*Based on in vitro testing on biomarkers including COL1A1, COL3A1, and ELN
The Foundation of our Formulas
Hadasei-3: Our Proprietary Stress-Barrier Complex
Three Japanese ingredients, double-fermented to unlock 400+ micronutrients that synchronize the skin's renewal cycles and boost resilience to daily stressors for visibly smoother, firmer skin.
“Hadasei-3 is powered by time-tested ingredients that are the cornerstone of the Japanese diet and attributed to longevity and health.”
Vicky Tsai, Tatcha Founder
Rooted in the Nutrient-Rich Japanese Diet
A proprietary complex of three ingredients, each chosen with precision, each sourced from a specific region of Japan where the conditions for growing them are perfect and nowhere else on earth quite replicates.
Akita Rice
From the cold northern prefecture where the purest water and the sharpest seasons produce a grain of extraordinary quality. Supports skin’s natural moisturizing factors for a healthy barrier.
Uji Green Tea
From the misty hills outside Kyoto where green tea has been cultivated for over eight centuries. Helps neutralize oxidative damage to reduce signs of premature aging.
Okinawa Algae
From the waters surrounding the island where the population has long been studied for its exceptional longevity. Helps moisture retention with skin-plumping polysaccharides.
The Power of Hadasei-3
Hadasei-3 is a proprietary complex of double-fermented Akita rice, Uji green tea, and Okinawa algae that harnesses 400+ micronutrients to synchronize the skin's natural renewal cycles and boost resilience to daily stressors for visibly smoother, firmer skin.
The Essence: 100% Hadasei-3
The purest form of our proprietary complex activates skin’s natural moisture channels so that every step that follows absorbs more fully—and works better.
Flood Skin with Deep Hydration
Hadasei-3 doesn’t just sit on the skin’s surface. It actively drives moisture deeper for visibly transformative hydration.
Frequently asked questions
In Japanese, “hada” (肌) means skin, and “sei” (生) means “life.” The “3” refers to the three foundational ingredients that power the complex: Akita rice, Uji green tea, and Okinawa algae. Together, these ingredients form our proprietary complex to reveal healthy, radiant skin.
Hadasei-3 was inspired by the nutrient-rich Japanese diet, widely regarded as one of the healthiest in the world, and Japan’s long tradition of hakkō (発酵), or fermentation, a practice used for centuries in Japanese food and wellness. Through research into traditional Japanese beauty rituals, we explored how nutrition and skin have long been connected in Japan.
The Tatcha Institute in Tokyo focused on three ingredients deeply rooted in the Japanese diet and sourced from regions known for their exceptional quality: Akita rice, Uji green tea, and Okinawa algae.
Crafted with a proprietary yeast and double fermented rice along with algae and green tea, Hadasei-3 is a complex rich in lactic acid, amino acids, antioxidants, and nutrients that support healthy-looking skin.
In Japanese skincare, the step known as skin lotion (化粧水) is foundational, a lightweight liquid applied after cleansing to prepare the skin and help subsequent products absorb more effectively. This step traditionally did not exist in Western skincare. In the Japanese skincare ritual, it is essential to replenish moisture immediately after cleansing. Compared to a typical lotion, The Essence penetrates the skin more quickly and delivers a greater amount of hydration.
Based on this idea, the Tatcha Institute in Tokyo created The Essence, formulated with 100% Hadasei-3™, to deliver nourishment and hydration while priming the skin.
During development, the Tatcha Institute in Tokyo discovered that Hadasei-3 could function as a nutrient-rich base rather than just an added ingredient. As a result, our formulas are rich in lactic acid, amino acids, antioxidants, and nutrients from the very first step, supporting hydration while nourishing the skin. This reflects Tatcha’s philosophy of intentional formulation, where every ingredient is chosen to benefit the skin.