Ritual Discovery Kit by Tatcha -- Review/My Results

   If you guys have been following Ribbons & Pearls for a long time, you may already know my deep, love for Tatcha the Japanese skincare company. Tatcha & I have collaborated together in the past, which is where I'd first tried their products, and also where my deep, ever-lasting love for them began.

The photo above is to showcase Tatcha's elegant, beautiful packaging, which includes the box, swaddled in purple tissue paper and the 4 skin-beautifying products each placed in their lavender colored slots and of course the guide and instructions to the Ritual Discovery kit. The 4 wonderful products presented inside such lovely packaging makes this a totally gift-worthy kit, and the ultimate gift for a gal like me who loves her high-quality Tatcha products.

  

Yea, Tatcha is one of those companies. The one you call your "go-to" for all your skincare needs. The one that never fails you, no matter what your skin may be doing at the moment. Dry and flaky? I know without a doubt Tatcha will have a product for that -- and one that will not only fix me right up, but also leaving me with the feeling that I've just dipped my face in an elegant bath of velvet.

      Luxury Skincare Inpspired by Geisha Rituals is Tatchas "logo," (I guess you call it,) and it sums up their skincare line well.
 
     You can read -- and I encourage you to do so -- Tatcha's intriguing, geniune journey/heritage here.

       

    Now that I've professed my dying love for such unique, effective skincare products... 

   You might recall reviews I've written about some of Tatcha's products in the past. Tatcha now has  them all put together -- based on your skincare needs -- in one easy-to-use kit: the Ritual Discovery Kit (for combination skin, like mine) which you'll read all about in this review post. Tatcha has also formulated a kit for other skin types, too:

   The Ritual Discovery kit for dry skin 

       The Ritual Discovery kit for oily skin.

    Tatcha is a health-conscious company. Their products are safe and  formulated free of awful, harmful ingredients like Mineral Oil, Synthetic Colors, Synthetic Fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Parabens, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates.

  

Ritual Discovery Kit contents

Tatcha has incorporated safe, effective and some of the finest  ingredients -- such as rice bran oil -- into their products for beautifying, cleansing and keeping skin looking youthful. Those are my words based off my opinion of Tatcha.  

 Rice Bran Oil -- An Ingredient for Youth & Beauty

 Back to rice bran oil for a moment. This is found in most of Tatcha products (perhaps even all?). Rice bran oil in Japan, is a popular tradition for skin and hair care as it's known for its ability to keep skin looking youthful and smooth as it increases skins elasticity.

 

 It also contains Squalane, which increases skin’s ability to regenerate, nourish, hydrate, oxygenate and protect itself.

    

    Rice bran oil contains antioxidants, which explains its ability to keep skin youthful and protect against damage.  It also contains Vitamins B and E.

  

   I could spend an entire post on just the benefits of rice bran oil on skin, but I'll try to sum it all up now: Rice bran oil exfoliates, soothes skin, promotes blood micro-circulation -- which has its own benefits such as reducing dark spots,  -- has anti-melanin properties, can lighten skin, has healing and restorative properties. If you guys want the whole she-bang about rice bran oil and its benefits alone, let me know & we'll just dedicate an entire post to that, too.  

   

   Another reason I love Tatcha is that they've put together this kit, which provides you with everything your skin type needs, allowing you to go about your life without having to pick and prod to find which moisturizer, cleanser etc you need. That's always been something I despised about skincare products. Having to search for the right moisturizer for my skin, which believe it or not has always been a tremendous feat thanks to my weirdly and intensively dry skin. Then, having to find the product to fix the only spots on my face that aren't so dry they flake -- my forehead, which is so shiny that folks around me could use it as a mirror! Combination skin is a b****, and so is trying to find the right products for it.

    You see, a lot of folks, like myself absolutely need a moisturizer. I know some people are able to just cleanse with whatever soap happens to be in their shower & go. Not me. I have to slather on moisturizer, and usually, I have to after showering and as I wake up! 

