Tatcha founder Vicky Tsai talks skincare that addresses the whole person

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Vicky Tsai founded her skincare line Tatcha following a life-changing visit to Kyoto.

“I created Tatcha to share the rituals of wellbeing that healed my skin and my spirit,” Tsai says. “The Japanese approach to holistic health healed my skin and reshaped my mindset, showing me the power of balance and intentional living.

“I was finally convinced to slow down and reconnect with myself — and I knew I needed to share that feeling with others.”

Since founding the brand in 2009, she has worked, along with the scientists at the Tatcha Institute in Tokyo, to innovate “within tradition,” she notes, in order to create formulas that “address the whole person, not just the surface. We caught up with Tsai to learn more.

Q: For those who aren’t familiar, what is Tatcha?

A: Our purpose at Tatcha is to help people rediscover their love of skin and self by changing the way they see their skin.

The Japanese have a phrase, hinou dokon, which  translates to “skin-mind same root” and describes the belief that caring for the skin is caring for the mind. Science has now confirmed this. Your skin actually reflects and affects your mental state.

Our research into the skin-mind connection and the power of presence has greatly impacted our approach to formulations. We’re constantly inspired by ingredients that are proven to deliver multiple benefits for our overall well-being, whether they’re mental, physical, or emotional.

Q: What makes it unique?

A: Tatcha’s proprietary complex, Hadasei-3TM is the heart of all of our skincare formulas. It’s made from double-fermented rice, Japanese green tea, and algae that goes deeper than water to channel nutrients into the skin, boosting the efficacy of your skincare ritual, while replenishing the skin’s moisture barrier for a plump, supple complexion. This complex was informed by Japan’s nutrient-dense diet which is known to boost longevity.

Q: What’s the “hero” product(s) from Tatcha?

A: Our moisturizers, The Dewy Skin Cream and Water Cream, have definitely become our most well-loved and recognizable products. The Dewy Skin Cream is definitely a client favourite. It gives the skin a plump, healthy glow without ever feeling heavy.

Q: What’s new in the lineup for fall?

A: On Aug. 18, we launched The Longevity Serum, which was inspired by my experiences in Okinawa, where we source many Tatcha ingredients. It’s a new longevity-supporting serum that supports skin strength and boosts cellular resilience for visibly firmer, smoother, collagen-rich skin.

Backed by the wisdom of Okinawa and cellular skin science, it addresses cell senescence to visibly delay signs of skin aging, shielding it from inflammaging, while also boosting surface cell turnover for smoother, softer skin.

Beyond this, we are excited to bring our highly anticipated Holiday collection to market later this year. We were able to partner with celebrated Japanese artist, foxco, to bring Tatcha’s journey to life for our clients in a really joyful way. We hope that it inspires everyone to share the gift of self care and self love with themselves and others.

Q: “Inflammaging” is a buzz term in skincare. How does Tatcha address this skin concern?

A: One of the main accelerators of skin aging is the accumulation of senescent cells, which starts in your 20s. When senescent cells start to accumulate they secrete inflammatory molecules, triggering chronic, low-grade inflammation that can lead to premature aging — or “inflammaging” — and undermine both your skin’s resilience and its ability to renew.

On my first trip to Okinawa, my guide taught me to brew restorative teas with herbs from the surrounding gardens. She explained how each family on the island had their own special blend of “nuchi-gusui cha”, or “life-giving tea” that was passed down through generations. Curious about whether the health benefits of these life-giving teas could benefit the skin, I brought a list of these herbs and plants back to our skincare scientists at The Tatcha Institute in Tokyo.

Seven years later, we are honoured to share The Longevity Serum — a formula born from their wisdom, blending time-honoured nourishing ingredients key to the Okinawan diet.

Our proprietary Okinawa Cellescence Complex visibly delays signs of skin aging, and has been proven to reduce markers of senescent cells by 55 per cent. It combines the science of cellular skin health with Okinawan botanicals that have been used for centuries to support longevity on the Japanese islands. Developed by the Tatcha Institute, this powerful blend of Japanese shikuwasa lime, noni juice, and shell ginger extracts not only reduces senescent cells that lead to inflammaging, it also proactively defends from future accumulation to keep your skin feeling stronger for longer.