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Tatcha’s Silk Sunscreen Review: My New Holy Grail SPF (With One Tiny Flaw)

July 2, 2025July 16th, 2025Beauty, Face, Pregnancy Safe, Sunscreen & Sun Protection6 min read

There are beauty products that quietly do their job in the background—and then there are the ones that make you want to grab a rooftop microphone and shout your love from the skincare skyline. For me, that product is Tatcha’s Silk Sunscreen. Light, luxurious, and (almost) perfect—this SPF has sashayed its way into my daily rotation like a true main character.

My Official Favorite: A Sunscreen That Feels Like Skincare

I’ve tried my fair share of mineral sunscreens—most of which left me feeling like I’d just applied a layer of drywall. But Tatcha’s Silk Sunscreen? It lives up to the name. It’s light. It’s airy. It’s moisturizing. It glides on like silk and wears like nothing at all.

Does Tatcha’s Silk Sunscreen Feel Greasy or Heavy?

Whether I’m layering it over a serum on dry winter mornings or wearing it solo during warmer days, it delivers the perfect balance of hydration and protection without ever feeling greasy or heavy.

PA++++ — What Does It Actually Mean?

Okay, let’s talk sunscreen lingo—because if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stared at “PA++++” on a bottle and thought, Is that a blood type? A Wi-Fi password? Spoiler: it’s neither.

PA is short for “Protection Grade of UVA,” and those little plus signs? They’re like gold stars in the SPF world. The more pluses, the higher the protection against UVA rays—those sneaky, skin-aging, hyperpigmentation-causing rays that don’t take a day off (even on cloudy afternoons or through car windows).

Here’s a breakdown of the rating system:

    • PA+ = Some UVA protection.
    • PA++ = Moderate UVA protection.
    • PA+++ = High UVA protection.
    • PA++++ = Extremely High UVA protection.

Tatcha’s PA++++ rating means you’re getting the highest level of UVA protection available. Think of it as sunscreen with a PhD in wrinkle prevention and dark spot defense. It’s the kind of grade we all wish we got in chemistry class—except this one actually protects your face.

No Breakouts, No Clogged Pores—Just Glowing Skin

I have sensitive skin that doesn’t hesitate to throw a breakout party at the first sign of trouble. But this sunscreen? It plays well with my pores. No breakouts, no clogged pores, no panic texts to my facialist. Just smooth, clear skin—even when I’m sweating through a summer stroll or dashing between errands with my baby in tow.

Lightly Tinted, But Seriously Impressive

Here’s another reason I’m smitten: the tinted formula blends beautifully into my skin tone without leaving streaks, smears, or the dreaded orange jawline. Bonus points: the tint doesn’t rub off on clothes. It’s basically the anti-foundation—giving you that polished, even-toned glow without the fear of staining your collar.

Beauty blogger's face before applying Tatcha Silk Sunscreen.

Before

Woman applying the Tatcha Silk Sunscreen.

Applying

Beauty blogger's face after applying Tatcha Silk Sunscreen.

After

Is Tatcha Sunscreen Pregnancy Safe?

Yes, and thank goodness! Finding pregnancy-safe skincare can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded, but Tatcha made it easy. This sunscreen is gentle, effective, and safe for those in growing-a-human seasons of life. It was my go-to for sunscreen and played a key role in helping me keep melasma at bay. A little luxury for mom, with zero worry.

Is Tatcha Sunscreen Waterproof?

Water Resistant, Sweat Resistant—and Caribbean Cruise Approved (Almost)

Not only is this sunscreen water resistant, but it is also sweat resistant too! Living an active life doesn’t mean compromising your SPF. This sunscreen stays put, even through sweat and water. It’s reef-safe, which makes it a perfect pick for ocean adventures—from beach days to (fingers crossed) my dream cruise on the Symphony of the Seas.

But… and this is a big but…

A Gorgeous Formula Trapped in a Fussy Bottle

As much as I love what’s inside, the bottle is my nemesis. It’s hard to squeeze—like, two-hand grip workout hard. And as a new mom, I need speed and efficiency, not a sunscreen bottle that doubles as strength training.

Worse? I’ve seen reports from fellow SPF lovers that the bottle isn’t travel-friendly—leaking product while in transit. I haven’t braved packing mine just yet, but I’m not about to risk it ruining my beach bag. So dear Tatcha, if you’re listening: Please, give us a bottle as refined as the formula inside!

Is Tatcha Sunscreen Reef Safe?

It’s reef safe and truly cruelty-free

Let’s talk ethics. Tatcha doesn’t test on animals—and even more importantly, they don’t sell in countries where animal testing is legally required. That’s a big deal in the beauty world. You can feel good knowing your SPF is kind to your skin and the planet.

Final Thoughts: Is Tatcha Sunscreen Good?

It’s the new standard in mineral sunscreen.

Tatcha is raising the bar when it comes to SPF. This isn’t just another mineral sunscreen—it’s a game-changer. Lightweight, luxurious, reef-safe, pregnancy-safe, non-comedogenic, and cruelty-free. It’s the sunscreen equivalent of finding your dream apartment in the West Village—practically perfect in every way.

Well, except for that bottle. But who said love wasn’t a little complicated?

Sources

Paula’s Choice Skincare. Understanding the PA Sunscreen Rating System (https://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/skincare-advice/sunscreen/what-does-pa-sunscreen-symbol-mean.html) Accessed 4/30/25.

Tatcha. Are your products safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding? (https://www.tatcha.com/help-center.html?a=Are-your-products-safe-to-use-while-pregnant-or-breastfeeding—id–P-nRMx7iT7umW-QqaKc04A&srsltid=AfmBOophB7NP2stOCb2AZoSS0WoX8tC1hFC8Z1TwQIHUgtUiMUHyNfcS) Access 4/30/25.