    The Ritual Discovery kit is quite perfect for my skincare needs, and not only because it's all put together in one kit, based off my own skin-type, but also because the 4 products, especially my all-time favorite skin-saving Tatcha items (to be revealed momentarily) are included.

A look Inside the Ritual Discover Kit's Contents

Ritual Discovery Kit is a 4-step kit, containing:

 
Step 1: Pure
 One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil.

Step 2: Polished
Rice Enzyme Powder.

Step 3. Radiant
Radiant Deep Brightening Serum.

Step 4. Supple 

Moisture Rich Silk Cream Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream.

Another Close-up of All Products Within Ritual Discovery Kit

  Now we'll discuss each of them and how they work

One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil:
I'll start in order, with the One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil. If some of you still haven't come around to the idea of using oil on your face, let me please just beg you now to try. After all, I have guinea pigged myself right here on Ribbons & Pearls multiple times in the last 2 years by  sharing my adventures into using different oils (olive oil was first) on my skin. Using oil, especially Tatcha's Camellia Oil has been a constant, daily part of my routine ever since I first used an oil on my face.

In fact, I really loved olive oil for my skin. It, for some reason worked so wonderful for me that I kept going back to it, even after trying others like coconut oil!  That was quickly replaced with the Camellia Oil as soon as I used it, I guess a year or so ago. 

In fact, I still had a bit of the Camellia Oil left, even when the Ritual Discovery Kit arrived to me. I have used the Camellia Oil daily, without exception. If I'm not using it as a cleanser (rare, but I do switch up with an exfoliator every few days), I'm always using it upon waking, to remove any left-over makeup & leave my skin glowing. 

Is Oil Really Appropriate for Cleansing Skin?

Oil like the Camellia Oil is a magnificent cleanser for our skin. When I first began using oil, I felt the same thing some of you may be thinking: but oil can't possibly remove all dirt and grime. I was proved wrong. It does remove all of that. In fact it removes even the thickest black makeup and far better than any soap based cleanser. Yes, even better than any make-up remover, including the handy wipes. Nothing comes close to removing makeup and crud from my face like the oil.

If you don't believe me, you can test it yourself, just as I did. Cleanse your face with your regular soap, then go back over it after you're finished with the oil on a cloth or cotton ball. You'll be shocked at what was left behind. 

Camellia Oil washes away dirt and impurities, but does not strip away natural oils.

Aside from the deep cleansing Camellia Oil provides, we can't deny the fact nature never intended for us to strip away all oils from our skin. Sure we should clean it well, and make sure the build-up, sweat, dirt, pollutants, etc. are removed. Being left with skin so dry and tight it felt as if it would crack (not to mention how it looked!) after using any drugstore bought facial cleanser, and even many natural cleansers, was proof enough for me to come to terms with the fact that I simply couldn't use most cleansers. Camellia Oil has been a life-saver for my skin.


What is Camellia Oil, anyways?
The Camellia Oil from Tatcha is a blend of Camellia and rice bran oils.
Camellia oil comes from Camellia Japonica Seed. 


And for the days when my skin needs a good exfolliating, the Rice Enzyme Powder serves it up just perfectly!Specs:

• Camellia Oil is good for all skin types.

• Non-irritating. Non-sensitizing. Dermatologist tested.

• Formulated without:

Mineral Oil, Synthetic Colors, Synthetic Fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Parabens, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates.

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.

 Step 2: The always promising and one of my favorites -- the little Rice Enzyme Powder super heroes.  

The Rice Enzyme Powder gently exfoliates skin, while giving pores a nice deep cleaning and leaving your skin feeling soft as can be! With ingredients like papaya extract and algae extract, the Rice Enzyme Powder never fails to exfoliate away all the old, while green tea extract soothes.  

