One of the things about testing skincare products is the commitment it takes. I can't review an item without spending weeks upon weeks consistently using it while keeping everything else in my routine exactly the same. It's not as easy as it may sound, and need to be in the right mood for that. When a specific product or a new brand makes the rounds among many bloggers at the same time, chances are that I'm going to get bored before doing much (or any) testing. Which is why despite having and using samples of Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil sporadically over the last couple of years, I never got around to doing the actual testing. It was more of a "oh, yes, it's nice. Look... here's something shiny!". Silly me.
It was only after several other camellia oil products-- the ones by Aroma M-- became indispensable to me (I've gone through several bottles of the hair oil over the last year, but also the glorious body/bath oil), that I decided it was time to see what this Tatcha oil can do. I've read quite a bit about Japanese skincare principles, which are also behind Tatcha's approach. It makes a lot of sense, and camellia oil is, indeed, a fabulous ingredient, even if it's not the only thing in this specific product (see below). But the major thing for me was the fact that it is, indeed, a one step cleanser. I've used many wonderful cleansing oils and balms over the years, but have found that as much as I love them for a gentle but thorough makeup and grime removal, I still needed a second step of washing the face with a mild cleanser to make sure no residue is left.
I was a bit hesitant to trust Tatcha Camellia Oil at first, but even my occasional dabbling proved that it really works as a single step cleanser. Once I started using it daily it became clear that this thing doesn't only deliver on this promise, but that my skin was happier, balanced and stable, without any off days of capricious behavior. The oil removes makeup and dirt while thoroughly cleaning and de-congesting pores (the final test was taking the bottle with me on vacation, and using it to remove a full day of muck from walking around Naples). It's scarily efficient, yet incredibly gentle. After rinsing and/or using a warm washcloth my skin is clearly refreshed and clean, but it doesn't feel stripped or dry in any way. Only fresh and ready to go, with no sign that it was just coated in oil. I'm not making any promises, but it looks like I'll be using this oil for a very long time, since at this point I think it's the best cleanser I know.
Ingredients: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Glyceryl Behenate/eicosadioate, Water, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Fragrance (Natural), Phenoxyethanol.
Tatcha- One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil ($48, 150ml) is available from tatcha.com. The original samples and travel size product were press samples, but I've since purchased the full size.
I've tried a few oil cleansers from samples and I hated them because my skin didn't feel clean after washing off...if they washed off. I took a gamble though and bought a full bottle of this and I really do think it's the best. It gets my face clean without leaving residue; when my skin is angry, it acts like a calming balm. This is probably the only thing for which I would like to have backups!
ReplyDeleteThis oil sounds wonderful. Went to look for it online, found her site and blog, including the mention of the Edo period geisha beauty guide book (gorgeous script and illustrations) behind her product line. OK, I have a ton of stuff I have to get done today, so what do I do? Procrastinate! Specifically, go off on an extensive hunt on the internet trying to find this book. I'm hopeless. But I've always been completely fascinated by the Edo period, as well as by beauty rituals/secrets from any historical era, so couldn't help myself. However, wasn't able to find it, although I did get a large sample of the oil. And now have to get back to work after brief Edo period escapism.
ReplyDeleteAnna
I was raised in a household where using a cleansing oil was the standard way to remove makeup. So, when I started wearing makeup, using an oil was second nature--even when I was a teenager. Both my mother and grandmother always used cleansing oil and removed it with a clean washcloth wrung out in warm water and I do the same. Needless to say, in the fifty-five years that I've worn makeup, I've tried a multitude of oils--and some very good ones at that--but to date, Tatcha's extraordinarily light oil is the very best I've ever used. It truly is a one step cleansing oil that is a highly refined mélange of nurturing oils that make quick work of makeup and sunscreen while conditioning and soothing the skin. In addition, although I have mild, well controlled rosacea, I have never had any problems using Tatcha's gentle but efficacious Camellia Cleansing Oil. Bonus points: It also makes a nice mask when the skin is feeling stressed. I apply it more liberally to already clean skin, cover my face with a couple washcloths that have been wrong out in warm water (leaving a small hole for my nose :-) ), and lie down and relax until the washcloths have cooled completely. I then remove the oil and my skin is as smooth and soft as the proverbial baby's butt. Tatcha also has a lovely fresh spa like smell that adds to the relaxing experience. I've been using Tatch's superior cleansing oil for a couple years now and can't imagine using anything else to cleanse and condition my skin.
ReplyDeleteDear Eileen! Thank you for sharing with us all your beauty tricks!!! I am always look forward to read your comments!!!
DeleteI've used many of Tatcha's products over the past few years; the oil really is the best I've ever used. If you haven't tried their Rice enzyme polishing powder and Radiant brightening serum, please do give them a try. My skin was smoother and brighter within a couple of weeks - all without irritation or greasiness.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear of another person loving this. I want this company to be successful and to stay in business, if only for very selfish reasons. I love this cleansing oil. I have rosacea and since I started using Tatcha my skin has gotten better. Not cured, but it is certainly less problematic. Sometimes it scares me when I'm rinsing this off and I see all the dirt and pollution that was on my skin during the day.
ReplyDeleteTatiana - I also like that the line is free of Mineral Oil, Colors, Fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Parabens, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates and they are cruelty free.
DeleteI ordered the Tatcha sampler set based on this review. WOW! I love everything I've used so far in the sampler kit, plus the sample of eye cream and the indigo body butter. I mean seriously, this stuff is amazing! It's easy to apply, smells wonderful, VERY emollient, and calming to my poor, red, sensitive skin (primarily on my hands and knuckles) and gator-like legs. I hope I continue to love everything and if so, will order full sizes of it all. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you'll read this, after so long. But, just in case, I decided to write.
ReplyDeleteI've read some very positive reviews about different Tatcha products, but so far I'd never bought anything.
After reading your review (and having some relatives visiting USA), I ordered this cleansing oil. I can wait to try it! Specially if it really is a one step cleanser. My routine has enough steps already and, even if I enjoy them, taking my make up off it's the most boring one, so I'll be happy to do it all at once :)
I like the Tatcha oil as the first step in double cleansing, because although I am almost 70 years old, I still have an oily T zone (no wrinkles though!)
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