Versus

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA Versus Tatcha The Essence Skincare Boosting Treatment

Serum
Essence
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on May 13, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, sensitive skin and reducing pores

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Violet-C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. 

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

When to use

76 Routines
68% use in am
32% use in pm
89% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
328 Routines
52% use in am
48% use in pm
99% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA 30 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Expensive (1)
skylarnorris's avatar

Skylar Norris

6 months ago
Review

It’s okay I guess. It’s very expensive and doesn’t do anything a much cheaper serum can’t do. I’d recommend cosrx vitamin c 23 serum for the same benefits at a fraction of the cost.

#expensive

Tatcha The Essence Skincare Boosting Treatment 6 ingredients

4.4 /5
from 5 ratings
Expensive (3) Hydrating (2) Light (2)
Lapaki's avatar

Lapaki

1 year ago
Review

Honestly I don't know what it is that makes it so good. Is it the mixture of fermented rice, green tea and algae? Maybe. Is it because these ingredients are allowed to ferment twice? Maybe. Or is it my belief that applying such an expensive product consistently over a long period of time simply MUST do something super special to my skin? Again, maybe. I've been using it for almost a year and Show more

#expensive
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
SparkleMotion's avatar

Sparkle Motion

3 months ago
Review

Nice essence with unique ferments & slight viscosity. I prefer SK-II for tone & especially dullness, but also use Tatcha because it’s more hydrating & helps texture. I’ve tried just using SK-II alone, but needed the Tatcha for hydration & texture.

Those first starting tret, be advised. This stung at first. But I’ve been tolerating it well for a while.

I also wish Tatcha would sell refills in Show more

#expensive
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well