It's a dry, white-colored powder that when mixed with water, transforms into a lovely white creamy paste. Add water to before applying.  For some reason, this process always excites me! I love mixing it and the way it feels to apply it, massaging it all over my face is pleasing. Not sure why that is, but something about it feels good, and I especially love that it actually feels as if the creamy product is going way deep down into every pore and totally cleaning it inside and out! I've never felt such a cleansing experience.

 Just what I need in an exfoliator because it allows me to have a deep cleaning without being so harsh it leaves my skin raw or dry as a bone. I like this because a harsh exfoliator used to seem like the only route as anything less than harsh wouldn't seem to really cleanse well.


Know what makes this Ritual Discovery Kit even better? Two of the products -- the Rice Enzyme Powder and Camellia Oil can be combined, which is my preferred method.

I combine a drop of the Camellia oil with the dry Rice Enzyme Powder to add immediate moisturization and glow to my skin as it's being cleansed and exfoliated. This also helps prevent any dryness that might occur.  I even find the powder soothing when there's irritations on my skin.

Other times when time permits, knowing how beneficial the ingredients in the Rice Enzyme Powder are, I love to massage my face well, then just let it dry there. Once dry, it's almost like a face mask, and I just feel like the longer I can keep these awesome ingredients in the powder on my skin, the better. And the best part: it never dries me out! Other products, I wouldn't dare let sit on my skin, or even massage too long because it'd end up drying it out. This never dries my skin out, but provides the deepest clean ever.

What is Rice Enzyme Powder?
A water-activated enzyme powder of rice bran, papaya + HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex.

Specs:

• Gentle for dry/sensitive skin. Classic for normal/combination skin, and Deep for oily/acne-prone skin. 

• Non-irritating. Non-sensitizing. Dermatologist tested.

• *The Classic Rice Enzyme Powder and Deep Rice Enzyme Powder have been reformulated with cellulose (plant fiber) beads instead of polyethylene.

Ingredients:

Classic: Talc, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Potassium Myristate, Polyethylene*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Papain (Papaya Extract), Dextrin, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin (Pearl) Protein,  Phenoxyethanol.

 Gentle: Talc, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Potassium Myristate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Papain, Dextrin, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinesis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Cl 73360, Iron Oxides (Cl 77492).
Deep: Talc, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Potassium Myristate, Polyethylene*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Papain, Dextrin, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinesis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Houttuynia Cordata Extract (Dokudami), Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Ultramarines, Iron Oxides (Cl 77492)

Step 3 Deep Brightening Serum

Contains :
Asian botanicals + HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex for radiant looking skin.

The Deep Brightening Serum is one of the items in the kit that can be easy to skip over when lacking time.  However, I've learned that when I do take the time to use all steps of the kit, my skin does appear somewhat better for it. The Deep Brightening Serum does give a serious glow to my skin, not so richly moisturizing as Step 4, but definitely leaves shine. I like to use it at night so it has time to really absorb well. 

The thing about the Deep Brightening Serum is that it does give your skin a radiant look, and it also brightens/lightens skin such as dark spots.  So, I've found that dark circles under my eyes  have started to improve, thank God! I've tried everything under the sun for those suckers. 

The Deep Brightening serum is lightweight and thinner than a thick, creamy, rich moisturizer. It may even double as a moisturizer for people without severe dry skin. 

The Serum is definitely worth sticking with for the results in the long run. Plus, it too has a lovely, fresh scent. The only real hesitation I have about the serum is one of the ingredients, Cyclopentasiloxane. This is usually used in skin-related products for the consistency or to make it have a silky feel. It's recently been showing up in almost every single foundation/cover up cosmetic in stores. I literally found TWO in Wal-Mart that did not contain it. Even Physician's Formula has started using it.  The point, though, it seemed that the cyclopentasiloxane had been causing my skin to break out. I could be wrong about it, but I knew that once I narrowed down every ingredient I was using on my face, only when I removed anything with cyclopentasiloxane did I see improvements. And they were quite major improvements. So, I could do without that being so high up on the serum's ingredient list. We'll see how it goes, though as I continue using the kit. **See my note (below, in the section about the moisturizer) about other reviewers' posted experiences regarding the Tatcha products that contain cyclopentasiloxane.

