In Japanese, “hada” (肌) means skin, and “sei” (生) means “life.” The “3” refers to the three foundational ingredients that power the complex: Akita rice, Uji green tea, and Okinawa algae. Together, these ingredients form our proprietary complex to reveal healthy, radiant skin.

Hadasei-3 was inspired by the nutrient-rich Japanese diet, widely regarded as one of the healthiest in the world, and Japan’s long tradition of hakkō (発酵), or fermentation, a practice used for centuries in Japanese food and wellness. Through research into traditional Japanese beauty rituals, we explored how nutrition and skin have long been connected in Japan. 

The Tatcha Institute in Tokyo focused on three ingredients deeply rooted in the Japanese diet and sourced from regions known for their exceptional quality: Akita rice, Uji green tea, and Okinawa algae. 

Crafted with a proprietary yeast and double fermented rice along with algae and green tea, Hadasei-3 is a complex rich in lactic acid, amino acids, antioxidants, and nutrients that support healthy-looking skin.

In Japanese skincare, the step known as skin lotion (化粧水) is foundational, a lightweight liquid applied after cleansing to prepare the skin and help subsequent products absorb more effectively. This step traditionally did not exist in Western skincare. In the Japanese skincare ritual, it is essential to replenish moisture immediately after cleansing. Compared to a typical lotion, The Essence penetrates the skin more quickly and delivers a greater amount of hydration.

Based on this idea, the Tatcha Institute in Tokyo created The Essence, formulated with 100% Hadasei-3™, to deliver nourishment and hydration while priming the skin.

During development, the Tatcha Institute in Tokyo discovered that Hadasei-3 could function as a nutrient-rich base rather than just an added ingredient. As a result, our formulas are rich in lactic acid, amino acids, antioxidants, and nutrients from the very first step, supporting hydration while nourishing the skin. This reflects Tatcha’s philosophy of intentional formulation, where every ingredient is chosen to benefit the skin.