The old version sank in like a secret. This one sits on skin an extra 12 seconds. That’s an eternity when you’re rushing out the door.
🔬 **Serum or Science Experiment?**
It’s still a $72 hydrating serum. The claim: “dewy glass skin in one drop.” I bought in for the glow, not the ingredient list — which is ironic now.
1. **Reformulated Squalane Alternative** – Lab-synthesized, plant-derived. Sounds eco-friendly. Feels less friendly.
2. **Japanese Wild Rose** – Tightens pores. Works better when the base carries it.
3. **Hyaluronic Acid** – Classic plump. Still does its job, just with more tackiness.
💧 **What’s Actually In the Bottle**
The hero ingredients haven’t changed — they just swapped the delivery vehicle. Squalane was the smooth ride. Now it’s a bumpier road.
– **Squalane (old):** Melted into skin like butter on warm toast
– **Squalane Alternative (new):** Sits on top like a polite guest who won’t leave
– **Hyaluronic Acid:** Holds 1000x weight in water — still works
– **Japanese Wild Rose:** Tightens. Noticeable after 2 weeks
⚠️ **First Pump Panic**
First impression: tacky. Like putting hair gel on your face. The scent is the same — that light jasmine-herbal thing — but the slip is gone. Absorbs in 20 seconds now, not 10. That extra 10 seconds feels like an hour when you’re staring in the mirror.
Week 2: I woke up less greasy than usual. That was weird. The old version made me look like a glazed donut by morning. This one? Matte-ish dew. Not mad about it.
💡 **One Thing** Apply to damp skin — not dry. Two drops max. Any more and you’re just wasting $72 on a sticky forehead.
🔄 **Did It Actually Work?**
Measurably: less midday shine. Same morning plumpness. But the glow isn’t as juicy — it’s more like “I slept 7 hours” than “I just came back from a spa in Kyoto.”
✅ **Buy if** You have oily-combo skin and want a lighter dew without the grease.
⏭️ **Skip if** You’re dry as parchment and need that old-school slip.
💰 **Worth it?** At $72, it’s a premium hydrator that *works* — but the old formula was better for dry skin.
✅ **Final Verdict**
It’s still a good serum. Just not the *great* serum it used to be. If you’re normal-to-combo, you’ll like it. If you’re dry, save your money for something that actually sinks in.
7.3/10 — Solid, not spectacular
🛍️ **Where to Buy** Sephora or Tatcha.com direct. Grab the mini first ($22) — trust me.