Specs:

• All Skin Types. Non-irritating. Non-sensitizing. Dermatologist tested.

• Formulated without:  Kojic Acid, Hydroquinone, Mineral Oil, Synthetic Colors, Synthetic Fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Parabens, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates.

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Squalane (Olive Origin), Isocetyl Stearate, Inositol (Rice Extract), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Isostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Sericin (Silk Extract), Arginine, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sorbitan Stearate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenerated Lecithin (Soy Origin), Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Fragrance (Natural), Phenoxyethanol.

Step 4 Supple  - Moisture rich silk cream

There's nothing I adore more about the Supple Rich Silk Cream than its amazing, fresh scent. It dissipates soon after absorbing into the skin, but the scent makes applying it a real nice experience. It's so herb-y and fresh.

The Supple Rich Silk Cream is definitely rich. It's somewhat thick, spreads easily. It leaves a ... glow behind on skin, and for oily skin, it seems like it might contribute to more shine. However, a little powder does the trick for my already shiny forehead.

As good as a moisturizer may smell, it's totally useless if it doesn't do what it's supposed to do -- moisturize! And it's almost shameful the huge amount of moisturizers piled up in the corner of my room because they didn't moisturize, or they left my skin sticky (something I vehemently loathe). 

While you might have some shine left behind, the Supple cream certainly won't leave you with any of those dry patches or flakes! Like I've said, some parts of my skin are so severely dry that I've literally caked on lotions and moisturizers to no avail! Even those intensively moisturizing foot creams. Yea, that bad. Even after slathering olive or coconut oil on overnight, I still have to apply moisturizer when I wake up.

It's so rare that I find a moisturizer that actually takes care of my dry patches that I'm impressed with this one. It takes great care of any dryness. In fact, ever since I started using the Ritual Discovery kit, I've not had to go the extra mile and add more moisturizer. I've only had to apply it once daily. This is big progress for me! However, this one also has cyclopentasiloxane high on the ingredient list, so I'm going to be on the lookout and hope this won't break out my skin the way previous products containing this ingredient have. 

**Note regarding the ingredient cyclopentasiloxane: It's important to note that while reading several other accounts of folks who've also used the two products from Tatcha that contain it (The Silk moisturizer and Serum), none of them have mentioned any acne or increases in irritation/acne. In fact, out of all the testimonials I read, more than a couple mentioned major improvements in problems like rosacea, while using these. Most testimonials found online, of all these 4 products mention huge improvements in their skin after regular use, so my worries are probably nothing. I will update, though.

Something else I can label a big pro is that this Silk moisturizer can be applied minutes before applying makeup. It works well underneath makeup.

Specs:

• All Skin Types. Non-irritating. Non-sensitizing. Dermatologist tested.
• No sticky, heavy left-behind residues.
•   Formulated without: Mineral Oil, Synthetic fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Parabens, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates.

Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isocetyl Stearate, Squalane (Olive Origin), Inositol (Rice Extract), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbitan Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin (Soy Origin), Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Batyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arginine, Bis-behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Carbomer, Sericin (Silk Extract), Xanthan Gum, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Thymus Serpillum Extract, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Fragrance (Natural) , Phenoxyethanol.


Pros/Cons - Recap-
Without becoming too exhaustive, lets sum up the biggest pros (things I love) about the Tatcha products in the Ritual Discovery Kit:

• Very effective, high quality, well-researched ingredients in all the products. 
• Major benefits include anti-aging, reversing dark spots/sun-spots/age spots.
• Many people have said they seen all -around major improvements in their skin after regular use for a few months. I'll update as time goes on.
• Highly moisturizing.
• Smooth, soft skin that's no longer dry with improvements of dark circles under eyes have been my improvements. 
• Works well under makeup.
• Deep cleansing (rice powder and Camellia oil.)
•  No left-behind residues
•  Impressive company. 
• 4-steps is totally worth the benefits from using these 4 Tatcha products.

