Aldi’s New Japanese-Inspired Skincare Range: Tatcha Dupes for Just £4.99?
In the ever-growing world of skincare, budget-friendly dupes are always a hot topic — and Aldi has entered the chat once again. This time, they’ve launched a new Japanese-inspired skincare line under their Lacura brand, and beauty lovers are already comparing it to the luxury favourite, Tatcha.
I tried two of the standout products from the range: the Lacura Matcha Gel Wash and the Lacura Rice Cleanser, both retailing at an affordable £4.99. Here's how they performed.
Lacura Matcha Gel Wash – £4.99
From the moment I squeezed this out of the tube, I was impressed by the jelly-like texture — a trend that’s very much in right now. It felt cooling and refreshing on my fingertips, which instantly gave it that spa-like feel.
This cleanser is powered by willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid that’s excellent for combating acne), matcha tea, and mugwort extract, a trio known for their soothing and revitalising properties. According to Aldi, it’s designed to revive tired, dull skin for a more radiant complexion — and it definitely gave my skin a much-needed refresh.
Once water was added, the cleanser foamed quickly and effortlessly broke down makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime. What I loved most was the transformation from foam to a light, milky lather. It rinsed off easily and left my skin feeling clean but not dry — a rare feat for a foaming wash.
My verdict: A fantastic daily cleanser for normal to oily skin, especially if you're after a gentle but effective wash that doesn’t strip your skin.
Lacura Rice Cleanser – £4.99
Next up was the Rice Cleanser, which is inspired by traditional Japanese skincare rituals using rice water and rice-based ingredients.
The texture surprised me — it’s much thicker than expected, more like a paste than a cream. It’s infused with rice powder, rice starch, and gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin. Though slightly gritty in texture, it didn’t feel scratchy or harsh at all.
However, if you're hoping for a proper exfoliation experience, this might not quite deliver. The granules are fine and sparse, making it more of a gentle polish than a true exfoliator. That said, it's ideal for sensitive skin or those who prefer a very mild cleanse.
The formula also includes hyaluronic acid and rice ferment filtrate, ingredients known for their hydrating and skin-softening properties. While I didn’t notice a huge hydration boost immediately after washing, my skin didn’t feel tight — which is always a plus.
My verdict: A great second cleanse or morning wash. Don’t expect intense exfoliation, but it’s gentle, non-stripping, and good for sensitive skin types.
Final Thoughts
It’s no surprise that these Lacura products are already creating a buzz. They’re visually and conceptually reminiscent of Tatcha’s beloved range, but at a fraction of the price. While they may not completely replicate the luxury experience of the originals, they hold their own as effective, affordable skincare staples.
If you're after a glow-boosting, budget-friendly cleanse — or just want to dip your toe into Japanese-inspired skincare without the hefty price tag — these are definitely worth a try.
Available now at Aldi, but be quick — as with most Lacura launches, they won’t be around forever!
