, matcha retains more nutrients than traditional green tea brewing methods, making it our preferred beverage for a quick pick-me-up. Oat milk gives this energizing beverage a soothing touch that you can feel even after you’re finished sipping—the leftover pulp can be used as a gentle body scrub. This is delicious both hot and iced, so you can enjoy it year-round. For the Oat Milk ½ cup whole rolled oats 3 cups filtered water 3 dates (optional for sweetness) Pinch of salt (optional for taste) Add the oats, water, dates, and salt to a blender and blend for 30 seconds. Place a mesh strainer over a container to store the milk. Then place a nut milk bag within the strainer, and slowly pour the contents of the blender into the bag. Let strain. For the Matcha ¼ teaspoon matcha powder 2 ounces hot water Pour the matcha into a small bowl and sift with a matcha whisk or regular whisk, whatever you have works! Slowly add the 2 ounces of the hot water, whisking briskly in an “M” or “W” shape until the matcha is fully dispersed and there is a foamy layer on top. Combine your preferred amount of oat milk with matcha in a glass and enjoy!