Tatcha The Water Gel

Tatcha The Water Gel

Efficacy62/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Moisturizing
Glycerin, Inositol + 8 more
Works
What the product description says
“), Toluene, Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) that is 0.”
Source: Sephora

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: algae extract, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: squalane, algae extract.

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4–6%
InositolKey active· HumectantEffect: High~1.6–2.4%
SericinKey activeEffect: Medium~0.5–1.1%
Algae extractKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet~0.4–0.95%
Stearyl glycyrrhetinateKey activeEffect: MediumA fatty acid derived from licorice. Works as an emollient and can help calm down inflammation~0.4–0.95%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~0.35–0.8%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~2–3%
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~0.15–0.55%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.3%
LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.75%
Anti-aging
Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Sericin + 1 more
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Restores a healthy-looking, youthful radiance with green tea, rice, and algae.”
Source: Sephora

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.This ingredient - camellia sinensis leaf extract - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.

This ingredient camellia sinensis leaf extract might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~2–3%
SericinEffect: Low~0.5–1.1%
Algae extractEffect: LowPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet~0.4–0.95%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Sericin
May help

This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis leaf extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~2–3%
SericinEffect: Low~0.5–1.1%
Evens skin tone
Side benefit · Stearyl glycyrrhetinate, Camellia sinensis leaf extract
May help

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: stearyl glycyrrhetinate.

Stearyl glycyrrhetinateKey activeEffect: MediumA fatty acid derived from licorice. Works as an emollient and can help calm down inflammation~0.4–0.95%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~2–3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Rosa multiflora fruit extract, Alcohol
Medium risk
We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Rosa multiflora fruit extractUsed in cosmetics for its fragranceHigh~2.7–4.1%est.
Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~1.4–2.1%est.
Sophora angustifolia root extract—High~1.2–1.8%est.
Pistacia lentiscus gumA tree rasin that could temporarily tighten the skin and might help regulate sebum production, but the research on its effectiveness in skin is lackingHigh~0.2–0.8%est.
AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Sericin—Medium~0.5–1.1%est.
Stearyl glycyrrhetinateA fatty acid derived from licorice. Works as an emollient and can help calm down inflammationMedium~0.4–0.95%est.
GoldA colorant. Does not have any proven benefits in skinMedium~0.35–0.8%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Algae extractPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet3/5~0.4–0.95%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4–6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Propanediol~3.5–5.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Rosa multiflora fruit extract~2.7–4.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used in cosmetics for its fragrance

More about Rosa multiflora fruit extract
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~2–3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Inositol~1.6–2.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Inositol
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~1.4–2.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract
Sophora angustifolia root extract~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · high
Belamcanda chinensis root extract~1–1.5%
Formula
Houttuynia cordata extract~0.8–1.2%
Formula
Sericin~0.5–1.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation
More about Sericin
Stearyl glycyrrhetinate~0.4–0.95%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingEvens skin toneReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

A fatty acid derived from licorice. Works as an emollient and can help calm down inflammation

More about Stearyl glycyrrhetinate
Algae extract~0.4–0.95%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet

More about Algae extract
Gold~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A colorant. Does not have any proven benefits in skin

More about Gold
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin
Squalane~0.35–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Lecithin~0.35–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Pistacia lentiscus gum~0.2–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemish

A tree rasin that could temporarily tighten the skin and might help regulate sebum production, but the research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Pistacia lentiscus gum
Sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Mica~0.15–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica
Silica~0.3–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Xanthan gum~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/carboxyethyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a silky product texture and add volume to products

More about Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer
Polyglyceryl-10 myristate~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Disodium edta~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Tin oxide~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation

More about Tin oxide
Titanium dioxide~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide
Peg-400~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Peg-400
Butylene glycol~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Alcohol~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Rosa multiflora fruit extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Inositol, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Sophora angustifolia root extract, Belamcanda chinensis root extract, Houttuynia cordata extract, Sericin, Stearyl glycyrrhetinate, Algae extract, Gold, Hydrogenated lecithin, Squalane, Lecithin, Pistacia lentiscus gum, Sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine, Mica, Silica, Xanthan gum, Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/carboxyethyl acrylate crosspolymer, Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 myristate, Disodium edta, Tin oxide, Titanium dioxide, Peg-400, Butylene glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
TatchaThe Water GelYOUR PRODUCTCOSRXGreen Tea Aqua Soothing Gel CreamMinonAmino Moist Moist Gel PackZIIP BeautySilver Conductive Gel
Match—39%37%37%
Price—$5.15$26.22$50.00
Shared key ingredients—2 of 72 of 72 of 7
Key difference—PanthenolAlanineGluconolactone
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ———
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Product summary

"Tatcha - The Water Gel" could be helpful for: Anti-oxidation, Evens skin tone and Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Humectants (inositol 1.60% - 2.40%, glycerin 4.00% - 6.00% and algae extract 0.40% - 0.95%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Tatcha" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 4 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
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  3. 3
  4. 4
Tatcha The Water Gel
TatchaThe Water Gel

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.