Oil-Free Skincare

Rooted in classical Kyoto ritual, our Japanese skincare remasters time-tested beauty secrets for modern life. Every formula starts in the fields and seas of Japan, where the Tatcha Institute works with farmers to source ingredients from the most renowned provenances. The result: oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas that leave skin balanced and nourished, keep pores clear, and reduce excess oil without over-drying.

Oil-free skincare is a helpful approach for those looking to treat oily skin or prevent breakouts. Because these formulas are typically non-comedogenic, they won’t trigger excess oil or clog pores. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends people with oily skin choose products labeled as oil-free and noncomedogenic – including cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup– so as not to clog pores or trigger acne.

Oil-free skincare isn’t just for oily and acne-prone skin, though; it’s a great option for anyone seeking lightweight, pore-refining products. Tatcha’s beloved Matcha Cleanse helps to purify pores and control oil immediately and over time* (a perfect choice for oily skin), but it also helps makeup wear more evenly and last longer throughout the day** (great for anyone who chooses to wear makeup). Finding the right moisturizer can be challenging for all skin types as well: too heavy and the skin feels weighed down, and, alternatively, too light and the skin doesn’t feel supported. An oil-free option that is also balancing is The Water Cream, an award-winning formula that is heralded for its ability to provide instant hydration, improve the skin barrier, and boost radiance — without clogging pores (accomplishments that are great no matter your skin type).

Another category famously difficult to find the ideal formula that supports oily skin (and other skin types)? Sunscreen, but The Silk Sunscreen is here to save the day — and your skin from UVA and UVB rays (and excess oil). The light-as-air mineral sunscreen protects the skin, but also simultaneously delivers skincare-like benefits (including reducing the appearance of redness, softening the skin, and improving the skin barrier***). It’s designed for all skin types, from oily to dry, layers well within your skincare routine, and is proudly non-comedogenic and oil-free.

Just as the AAD recommended, makeup is also an often overlooked but vital product to consider if skin is easily triggered. One product that can help shield and protect skin from irritating and pore-clogging products is a primer. The Liquid Silk Canvas acts as a lightweight barrier between the skin and irritating makeup, while also helping to extend the wear of your makeup and reduce the amount of excess oil produced while wearing it — a win/win/win situation.

However, this oil-free category also has products that are particularly geared towards excessive oil production, like The Clarifying Clay Mask. This pore-refining and exfoliating treatment can transform skin in as little as three minutes, helping to decongest and minimize excess oil (without stripping skin’s natural moisture) faster than a song can play on the radio. The trio of Japanese kucha clay, konjac, and volcanic ash is ideal for oily skin, but can also be used on combination skin, too. Still chronically have excessive oil? That’s okay, we have just the product for you, which also happens to be Tatcha’s first ever launch: Aburatorigami — aka Japanese blotting papers. Made with 100 percent abaca leaf (and a hint of 23-karat gold leaf for a subtle gleam), these brilliant papers absorb excess oil without disturbing makeup or skin’s natural moisture. Dab on midday to rid yourself of any unwanted shine.

There are many other gems in this oil-free category, all designed with the intent of supporting your skin, no matter if it’s oily, acne-prone, combination, or dry. At Tatcha, we aim to put the ‘care’ back into skincare, and it’s evident in this beautiful oil-free category.

*Based on a bio-instrumentation study of 40 panelists.

**Based on a clinical study of 36 panelists.

***Based on an expert grader study & bio-instrumentation study on 40 panelists.