Beauty writer Bethan Shufflebotham has gone through two pots of Tatcha's The Dewy Skin Cream, a moisturiser long favoured by Molly-Mae Hague. She credits the formula with delivering a 'plump, youthful complexion'.
The Dewy Skin Cream by Tatcha starts at £26 for a travel-sized tub. The Japanese-inspired cream promises plump, healthy-looking skin, a visible reduction in fine lines and antioxidant protection from premature ageing.
A Return to Tatcha After Two Years
Shufflebotham first bought the cream after seeing Hague describe a 'fresh-faced Thursday' in an Instagram post. That was two years ago. Although she tried other brands in between, she has now finished another tub of the moisturiser.
She has dry skin and says the cream acts like 'a tall glass of water' for her skin, particularly in warmer weather. While many opt for lightweight gel formulas in summer, this is a thicker, richer format that delivers hydration without feeling heavy.
How It Performs
Despite being rich, the cream sinks into the skin rather than sitting on top of it. Shufflebotham prefers applying it in the evenings before bed to wake up with a fresh, plump face. It also works as a morning moisturiser, sitting well under makeup and providing a hydrated base for foundation.
The formula combines hyaluronic acid, red algae and Tatcha's Hadasei-3 complex to attract moisture, while biomimetic squalane seals it in. Tatcha says the cream can deliver up to three times hydration and that its Japanese botanicals are proven to reduce the appearance of dry, fine lines in two weeks.
Price and Alternatives
The main downside is the price. A typical 50ml pot costs £69, with a refill at £65 and an XL tub at £97. Shufflebotham estimates it works out around £23 per month if applied once daily, as a little goes a long way.
For a more affordable alternative, the LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturiser 50ml is usually £33.50 but is priced at £26.80 at Boots. Powered by Blue Hyaluronic Acid, Algae Extract and ceramides, it delivers up to 100 hours of hydration and helps repair the skin moisture barrier.
Reviews and Skin Type Suitability
The Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream reportedly sells one every minute and has a 4.8-star rating from more than 7,200 reviewers. One said: "Hands down the best skin cream out there! I have tried very expensive creams to the least expensive. The Dewy Skin cream is the only cream that works for me! No break outs and keeps my wrinkles away."
Another, more mature shopper, added: "I have tried hundreds of creams over my 74 yes and after 3 days a very noticeable difference. Skin looks plumped and soft and some of the wrinkles have gone. worth every penny, believe me."
"Absolutely obsessed with this moisturiser," wrote a third. "It's rich, deeply hydrating and leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft, plump and dewy without feeling greasy. Perfect for dry or dehydrated skin, especially when you want that healthy, glowing finish. Definitely one of my favourite moisturisers."
The biggest drawback is that it is designed for dry skin and not as well suited to oily skin. One user said: "My makeup glides on after use so so moisturising and soothing too. It is thick so maybe if you have oily skin it might not be the best."
For those with oily skin, The Body Shop does a Seaweed Oil-Control Gel Cream for £18. Described as a 'hydration boost for oily and combination skin', it reportedly leaves skin feeling balanced and hydrated for 48 hours.
Another five-star review read: "Tatcha dewy skin cream has to be my favourite skincare product. I have been using it for many years now and can vouch for the product. It not only makes me look youthful but also sits really well under the makeup providing a seamless base. I have put many of my friends and family on the product as it's really good."
Two years on since first trying it, Shufflebotham says she would buy the cream again. She has gone only one day without it and misses it already.