 Only thing I'm not 100% certain about is the ingredient cyclopentasiloxane in 2 of the products (because of previous acne that I thought was caused from that ingredient). This 'thought' may actually be useless, as I said when I mentioned it earlier. It left me unsure, but I feel like with all the other sensitive-skin testimonials saying such great things, I will probably be just fine.

Disclaimer: I am not a specialist, expert, professional or doctor of any kind. Content on this blog is not intended to be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or advice of any sort. I'm simply sharing information about my own experiences and results from use of a product or activity in hopes of providing useful information to readers, not to be taken as a patient/medical adviser relationship. I am not responsible for what readers choose to do after viewing the content here. Furthermore, I do not hold an "exceptional" or other special relationship with any company mentioned on this site. I'm simply a consumer who worked with the company on a review that is in compliance with FTC's guidelines. That means, everything you read here is my own words, not anything of the company's. I was not provided with monetary compensation for my review. All information posted has been done so with complete honesty. No action should be taken based solely on the content of this publication ( I'm not responsible.) Readers who rely on the information in this blog to replace the advise of an appropriate health care provider assume all risks of such behavior.

My Pearl Of The Day --Tatcha Cleansing Oil

   First, please forgive my shoddy photos. At least you can still see what I'm showing you though. In the little white bottle above is the Tatcha Cleansing Oil. 

  Remember me raving about the beauty papers and the cleansing powders? Well, this cleansing oil combined with the cleansing powders takes you skincare routine a step further. 

  I know most people are hesitant about using an oil on their face, but there's no reason to be. At All. I use olive oil, coconut oil on my face and it's not going to break you out. It's good for your skin. If anything, it will clear things up. Most of the oils for your skin also help prevent signs of aging.

  Unlike olive oil though, Tatcha's Camillia Oil doesn't have the thick greasy feel to it and doesn't leave any residue behind after being rinsed. 

  WHAT DOES THE CAMILLIA CLEANSING OIL DO?
   
 The Camillia Cleansing Oil contains camillia and rice bran oils to removes makeup, and does so quite nicely I might add. Much better than any drugstore remover I have tried. I have used DHC's over-priced olive oil as makeup remover with horrid results before. It always smeared my NON-waterproof mascara and wouldn't pick up the remaining under eye mess. That is why I did not expect this to even remove mascara. I really didn't. I am happy to report that I was wrong. I use this recommended by Tatcha as "step one in your beauty regimen." 




HOW TO USE
The Camellia Cleansing oil came in a bottle with a clear stopper over the top so that it doesn't spill. The stopper has a tiny hole in it so you can squirt the desired amount without over doing it or spilling your prescious oil. It works wonderfull and can be left in the shower without water getting inside the container.


Once it's in my hand, I notice the clear oil take on a white, foam looking nature. I think it's because my hands are always wet. Interesting though.


  Then I rinse and follow up with "step 2" which happens to be the rice enzyme powders I raved about previously.


  After step two, I dab a little Radiant Serum (posted about it earlier). And in the morning, right before putting on my makeup I use the moisturizer/primer from Tatcha. Don't worry, I'll save an entire post just for that product.


  

• Non irritating/Non sensitizing. Can be used on even sensitive skin
• Dermatologist tested -- if that's important to you
• Contains NO PPG's, PEG's, Urea, DEA, TEA
• Contains NO sulfate detergents
• Contains NO synthetic fragrance or color
• Contains NO Pthalates
• Contains NO Parabens
• Contains NO mineral oil

INGREDIENTS

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract

  

Tatcha Radiant Deep Brightening Serum

  Remember me talking about the Aburatorigami papers and cleansing powders? Well, this Radiant Deep Brightening Serum is another product from the same company -- Tatcha.

