I’ve fallen in love with the Tatcha Classic Rice Enzyme Powder ($65 for 60 g/ 2.1 oz) ever since I ordered it back in July. It’s a unique water-activated enzyme powder cleanser and exfoliator in one product. This is a great alternative to traditional scrubs which I find can be too harsh for my sensitive skin. The Tatcha Rice Enzyme Powders are designed to be used on skin without makeup. I find it’s effective even with makeup on, but prefer to remove makeup at the end of the day with a Cleansing Oil first (favorites here). After I purchased the full size, Tatcha released a Travel Size version ($15 for 10 g/ 0.35 oz) which they kindly sent to me to feature alongside the full size option.
These cleansing powders are really easy to use. Pour a small amount into wet hands and add a tiny bit of water to lather up the product into a creamy foam. Apply on the face and massage like a regular cleanser for about 20 seconds and rinse.
The packaging is designed really well – it has a clever opening on the top with a small push back cap for the product. The small opening at the top prevents you from over pouring powder into your hand and also seals the packaging shut making these ideal for travel. There’s no worrying about liquids or creams leaking and the size of both the full size and travel options are compact enough to carry with you in a small bag. One of the things that keeps impressing me with Tatcha is that the packaging design of the travel sizes matches the same quality as the full size.
On the nails, Formula X Wonderous
More packaging details, travel size versus full size shows similar packaging design:
Both have the same cap design with the clever push back cap opening:
I bought the Classic Rice Enzyme Powder version (and love it) but Tatcha has also released two additional options for different skin types. There is the Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder (pink powder) and Deep Rice Enzyme Powder (green powder) – both also available in the Travel/Trial sizes. With any online Tatcha order you have the option of selecting samples, these powders are often in the lineup. These packets have also been featured in several special edition kits they’ve released.
Tatcha sent samples of the Gentle and Deep versions for me to put to the test. Aside from the color difference, the formulas are all equally gentle but I could definitely feel the difference between each option. The Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder is designed for dry sensitive skins. After using this one, my skin felt noticeably more moisturized. The Deep Rice Enzyme Powder is recommended for oily skin and does make the skin feel more clean. I wish I had discovered this one earlier in the summer when we had really hot humid weather, it would have been perfect when my skin was more oily. After testing each, I still prefer the Classic Rice Enzyme Powder for my combination skin type.
Classic Rice Enzyme Powder ingredients: Talc, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Potassium Myristate, Polyethylene*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Papain (Papaya Extract), Dextrin, Red Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin (Pearl) Protein, Phenoxyethanol.
Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder ingredients: Talc, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Potassium Myristate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Papain, Dextrin, Red Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Cl 73360, Iron Oxides (Cl 77492).
Deep Rice Enzyme Powder ingredients: Talc, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Potassium Myristate, Polyethylene*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Papain, Dextrin, Red Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Houttuynia Cordata Extract (Dokudami), Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Ultramarines, Iron Oxides (Cl 77492)
I highly recommend these. My personal favorite is the Classic Rice Enzyme Powder option. I use it in a double cleanse method (cleansing oil first, then rice enzyme powder. The powder is a gentle but effective cleanser and helps to improve skin texture for those with sensitive skins. It’s suitable for everyday use but I tend to alternate cleansers on a regular basis and use this 2-3 times per week. These work well to clean and gently exfoliate. They are non-irritating and don’t dry out the skin either.
The Travel Sized options are perfect to put these to the test before committing to the full size which I find is on the pricey side. The full size is fairly large though and a little goes a long way so it will last you a long time. If you’re new to Tatcha you may also want to look into the Ritual Discovery Kit ($59 each) which comes in Normal, Oily, Sensitive and Dry Skintype options. These are really nice starter kits with enough product to give you a two-week trial introduction to the line. Another useful tool is the Tatcha Online Personal Skin Consultation which is a questionnaire designed to help you pick items that suit your skin type.
You can find Tatcha products online at Tatcha.com and Barneys New York, stockists listed here. I highly recommend ordering from their website. Tatcha takes great care in their packaging and sample offerings, everything is delivered beautifully wrapped.
