The Matcha Cleanse Daily Clarifying Gel Cleanser
The Matcha Cleanse Daily Clarifying Gel Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
Tatcha's The Matcha Cleanse is a fragrance-free, soap-free gel-to-foam cleanser powered by antioxidant-rich Japanese kyo-matcha, BHA-alternative willow bark and coix seed, plus ceramide-like mugwort. It decongests pores, balances oil, and primes skin for makeup without stripping — delivering clean, smooth, shine-controlled skin morning and night.
Japanese Kyo-Matcha
Hand-picked ceremonial-grade matcha rich in catechin antioxidants to visibly calm redness and neutralize environmental stressors.
Texture & feel
SENSORYJapanese Kyo-Matcha
Hand-picked ceremonial-grade matcha rich in catechin antioxidants to visibly calm redness and neutralize environmental stressors.
Natural BHA Alternatives
Willow bark and coix seed gently decongest pores and visibly even tone without the irritation of synthetic salicylic acid.
Ceramide-Like Mugwort
Japanese yomogi (mugwort) acts like ceramides to reinforce the skin barrier while cleansing — preventing that stripped, tight feeling.
Primes for Makeup
Clinical study showed 8-hour improved makeup wear by controlling oil and smoothing texture, reducing foundation slip and shine.
Clinically Proven
In brand clinical testing, 100% of panelists showed a reduction in oil and 90% showed a visible reduction in pores.
Gel-to-Foam Transformation
Thick jelly texture transforms into a rich, cushiony foam on contact with water — a luxurious cleanse without harsh sulfates.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEUses gentle amino-acid based surfactants (Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate, Lauryl Glucoside) instead of harsh SLS/SLES — protects the skin barrier.
Contains no pore-clogging oils or butters. Dermatologist-tested and formulated to not cause breakouts in most skin types.
No added synthetic or essential-oil fragrance, making it a good option for fragrance-sensitive skin.
Ethanol is listed low in the INCI and is used as a solvent/penetration aid. Rinse-off contact means minimal concern, but very dry or reactive skin may prefer to avoid.
Contains Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate — a yeast ferment that can feed Malassezia and trigger fungal acne flare-ups.
Contains Salix Alba (willow bark), a natural source of salicylates. Considered low-risk in rinse-off products, but pregnant/nursing users should check with their OB-GYN.
Contains Yellow 5 (CI 19140) and Blue 1 (CI 42090) for its signature green hue — cosmetic-grade and FDA-approved but skip if you prefer dye-free.
Not formulated for the delicate eye area. Rinse thoroughly if contact occurs.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCamellia Sinensis (Kyo-Matcha) Leaf Extract <1%Proven
Hand-ground ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha from Kyoto, packed with EGCG and other catechin polyphenols — one of the most potent plant-based antioxidants used in skincare.
- Antioxidant power: Green tea catechins neutralize free radicals and have documented anti-inflammatory activity in dermatological literature.
- Sebum control: EGCG has been shown in studies to reduce sebum production in skin cells.
- Anti-redness: Clinically studied for calming visible irritation and redness.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract <1%Proven
Natural source of salicin — the plant precursor to salicylic acid. Acts as a gentle BHA alternative to decongest pores and smooth texture without the irritation of synthetic BHA.
- Gentle exfoliation: Provides mild keratolytic activity to loosen dead skin cells and clear pores.
- Anti-inflammatory: Salicin has documented anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
- Pore-refining: Helps visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged pores over time.
Artemisia Princeps (Mugwort) Leaf Extract <1%Promising
Japanese yomogi, a sacred botanical traditionally called "the queen of herbs," prized in East Asian medicine for calming reactive skin. Tatcha highlights its ceramide-like barrier-supporting role.
- Barrier support: Contains fatty acids and polysaccharides that help reinforce the lipid barrier.
- Soothing: Well-documented in K-beauty and J-beauty for calming redness, itch, and sensitivity.
- Antimicrobial: Shown to have mild antibacterial activity helpful for acne-prone skin.
Coix Lacryma-Jobi (Hatomugi) Seed Extract <1%Promising
Japanese Job's Tears — a superfood seed rich in B-vitamins and amino acids, long used in Japanese skincare to even tone and accelerate surface turnover.
- Even tone: Coixenolide and amino acids support brighter, more uniform complexion.
- Turnover: Gently encourages healthy surface cell renewal without chemical exfoliation.
- Works with willow: Paired with salix for a botanical "BHA-like" effect on pores.
Cladosiphon Okamuranus (Okinawa Mozuku) Extract <1%Promising
Brown seaweed from Okinawa, an exceptional source of fucoidan — a polysaccharide with humectant and antioxidant activity.
- Hydration binder: Fucoidan attracts and holds water in the skin.
- Anti-inflammatory: Peer-reviewed studies show fucoidan reduces inflammatory markers.
- Anti-aging potential: Research suggests it may help protect against matrix breakdown.
Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate <5%Proven
Fermented rice extract (similar in category to sake-kasu and Pitera-type ferments) delivers amino acids, minerals, and beta-glucan to hydrate and soften.
- Hydration: Amino acids and sugars attract moisture to the skin surface.