  Just as I loved the other products I told you about, I love this Radiant Serum as well. I use it every night after showering and it keeps any and all dry skin, flaky patches away. Yay for being able to blend my little heart out when I apply foundation. This stuff is a miracle for dry skin. I read it also prevents signs of aging too! 

  Above, you can see a spot of the Deep Brightening Radiant Serum on my hand. It's a slightly runny, clear-white lotion type of serum, but definitely has the runny serum bit to it. It goes on like any serum or face moisturizer without leaving a stick/greasy residue on top of your skin. 


  I apply this at night after a shower and before bed and often before putting on my make up. It does give my skin a major glow as well as moisturizes wonderfully. My favorite thing is that it penetrates the skin and gets absorbed quickly. It's lightweight, hence the name "serum" so it absorbs super quickly. No grabby feel when I run my hand across my skin afterwards.



  WHAT IT DOES
The Radiant Deep Brightening Serum works as a moisturizer. Leaves your skin super glowy and radiant.


INGREDIENTS:
 Squalane (Olive Extract), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Oil, Inositol (Rice Extract), Sericin (Silk Protein), Algae Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin (Soy Derivative), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract

• Contains NO Kojic Acid (Kojic Acid has been linked to very bad illness. Kojic Acid is particularly used in skin lightening/bleaching products. I have used skin lightening products before, but never with Kojic Acid. 
• NO hydroquinone (Another dangerous ingredient used in most skin lightening/bleaching products) In fact, I think about every single lightening product available at local drugstores or wal-marts do contain at the least 5% hydroquinone. I have used skin lightener that contained this. It's not something I would recommend using.
• NO mineral oil
• NO synthetic colors or fragrance
• NO sulfate detergents
• NO Parabens, PPG's, PEG'S, urea, DEA, TEA 
• NO pthalates.
•  Non irritating/Non sensitizing

Also with many of Tatcha's products, this too contains  HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex for radiant looking skin.













 

Tatcha Rice Enzyme Powders

      The packets you see

are the wonderful Rice Enzyme Powder samples

     from Tatcha. 

  

As you may be able to see, there are  three different Rice Enzyme Powders.

 

The three you have to choose from include the Deep Rice Enzyme Powder, Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder and Classic Rice Enzyme Powder. Aren't sure which one would be best for your skin? Good thing you have me to go into details for you.

First of all, each of these lovely Rice Enzyme Powders work by adding water. That's right, the container or sample packet actually comes with the full powdery product, instead of the product with water added. You add some water yourself. So in my opinion, that's better since most skin products come watered down already. You choose how much water you add.

These sample or if you purchase the full jar, it's a jar/packet full of fine, white powder. 

To use:  Simply wet your hands and face. I just wet my hands, dump the powder in, and then smear it on my face, adding drops of water when necessary.

This is the same way all the Rice Enzyme Powders are used. 

Once you've got the desirable amount on your face, you massage in tiny circles--like you would any facial cleanser--for one minute. I suppose you could do for less time, but I feel like my skin's softer and I get better results when I massage for a good minute or two. Plus, it's relaxing to keep massaging.

All of Tatcha's Rice Enzyme Powders are:

Paraben free

PEG & PPG free

Urea free

DEA & TEA free

Pthalates free

Sulfate detergents free

Mineral oil free

Synthetic fragrance & color free

Let's start with Gentle. 

The Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder contains Papaya, Rice bran and  HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex, which is an ingredient in many Tatcha products.

INGREDIENTS IN GENTLE:

 
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice Root), Papain (Payapa Extract), Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract

What the Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder does:

Tatcha's Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder is designed to gently exfoliate, clean and reveal your skin's natural "gleam."

• The Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder is non-sensitizing 
• Exfoliates skin without being harsh and abrasive
• Is dermatoligist tested, in case that's important to you.
• Non irritating

 The Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder also contains licorice root to soothe skin. Licorice root is a good ingredient for those with sensitive skin. This product should not cause any irriation, even for those with extremely sensitive skin.