P.S. Right now there is a promo code for a complimentary deluxe sample of the Tatcha eye cream (valued at $45) with any Tatcha.com purchase – use code EYECREAM at checkout, it expires on 10/31.
Tatcha sent the mini powder and sample packets courtesy for review. The full size purchased by me.
I'm now using Sephora's Metamorphosis powder and it look very similar to this. I love it and I really think this thing changed my exfoliating routine. Should try the Tatcha version 🙂
I will never, ever, ever (lol) be without my Tatcha Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder. I'm 70 and have dry skin with mild, well-controlled rosacea. So many cleansers and exfoliants that purport to be for sensitive skin are simply ineffectual or too harsh for my skin. Consequently, when I discovered Tatcha a few years ago, it was a real game changer. I use Tatcha's cleansing oil at night to gently yet effectively remove the day's makeup, sunscreen, and pollution–no double cleansing required. In the morning I use Tatcha's Gentle enzyme cleanser which leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth and ready for the day's lotions and potions 🙂
Enzymatic exfoliants are not new to me because my skin cannot tolerate scrubs and the like. And, over the years, I've tried a number of different brands like Amore Pacific's efficacious, but strong, exfoliant. But, I eventually settled on Tatcha because I'd rather use something extra gentle every day than something strong (harsh) a few times a week. You know the old saying, "Slow and steady wins the race." 🙂 Gentle is the perfect formula for me, but it's great that Tatcha makes two other formulas as well that address different skin conditions and concerns.
Eileen, this is so beautifully written, thank you as always for your input on Tatcha! I have you to thank for exploring this line 🙂
I use the Amore Pacific enzyme cleanser and it is wonderful! I much prefer it to traditional exfoliators.
Also, Sabrina, could you recommend a good oil cleanser for a double-cleanse routine? I am on the hunt for one that doesn't leave my face feeling filmy afterwards. Thanks!
Hi Isabel, there is a link in the post on my favorites, I'll link again below, hope this helps!
http://www.thebeautylookbook.com/2014/07/cleansing-oil-testing-tatcha-mac-shu.html
I love this!
blousesandblush.com
Hmmm…interesting. This is my first time to hear about this and its very impressive. It seems like great products to try out. Will check on these……
i've been using a similar product from Kanebo Sensai and i love it! i'm almost out 🙁 and since Kanebo has left the US, i need a substitute. your post is perfectly timed, Sabrina! THANK YOU!! 🙂
Hi Sabrina, can you please tell what nail polish you are wearing (on the photos of this post)? Many thanks, Victoria
Hi Vicky, it's Formula X Wonderous, review + swatches here:
http://www.thebeautylookbook.com/2014/09/formula-x-translucents-in-remarkable.html
It looks great! Thanks!!!
I definitely want to try it!
Lots of love, xx
http://www.marysreturn.com
http://www.marysreturn.com
code EYECREAM did not work for me
I tried it a few days ago and it worked for me. I sent Tatcha an email and will respond back here once I hear back from them.
After reading your previous post about the cleansing oils and now this, I have to try it. Just ordered travel sizes of the cleansing oil and rice enzyme powder. Thank you for the research and recommendations.
I finally placed my first Tatcha order. I wanted to get the lip balm and it is finally back in stock. I got a sample of the rice enzyme powder and can't wait to try it. Thanks so much for the eye cream deluxe sample code! Your reviews have been wonderful and I'm excited to give Tatcha a try.
i was going to do a post like this lol! But i just haven't gotten around to trying the sample packets of the other varieties. Sad. It has been MONTHS! i love this stuff, and i liked this post! thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi Sabrina, many thanks for your so very helpful review on the rice powders! Was just wondering whether you would recommend using the creamy foam generated from the powder with a clarisonic?
Thanks! 🙂
Hi Anonymous, sorry for the delay in responding, I was sick in bed for a few days. I think you could definitely use a Clarisonic with these. You might have to work up more of a thicker paste/foam with a bit more powder to get enough for a brush to use. But yes, I think it's definitely doable!
Clarisonic should not be used with anything that has any kind of beads no matter how gentle they are.
yeah, cool!