- Smoothing: Ferments have been shown to improve skin texture and clarity.
- Antioxidant: Fermentation byproducts add antioxidant activity.
Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate + Lauryl Glucoside 10-20%Proven
The gentle cleansing duo at the heart of the formula. Amino-acid and sugar-derived surfactants that lift oil and debris without disrupting the acid mantle.
- Mild on barrier: Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate is derived from aspartic acid and is notably gentler than sulfates.
- Biodegradable: Lauryl Glucoside is plant-derived from coconut and corn, fully biodegradable.
- pH-compatible: Work in a skin-friendly pH range to maintain barrier health.
Glycerin 5-10%Proven
The gold-standard humectant, listed as the second ingredient. Counteracts the drying potential of any cleanser by attracting and binding moisture to the skin.
- Anti-stripping: Essential for making a foaming cleanser that doesn't leave skin tight.
- Well-studied: Decades of evidence for safety and efficacy in every skin type.
- Barrier-friendly: Helps maintain stratum corneum hydration.
23 ingredients
Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Lauryl Glycol Carboxylate, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 42090 (Blue 1).
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your morning cleanser for oil-controlled, primed skin, or as your second cleanse at night after an oil/balm cleanser to remove sunscreen and makeup residue.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet your face
Splash lukewarm (never hot) water onto your face. Wet hands are essential — the formula needs water to activate and foam.
Dispense an almond-sized amount
Squeeze a pea to almond-sized amount into wet palms. The jelly-like gel is concentrated — a little goes a long way.
Massage into a lather
Work gently onto damp skin for 30–60 seconds using upward circular motions, focusing on the T-zone. The gel transforms into a soft, cushiony foam.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until no residue remains. Avoid the delicate eye area. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Follow with the rest of your routine
Use daily, AM and/or PM. For heavy makeup or sunscreen, precede with an oil or balm cleanser as a first step (double cleansing).
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or normal skin prone to shine and congestion
- You struggle with enlarged pores or a dull, uneven T-zone
- Your makeup slides or oxidizes midday and you want better wear time
- You prefer fragrance-free, sulfate-free cleansing
- You want botanical actives (matcha, willow, mugwort) instead of harsh synthetic acids
- You love the Tatcha brand aesthetic and J-beauty rituals
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, mature, or eczema-prone skin (try Tatcha Rice Wash instead)
- You have active fungal acne / Malassezia-driven breakouts (contains rice ferment)
- You're allergic or highly sensitive to salicylates
- You want a dye-free, completely minimalist formula
- You're on a tight budget — at $40/150ml this is a splurge cleanser
- You prefer creamy, balm-style cleansers over foaming gels
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically designed for this skin type — willow bark and coix seed control oil, matcha calms inflammation, foam lifts sebum without stripping.
Perfect match — clears the oily T-zone while glycerin and rice ferment keep drier cheek areas from feeling tight.
Works well as a daily cleanser, though the formula may be stronger than needed — consider alternating with a gentler wash.
The foaming action and willow bark may be too active for truly dry skin — Tatcha's Rice Wash is a gentler alternative.
Fragrance-free and sulfate-free, which sensitive skin loves — but patch test first due to willow bark salicylates and low alcohol content.
Non-comedogenic with pore-decongesting botanicals — but NOT fungal-acne safe due to rice ferment. A minority of reviewers report breakouts.
Results timeline
8+ WEEKSClean, balanced, shine-free skin
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed without the post-wash tightness of harsh cleansers. Visible reduction in shine, and makeup sits better afterward.
100% noticed (brand clinical)Reduced midday shine & smoother texture
Oil is visibly more balanced throughout the day. Skin feels softer to the touch, and the T-zone appears smoother and more refined.
~80% of reviewers noticedVisibly decongested pores & clearer tone
Pores on the nose and chin look smaller and less clogged. Overall skin tone appears more even, and makeup wear time improves noticeably.
90% showed visible pore reduction (brand clinical)Long-term clarity & primed complexion
Consistent daily use supports a stable, clear, oil-balanced complexion. Foundation glides on more evenly and lasts longer throughout the day.
8-hour makeup wear improvement (clinical)Ratings by platform
300+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Genuinely controls oil and extends makeup wear (clinically supported)
- Doesn't strip the skin despite deep cleansing — no tightness afterward
- Luxurious gel-to-foam texture that feels pleasant and cushiony
- Fragrance-free — rare in J-beauty luxury cleansers
- Thoughtful botanical blend: matcha, mugwort, willow, coix, mozuku
- Beautiful Tatcha packaging — feels special, great for gifting
- A little goes a long way; 150ml bottle lasts months
Criticized
- $40 for 150ml is expensive vs. drugstore gel cleansers
- Contains Yellow 5 + Blue 1 synthetic colorants for the green hue
- Contains rice ferment — not fungal-acne safe
- Contains low-level alcohol that may concern some users
- Doesn't remove heavy makeup on its own — double cleanse needed
- Too active for very dry, mature, or eczema-prone skin
- Minority of reviewers experience breakouts after prolonged use
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESK-beauty dupe with BHA, AHA, and green plum extract. Similar clarifying gel experience for oily/combo skin at less than half the price, though less luxurious packaging.
