Tatcha's lightweight Water Cream moisturizer helped me get my oil production under control and clear up the acne I'd developed from using a too-heavy face cream

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• Tatcha Water Cream is a lightweight, gel-like moisturizer that helps to control oil production and minimize the appearance of pores.
• Inspired by ancient geisha beauty rituals, Tatcha's products are known for using ingredients found in Japanese superfoods and staples, like rice and green tea.

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Earlier this year, I experienced some severe clogging in my pores.

I wasn't exactly sure why. I was getting facial treatments on a regular basis, forcing myself to drink tons of water, and staying away from sweets. The only change to my skincare regimen was the replacement of my moisturizer.

I had started using one of La Mer's notoriously pricey moisturizers, Crème de la Mer, thinking that the luxurious, creamy formula would help me gear up against the brutal New York winter. I dismissed the possibility that a $90 cream could be the cause of the disaster on my face. But, once I finally used up the La Mer container and switched over to Tatcha's Water Cream, I realized that the moisturizer had been my problem all along.

See more: Tatcha makes some of the best skincare products I've ever used — here are the ones to buy for clear, glowing skin

What the Tatcha Water Cream is like to use: Texture, ingredients, and results

The Tatcha Water Cream is lightweight with a gel-like consistency that absorbs almost instantly. I use it twice daily after my regular cleanser, toner, and serum routine. It doesn't clog my pores, and it leaves my face with a clean but hydrated sensation.

I have combination skin, so it's almost inevitable for me to develop that T-zone shine by the end of the day, but my T-zone has been less oily and my usual shine much more under control since I started using the Water Cream.

According to Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD at the Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Centers, the Tatcha Water Cream is a good option for those with acne issues as it contains ingredients that help reduce oil production. "The Japanese Wild Rose extract is thought to improve the appearance of the pores and skin texture, while the Japanese Leopard Lily may be useful for oil control," Dr. Garshick told INSIDER. "If someone is looking for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that is paraben and sulfate-free, it is certainly a good option to consider."

And if wrinkles or signs of aging are a concern to you, it's good to note that this cream could be useful as a prevention tool, as Dr. Garshick explained that the "various antioxidants included in this moisturizer through the Hadasei-3 complex are a great way to help fight free radical damage to help with skin aging."

Cons to consider

Despite my great experience with the moisturizer, Tatcha's Water Cream does still include ingredients such as dimethicone and silicone that can possibly cause breakouts for users. Dr. Garshick also noted that those with sensitive skin should be cautious when using this product since the various botanical ingredients and natural fragrances might cause contact dermatitis, which can appear in the form of redness, dryness or itching.

While the Tatcha Water Cream gives my skin the right levels of hydration when the weather is warm out, it is still considered a relatively lightweight moisturizer, and it may not be hydrating enough for those with ultra-dry skin, or for cold-weather months.

Needless to say, the Tatcha Water Cream is also not cheap: a 50ml bottle costs $68.

Possible alternatives to the Water Cream

While the Water Cream is worth the cost in my opinion, there are still some cheaper alternatives that may serve the same purpose and generate similar results. Dermalogica's Clear Start Soothing Hydrating Lotion, which costs $22 for 59ml at Sephora, is also a very lightweight moisturizer that is paraben and sulfate-free as well as silicone-free.

Another similar option is Innisfree's Jeju Cherry Blossom Jelly Cream, which is also a lightweight, jelly-like formula, though the product does include fragrances that could irritate sensitive skin. A 50ml bottle costs $25 at Sephora.

The bottom line

As someone with acne-prone skin, I have a hard time finding moisturizers that don't clog my pores or cause breakouts. Tatcha's lightweight Water Cream has a gentle formula that hydrates my skin without clogging it up, and for that reason, it'll remain a staple in my warm-weather skincare regimen.