Matcha – finely ground camellia sinensis leaf – has become a buzz ingredient in beauty lately. More potent in antioxidants, caffeine and EGCG (the most abundant type of catechin in green tea) than regular green tea, matcha is the perfect remedy for inflammation, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone and excess sebum.
Several K-Beauty brands have served up dual-layered matcha serums lately. Looking good enough to drink, these serums blend the benefits of matcha with milky emulsions to quench skin thirst among other benefits.
I tested six Korean matcha serums, essences and ampoules for one week each on my dry, sensitive skin. Read on to see which one is my fave, and which type may be good for you!
By Wishtrend – Matcha & Ceramide Cream Mist
Part of By Wishtrend’s matcha line, this cream mist boasts a 2:8 golden ratio of moisturizing cream layer and soothing aqueous layer. The cream layer consists mainly of ceramide liposomes, while the aqueous layer is made of PDRN from organic matcha water and centella phyto-exosome. It can be used before and after makeup.
My Take: I love this lightweight mist’s spray bottle design and the pretty contrast of dark green and white layers inside. Slightly sticky at first, the mist dries to a soft and smooth finish, and it’s quite nourishing thanks to multiple botanical oils. The By Wishtrend mist is best for a quick refresh anytime during the day.
beplain – Matcha Catechin Skin Purifying Essence
Sold as a set containing the Matcha Catechin Skin Purifying Essence and the Matcha Catechin Intensive Care Cream, the essence focuses on antioxidant care, improving skin tone and strengthening the skin barrier. A mix of Japanese and Jeju matcha, niacinamide and tranexamic acid help soothe redness and breakouts while fading dark spots.
My Take: The bottle of the essence looks almost like a beverage. The watery, fast-absorbing formula is best for layering under a moisturizer, and it works well to regulate sebum production.
House of Hur – Phyto Brew Matcha Ampoule
Hadong matcha and biomimetic peptides (Neoclaire Pro) in this ampoule help revitalize and brighten skin while improving its protection against daily environment stressors.
My Take: The dropper releases the ampoule with a spring movement, making it quite noisy and hard to control the amount. But the dropper perfectly suits this dual-layer matcha formulation as its tube won’t contain unmixed content when you shake the mixture prior to use. The formula leaves skin smooth and glowy.
TIRTIR – Matcha Dual Serum
Also boasting a 2:8 ratio of emulsion to serum, this concoction is powered by matcha PDRN and niacinamide to reduce redness, even skin tone and enhance skin’s radiance.
My Take: This TIRTIR serum takes the longest for the two layers to separate after shaking the bottle, so if you’re looking forward to constantly play with the layers, it may not be for you! The quick-absorbing serum applies well without getting sticky, and my sensitive skin loves it.
VT – Matcha Cica Layer Serum
Matcha extract, centella extract and PHA in the Matcha Cica Layer Serum work in tandem to soothe and exfoliate skin. Nano ceramides and squalane penetrate deep into skin to lock in moisture, fortify the skin barrier and restore skin’s oil-moisture balance.
My Take: The bottle channels Y2K vibes, especially with its retro font. I wish the serum came in a larger amount than 30ml though. Slightly creamy but non-sticky, it leaves skin feeling soft, comfy and plump. Those with dry skin would love this matcha serum!
Dr. Ceuracle – Jeju Matcha Tea Essence
Packed with Jeju matcha and cica extracts, this refreshing essence soothes skin and provides antioxidant benefits. It’s also rich in ceramides, peptides, niacinamide, LHA and PHA to tighten pores and boost skin elasticity. Thanks to its pore care benefits, the tea essence is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin types.
My Take: This essence has the largest portion of milk and comes with a faint matcha latte scent. Owing to the gentle exfoliants in the concoction, the tea essence doesn’t leave a sticky feel and offers a matte finish.
The Verdict
Below sums up my findings and verdicts on the six matcha formulas!
| (Rated out of 5 stars) | By Wishtrend | beplain | House of Hur | TIRTIR | VT | Dr. Ceuracle |
| Formulation | Cream Mist | Essence | Ampoule | Serum | Serum | Essence |
| Bottle Design | Plastic spray | Plastic | Plastic with dropper | Glass with dropper | Plastic with dropper | Glass |
| Fragrance | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Essential Oils | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Creaminess | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Hydrating Level | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Soothing Level | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Convenience in Application | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Price / Size | US$ 16.1 /100ml | US$ 60 /150ml (inc. 20ml cream) | US$ 22.4 /50ml | US$ 26.1 /50ml | US$ 23.03 /30ml | US$ 29.61 /150ml |
Best Overall: VT Matcha Cica Layer Serum
Best for Sensitive Skin: TIRTIR Matcha Dual Serum
Best for Oily Skin and Pore Care: Dr.Ceuracle Jeju Matcha Tea Essence
Best for On-The-Go Hydration: By Wishtrend Matcha & Ceramide Cream Mist