Also centered on green tea antioxidants. Lighter on pore-decongesting actives — no willow bark — but a fantastic affordable matcha-inspired cleanser for daily use.
Delivers 2% synthetic salicylic acid for stronger pore decongestion. Less gentle and has no botanicals, but extremely effective for acne-prone oily skin at a fraction of the price.
Mugwort-forward K-beauty gel cleanser that mirrors Tatcha's barrier-supporting botanical philosophy. Fragrance-free and similar texture at nearly half the price.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDETatcha The Matcha Cleanse (Featured)
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Unopened shelf life is approximately 30 months from manufacture.
Store upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the cap tightly closed.
Opaque squeeze tube with flip-top cap — hygienic and protects the botanical actives from light and air.
Full size (150ml) is over the TSA liquid limit. The $19 mini (50ml) is carry-on approved — under 100ml.
Frequently asked questions
FAQIt's a rinse-off product, which generally reduces absorption concerns, but it does contain Salix Alba (willow bark) — a natural source of salicylates (the plant precursor to salicylic acid). Most obstetricians consider topical rinse-off willow bark low-risk, but some recommend avoiding all salicylates during pregnancy out of caution. Always consult your OB-GYN or a dermatologist familiar with your pregnancy before adding any new skincare. If you want a safer alternative from the same brand, Tatcha's Rice Wash contains no willow bark.
No — this cleanser is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, a yeast-based ferment that can feed Malassezia and trigger fungal acne flare-ups. If you're actively dealing with pityrosporum folliculitis or tiny uniform bumps on the forehead, chest, or back, we recommend choosing a fungal-acne-safe cleanser instead, such as a simple gel with only proven FA-safe ingredients.
Yes — because it's a rinse-off cleanser, it doesn't meaningfully interact with the pH-dependent actives you apply afterward. Vitamin C, retinol, AHAs, and BHAs can all be used normally in your routine after cleansing. One note: since this product itself contains willow bark (a mild BHA alternative), users on strong prescription retinoids or acid treatments may want to alternate with a gentler cleanser on their most reactive days to avoid over-exfoliation.
It's formulated primarily for oily, combination, and normal-to-oily skin — particularly anyone dealing with shine, visible pores, and makeup slip. Combination skin loves it because the humectants (glycerin, rice ferment) prevent the dryness that typical oily-skin cleansers cause. Dry, mature, or eczema-prone users will likely find it too active and should look at Tatcha's Rice Wash or a cream cleanser instead. Sensitive skin can often tolerate it thanks to the fragrance-free formula, but patch testing is always wise.
Immediate effects — less shine, cleaner pores, better makeup adhesion — are noticeable from the first wash. Tatcha's in-house clinical study reported 100% of panelists saw reduced oil in a bio-instrumentation test. For visible pore reduction and smoother texture, expect 2–4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use (90% of panelists noticed in the brand's clinical). Longer-term clarity and makeup wear benefits (up to 8 hours improved wear) build over 6–8 weeks of steady use.
It's a Step 1 product in the morning (AM cleanse on bare skin) and a Step 2 product at night if you wear sunscreen or makeup (after an oil or balm cleanser in a double-cleanse). Apply to wet skin with wet hands, lather, rinse, then proceed with toner, essence, serums, moisturizer, and (in the AM) SPF. Tatcha specifically positions this cleanser as a "primer" for makeup, so using it in your AM routine maximizes the oil-control and 8-hour wear benefits.
No — Tatcha officially labels it non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested. On a 0–5 comedogenic rating scale we estimate it at 1/5 based on the ingredient profile: no pore-clogging oils, butters, or high-comedogenic esters. That said, a small minority of reviewers (notably on Sephora UK) have reported breakouts after several weeks of use. This is most likely due to the rice ferment (feeds Malassezia) rather than comedogenicity per se. If you break out, it's likely fungal acne, not clogged pores.
The PAO (Period After Opening) symbol on the packaging indicates 12 months once opened — so you should finish the full 150ml tube within a year of first use. Unopened, the product has a shelf life of around 30 months from manufacture date. To maximize freshness and preserve the matcha antioxidants, always store it upright, tightly closed, and out of direct sunlight or humidity. Since a pea to almond-sized amount is enough per wash, most users finish the bottle in 3–5 months of twice-daily use — well within the PAO window.
Verdict: Tatcha's The Matcha Cleanse is a genuinely excellent daily gel cleanser for oily and combination skin that delivers on its dual promise of clarifying pores and priming for makeup. The botanical-forward formulation — kyo-matcha, willow bark, mugwort, coix seed — is thoughtful and backed by brand clinical data (100% oil reduction, 90% pore reduction, 8-hour makeup wear). The fragrance-free, sulfate-free base protects the barrier while still delivering a luxurious gel-to-foam experience. It loses half a star for its premium $40/150ml price, two synthetic colorants, and incompatibility with fungal acne and very dry skin types. For the right skin type, it's one of the most refined daily cleansers on the J-beauty market — and a clear bestseller for good reason.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 0 |
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauryl Glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|








