Tatcha The Longevity Serum: The Japanese Super Serum That Firms And Smooths Skin In A Week

Okinawa is situated between Japan and Taiwan, at the southwesternmost prefecture of the former’s 14,125 islands. Once holding the status as the area with the world’s highest life expectancy, the Blue Zone has become a longevity case study and a source of inspiration for Tatcha’s latest The Longevity Serum.

The Longevity Serum is formulated with an Okinawa Cellescence Complex that makes it a unique product on the market. This comprises Shikuwasa lime extract for radiance, Noni juice extract for soothing and Shell ginger that has a gentle exfoliating effect, while all three support the skin barrier and encourage elasticity. There are also bio-active lipids to combat oxidative stress, minimise the appearance of wrinkles, support collagen production, and provide a pro-AHA prebiotic to boost cell turnover.

In the brand’s trial, all panellists saw immediate improvement in the skin barrier as well as firming, smoothing, softness and suppleness advancement in one week. It’s a lightweight, easily absorbed serum with a pleasant lime aroma.

The elevated population of centenarians is said to be down to the local diet of whole plant foods and the practice of mindfulness. The former typically consists of nutrient-rich vegetables and herbs that are native to the area, while the latter is prompted through “nuchi-gusui” (life is medicine), which encourages a positive mindset and holistic wellbeing.

The Longevity Serum’s formula harnesses the Okinawa Cellescence Complex that combines potent extracts from the prefecture’s unique ecosystems, used for centuries for healing. These include Shikuwasa lime extract for its antioxidant properties, hydrating, radiance-boosting, skin barrier supporting and smoothing, Noni juice extract for nourishing and soothing and Shell ginger that has a gentle exfoliating effect and promotes elasticity and collagen. The Tatcha Institute of Tokyo has determined that this ingredient removes senescent cells by 55 per cent.

Known as “zombie” cells, these occur when stress, UV damage and the like stop cells from dividing, but instead of dying, they cause irritation, dullness and ageing. By ridding the complexion of these inflammatory molecules, the serum aims to boost the skin’s resilience, firmness and strength.

There are also bio-active lipids to combat oxidative stress, minimise the appearance of wrinkles and support collagen production and a pro-AHA prebiotic to boost cell turnover.

In the brand’s clinical study, there was an immediate improvement in the skin barrier in all participants, as well as benefiting skin texture and moisture. The results only got better over time. All panellists saw firming, smoothing, softness and suppleness advancement in one week, and fine lines minimised in two weeks. In a month, there was a 25 per cent increase in visible firmness and smoothness.

The Vogue Verdict

The first thing I noticed about The Longevity Serum was the light citrusy scent from the lime, and yet even with this fragrance, it didn’t irritate my sensitive skin. The product has a silky, milky texture that is lightweight, quickly absorbed and leaves no greasy residue. Like the brand’s Silk Serum, it’s a very thin liquid texture, which means that a little goes a long way.

On first application, it left my skin feeling hydrated, smooth and glowing, but over the following week, I noticed my skin seeming bouncier. The serum can be layered under make-up, and when I was speedily applying my foundation, it only enhanced the blendability of the latter’s formula.