Feel:
Once water is added to the rice powder, it takes on a thick, creamy, white, slightly clumpy form. It isn't unpleasant, but does feel like it's cleansing my pores while I massage it in. 

Scent:
The Rice Powders have virtually no scent to them. Nothing I could detect. Maybe the faintest "creamy" scent, but there's hardly a smell there.


Results:
 After using the Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder, my skin feels velvety soft and clean. 

When I first seen the white powdery product, I didn't really expect it to clean my skin, but to soften it only. I was happy to discover that the fine rice powder does exfloliate my skin, but does so gently. Normally "gentle" exfoliants don't actually exfoliate at all. I feel satisfied after cleaning my face with only this product. I don't feel the need to add extra cleansers, make up removers or corn meal to fully clean and exfoliate my face, whereas using other facial products, I do often feel that something else is needed to really do the trick.

There isn't any noticeable residue, greasyness or redness to my skin after using the Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder. However, since my skin can certainly use a deeper exfoliant every few weeks, I decided to use the Gentle Powder on days where I've tanned and use the Deep Rice Powder a couple weeks later, when my skin can use something deeper. I liked this routine a lot. It seems to do exactly what I need.

I'll say it again, my skin isn't left red, dry, or with residue after washing with this. I love that it doesn't leave my face shiny and oily, like most products do. It seems they leave my face looking dry immediately and then my face suddenly produces way too much oil an hour or two later. That is annoying and requires a lot of extra work. Moisturize, then try to fix the excess oil. Not my idea of low maintenance skin.

Instead, my skin is left really, really smooth, clear, matte-like and soft. Pores are fairly minimized, there's no left over makeup. Not that I use very much to begin with besides eye makeup, a little bronzer some times.

My skin and issues
 I like to include information about my own skin and issues that way you guys have a better idea of how things work and what to expect. 

As I've said before, my skin would be considered "combination skin."  I have the oily T-zone and dryness everywhere else. My skin is high maintenance and requires exfoliating daily. I also wear mascara and often hard-to-wash-away eye shadows.

My problem with facial products is usually one of two things: either they're too abrasive or they're not cleansing enough. If you've ever used a skin cleanser that seems to not clean your skin, but only leave a layer of residue, you know what I mean. I like to have soft, exfoliated, truly clean skin after washing. 

 The Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder well exceeded my first expectations. I've used it daily for about a week with pleasure.  This cleanser would be good for people like me, with combination skin since it seems to reduce the excess oil without any drying at all. People with extremely oily skin, I feel will benefit greatly from this product, especially combined with Tatcha's Aburatorigami papers. 


               Classic Rice Enzyme powder


  This powder, very much alike all the others, the Classic Rice Enzyme Powder also contains Papaya, Rice bran and HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex. This powder is "created with pearl extract for combination skin."

•   Non sensitizing
• Dermatologist tested--incase you care about that
• Non irritating
• Non abrasive, not harsh on skin

  Again, like the Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder, the Classic Powder has the same purpose: to reveal skin's natural gleam.


  As I said, each of the powders are "water activated," meaning that you add water to the powder and then massage onto the skin.


  INGREDIENTS IN CLASSIC:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Papain (Papaya Extract), Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein (Pearl)

  The difference in Classic and Gentle's ingredients are three things:

Pearl

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate 

Licorice root.

  The Classic Powder contains Pearl whereas the Gentle Powder contains two more ingredients: Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate  & Licorice root..

  The feel, scent are pretty much identical in both Classic and Gentle. So if you have combination skin and even excessively oily skin, I think you'll benefit greatly from either one of these. Even skin more simple will surely benefit and be softer and smoother.




                   Deep Rice Enzyme Powder

   As with the Classic and Gentle Enzyme Powders, the Deep powder also contains HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex, as well as many other ingredients.

  The deep powder is a mint green color/no scent.


