I take re-formulations of my self-care staples very personally. Unfortunately, it’s more common than not for a ‘new and improved’ version of something I absolutely loved before a tweak to the ingredient deck to ever live up to the brand’s marketing hype. A few times, products I absolutely adored got their packaging “fine-tuned” and left me scratching my head. I don’t like to name names but the amazing Mila Moursi Refining Lotion that went from a pump to a dropper bottle comes to mind…
Earlier this month, TATCHA unveiled their award-winning Silk Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++ in a taller, bulkier-but-still-slim bottle. I’m going to say the quiet part out loud now: this upgrade was long overdue. And necessary. I couldn’t be more excited if I tried.
How good is the THATCHA SPF?
The TATCHA formula didn’t make the roundup in last summer’s ‘Best Sunscreens For My Combination Skin’ blog post, primarily because of its unfortunate packaging. At first glance, the formula had so much going for it. The flat square bottle’s aesthetic was visually pleasing and very portable. It quickly became a travel-friendly skincare must-have. I wanted to put it in my pocket, but quickly discovered issues with the air pressure caused the liquid to spill and often explode.
What’s in The Silk Sunscreen?
In short, this all-mineral formula is pretty excellent. The Silk Sunscreen is powered by 10% Zinc Oxide, which melts into the skin and disappears within a minute or two. It is quite runny in texture, spreads easily, and feels luxe on the skin. Its lightweight consistency makes it an excellent choice for every skin type. I only wish TATCHA would have kept with its OG tradition and formulated it in Japan (the land of superb sun care IMO) rather than stateside.
True to TATCHA’s ethos, The Silk Sunscreen also offers a myriad of skincare benefits. The lightweight liquid is studded with soothing, hydrating, and skin-repairing ingredients. Here are some highlights:
- Niacinamide (hydrating, brightening, pore refining)
- Hyaluronic Acid (hydrating, plumping)
- Silk Extract (smoothing, glow-boosting)
- Burdock Root Extract (soothing, redness reducing, balancing)
- Tara Tree Extract (rich in antioxidants, firming benefits)
- Red Algae Extract (healing, moisturizing)
- Green Tea Leaf Extract (antioxidant, antimicrobial, humectant)
- Bisabolol (Chamomile-derived soothing agent)
- Allantoin (soothing and healing)
Application, etc.
My pre-SPF serums and moisturizer choices change with the seasons. The TATCHA Silk Sunscreen absorbs beautifully and does great under makeup any time of the year. Here’s why: the formula offers a robust balance of hydration and moisture on its own already. On a hot humid summer day, this is an excellent one-and-done. During colder months, I’d recommend going in with a moisturizer beforehand. Either way, it’s important to shake the bottle well prior to applying as all-mineral sunscreens can separate.
If you had an unpleasant experience because of the unfortunate previous packaging, definitely give this new look a try. It’s every bit as portable and travel-friendly as its precursor but 100% mess-free, this time around, I promise.
