Hmm, I always think I’ve written a review for a product on the blog but it seems like I haven’t.  I write not only on this website but for other websites and Instagram, so it is no secret I can’t keep track anymore.  I’ve tried Isntree’s most raved product, their hyaluronic acid toner in the original form however, it was kind of disappointing, to say the least.  I’m not sure if it was because I have dry skin, it just absorbed into my skin and left no effects behind.  With that doubt in my mind, I wanted to see if the plus version would be any better.  So here we are, trying it all out in the name of science.

Full name of product:
Isntree hyaluronic acid toner plus

Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent

Description of product:
“Hyaluronic acid toner plus
Experience deeper and more powerful moisture.

Ampoule toner, containing low, middle, and high molecular quintuple hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration.

The combination of five different hyaluronic acid molecule sizes allows fast absorption into the skin.
Hyaluronic acid, Sodium hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer
As natural elements of the skin, the molecules attract 1000 times their own volume in moisture, which is why they are known as “moisture tanks”.  They help maintain essential skin moisture by preventing evaporation.

Moisture boosting toner
Boosting toner that increases absorption in the subsequent skincare step by replenishing moisture in the skin.”
Price:
19,000 won

Amount of product:
251g

Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening

Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea

Where to buy:
Stylevana
Yesstyle
Jolse
Stylekorean

Versions available:

Ingredients:
Water, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trehalose, Sodium PCA, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Betula Alba Juice, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Beta-Glucan, Betaine, Panthenol, Cellulose Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

How to use:
Take an appropriate amount on a cotton pad or in the palm of your hands after cleansing and gently tap over your entire face until absorbed.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is one of those components that naturally occur in the skin.  It is known to be able to hold one thousand times its weight in moisture and works as a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the surroundings, leaving your skin with more hydration.  Some dermatologists might argue glycerin, another ingredient commonly found in many of your skincare products,  is just as good as hyaluronic acid but much more underrated. 

Product packaging:
Isntree hyaluronic acid toner comes in a hard plastic bottle, just like all their other toners, and comes with 200 mL in quantity.

To dispense the product, you simply screw off the lid and drip some into your palm to pat it into your skin.  Since Korean toners are really made to hydrate the skin nowadays and not to get rid of any leftover soap scum, I’ve just been patting it into the skin and using it almost like a pre-essence application.

Texture/ Finish:
When I first got this plus version, shook the bottle and said to myself, “Oh no, this isn’t going to work.”  To my surprise though when it was dispensed onto my skin, OH!  It is SO MUCH THICKER.  Like five times thicker and isn’t just splashing fancy water on my face! There are of course 5 different molecular-sized hyaluronic acids for that crazy boost of hydration as well as calming and soothing ingredients like Centella, green tea extract, and many more.

My skin was much happier with the plus version and it left a bit of a stickiness, which I think helps with making layering your skincare products much easier and it gives me that much more hydration hehe.  If you have had experience with propolis, this has the same jelly-like thickness that slowly melts into the skin and takes a minute to fully absorb, leaving my skin softened with a good base to start my routine with.

Fragrance?:
No fragrance detected

Pro:
-gorgeous thick serum-like texture
-absorbs slowly, leaving a light layer of hydration
-no fragrance

Con:
I have no complaints!

Repurchase?:
Maybe

Stars given out of 5:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall thoughts:
Yey! Now I don’t feel like a freak for not liking the original Isntree hyaluronic acid toner. It was truly a disappointment when I got to try their best selling, most raved about toner and it just didn’t do much for my skin.  I also tried a lot of their other hyaluronic acid products but those were definitely more catered for those with oily skin types.  Overall I’m very pleased with the Isntree hyaluronic acid toner plus and definitely recommend this version over the original for those with dry skin like me.

*PR sample