  Looking at the ingredients closer, you'll notice that this Deep Rice Enzyme Powder is pretty close to the Classic Powder except for one ingredient. Instead of Pearl, the Deep Rice Powder contains Dokudami, making this only one ingredient away from the Classic and two ingredients different from the Gentle Rice Powder. The Deep Rice Enzyme powder contains Dokudami whereas the Gentle Rice Powder contains Licorice Root.

  INGREDIENTS IN DEEP

 Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Papain (Papaya Extract), Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract (Dokudami)

  The scent, feel and purpose is similar to both the Classic and the Gentle Rice Enzyme Powders. This too leaves you with a wonderfully soft, velvety smooth face. I do notice that the Deep Powder really, really, really cleans deep! My pores and skin in general look like absolute perfection after using this. I LOVE it.

  The purpose of the Deep Rice Enzyme Powder is the same as the other two powders: to "reveal skin's natural gleam."

I prefer to use the Gentle or Classic daily and the Deep only every couple of weeks, although it's so tempting to use it that lately, I've been doing so more than once a week! It just makes me feel so lovely.

 All work wonders for my skin and I believe every skin type will at least benefit from the soft, smooth skin these leaves you with.

 

Oil Absorbing Papers - Aburatorigami

Aburatorigami, commonly known to most of us simply as "oil absorbing sheets." With flecks of gold embedded into these sheets, suddenly mopping the excess oil of your face feels... like luxury treatment.

 

 As if golden-flecked oil absorbing sheets wasn't enough, these biodegradable babies are handmade in Japan. 



And each handmade sheet is the size of my hand. 
Forget those tiny little sheets that only fit the tip of
your nose -- Tatcha's Beauty Papers are large enough to take care of your entire face, and if it isn't as oily as mine, probably more. 

Say your cleavage gets sweaty? 
Put the rest of that Beauty Paper to work rather than tossing it away.

If you aren't the kind of oily-foreheaded girl that needs such large oil blotting sheets, or perhaps you just want them to fit in a tiny clutch, these are available in smaller sizes, called the "Evening Aburatorigami." 

Sizes:

Evening Aburatorigami size: 2.6"  X  2.6" 
Original Aburatorigami size: 3.74"  X  3.74"


                   HOW TO USE ABURATORIGAMI

  Most of you know or have personally used some type of oil absorbing papers, but nonetheless, here's the instructions.

Step 1.  Take the Aburatorigami from the envelope. 

Step 2.  Dab the paper all over your face, or wherever you have excess oil. For me, this would be, well, everywhere. Only kidding somewhat, but I have one awful T-zone area. Imagine how nice I felt after sweating in the tanning bed?  Thankfully, I had these still in their package from when they arrived, and sitting in the back of my car. The guy working at t he bookstore didn't have to see his reflection on my forehead. Talk about a life-saver, right?


Sillyness aside, I truly enjoy the simple and quick "clean-up" these sheets provide.  It's a far better solution than having to cake on foundation/powders throughout the day. These remove the excess oiliness without stripping your skin of the necessary oils. 

Why the work of art, you ask?  Guys, this is sad, but the photo above and the one below, they are not works of art. No. Sorry to disappoint, but these are not fabulous sketches of some unique design. They're actually the used blotting papers after I blotted my face!

   As you can see, the thin papers turn transparent once they've absorbed oil from your skin. It's really neat! These are similar to those you buy at a drugstore only so much nicer, handmade, much larger, and did I mention they have gold flecks? 

These kept my skin free of shine for at least 2 hours longer than the Neutrogena ones. Yes,  I compared them! Right now, I would estimate that it's been about 9 hours since I used that Beauty Paper--you seen the results in the photo--and my forehead has now been de-shined.

Pro's

•    Natural leaflets.
•    Does not disturb makeup already applied to skin. 
•    Does not take away skin's necessary moisture, only excess oil.
• Powder free
• Fragrance free
• Pulp free 
• Mineral oil free.
• Synthetic color free 
• Safe for all skin types. 
•  Ingredients: 100% abaca leaf, gold flake.