New week, new skincare: Tatcha's The Serum Stick

I’ve just about lost count of the number of targeted serums in my skincare stash, but they all have one thing in common… You dispense a small amount in the palm of your hand and pat it all over your face. I’ve never really given this mode of application much thought (unless one leaked while traveling or shattered when I accidentally dropped it on the floor), but Tatcha apparently has.

One of the first big beauty innovations I’ve seen this year (OK, we’re only 13 days into 2020), The Serum Stick combines the high concentration of actives found in your favorite serum in a solid, twist-up, glide-on formula that seems to be more suitable for precise application than less full-face use. Featuring 80% skin-smoothing squalene along with Japanese lemon balm and a blend of antioxidants, it lets you zero in on dry spots and pesky lines (watch out crow’s feet!)—and you can even use it as a touch-up throughout the day on top of makeup. (I bet it would deliver a lovely subtle highlight as well.) And the idea of traveling without the fear of arriving at my destination with serum all over everything in my toiletry bag makes it worth a try in and of itself.

Tatcha The Serum Stick
EWG/Skin Deep® Score: 2 (via the “Build Your Own Report” tool)
All Tatcha products are formulated without mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, urea, DEA, TEA, or phthalates.