Last updated on 18th September 2024 by Sarah Sarsby

ISNTREE skincare products image
Disclaimer: These products were gifted to me for review purposes, but all thoughts are my own and unbiased

If you’re wondering whether to purchase some new Korean skincare products, I share my honest thoughts on 4 popular ISNTREE products in this review.

I’ve been loving K-beauty products recently. In my experience, they’re effective, reasonably priced, and high quality. But do these Korean ISNTREE products live up to my high expectations or do they fall short? Keep reading for my honest review and genuine experiences with these products.

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What ISNTREE products did I receive?

I review the 4 following ISNTREE products:

  1. Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence
  2. Real Mugwort Clay Mask
  3. Green Tea Fresh Toner
  4. Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream

Below, I’m going to share the INCI lists, my thoughts on each product and individual ratings for these goodies.

1. ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence

£24 for 50ml

ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence image

Product claims

The ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence promises to strengthen the natural skin barrier for deeply hydrated, plump and youthful skin. Containing 8 different types of hyaluronic acid, this water essence claims to intensely nourish and firm the skin. ISNTREE also says this product will improve the skin’s elasticity and brightness.

Key ingredients

Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients in the INCI list are:

  • Methylpropanediol: hydrating and can leave a dewy finish on the skin
  • Polyglycerin-3: a humectant (retains and preserves moisture) that provides long-lasting moisture
  • Glycerin: has hydrating properties
  • Caprylic/capric triglyceride: provides emolliency (softening and soothing the skin) and beneficial fatty acids that help skin resist moisture loss. It also helps products to spread more easily
  • 1,2-Hexanediol: a non-sensitising synthetic preservative and moisture-binding ingredient

You can see the full INCI list below:

Water, Methylpropanediol, Polyglycerin-3, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Sodium Pca, Xanthan-Gum, Trehalose, Panthenol, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium-Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Pteris Multifida Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, Adenosine, Carbomer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Disodium Edta, Polyquaternium-51, Tromethamine

My thoughts

I really like the ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence. Its consistency is very typical of an essence, sitting somewhere in between watery and gloopy. The essence fits in perfectly with my skincare routine and doesn’t pill. I find it works best after cleansing my skin and using a hydrating mist in the morning.

The essence absorbs quickly into the skin and instantly makes it feel hydrated, nourished and refreshed. It provides long-lasting moisture throughout the day and a gorgeous dewy finish. This would be perfect for creating a glass skin look due to its glossy qualities. I don’t personally find that it makes my skin brighter, but it certainly delivers lasting hydration.

Even though I really like this essence, it’s not my favourite hyaluronic acid product. The NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex MMHC2 is still my favourite as the hydration and plumping quality is insane.

Rating: 4 stars

It’s great but hasn’t blown me away.

2. ISNTREE Real Mugwort Clay Mask

£20 for 100ml

ISNTREE Real Mugwort Clay Mask image

Product claims

Helping to reduce excess sebum, the ISNTREE Real Mugwort Clay Mask promises to cleanse the pores, exfoliate for smooth skin, and deliver moisture. This clay face mask also claims to remove dead skin and draw out impurities. ISNTREE says the clay mask is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, and refines skin texture.

Key ingredients

Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients in the INCI list are:

  • Kaolin: a naturally occurring clay mineral that has absorbent properties
  • Glycerin: has hyrating properties
  • Dipropylene glycol: texture enhancer
  • Bentonite: a type of absorbent clay
  • Artemisia princeps extract: can help improve dry skin

You can see the full INCI list below:

Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Bentonite, Artemisia Princeps Extract, Stearic Acid, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Illite,Artemisia Princeps Leaf Powder, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Montmorillonite, Calcite, Phaseolus Angularis Seed Powder, Canadian Colloidal Clay, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Beta-Glucan, Methylpropanediol, Algin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Tromethamine, Polyquaternium-51, Ethylhexylglycerin

My thoughts

This clay mask is great. It feels soft on application and spreads easily across the skin. Some clay masks can be too firm, which makes spreading them across the face difficult as the application becomes patchy. However, the ISNTREE Real Mugwort Clay Mask is soft, smooth and easy to apply.

After leaving the mask on for about 10-15 minutes, rinsing it off is simple. It comes off easily, without too much scrubbing, so it doesn’t leave your skin feeling aggravated. I use a damp muslin cloth to remove the product and this works very well.

I’ve been using this product for about a month now, and if my skin is feeling oilier than usual or I’ve got a few spots, this mask clears them up. It helps my skin feel more balanced and smooth while delivering exfoliation for smoother and brighter skin. I truly think it helps balance my skin and draw out impurities. It also gets rid of some of my blackheads and my pores feel clearer.

Despite being exfoliating, it doesn’t feel stripping. It delivers a little hydration to the skin too, which makes for a great experience.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I’m really pleased with the clay mask.

3. ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Toner

£18 for 200ml

ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Toner image

Product claims

The ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Toner claims to soothe, refine and protect the skin. Designed for oily and combination skin, ISNTREE says this 80% Jeju green tea toner will refresh, balance and calm skin all day long. It also claims to control sebum and minimise pores while improving skin texture.

Key ingredients

Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients in the INCI list are:

  • Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract: possesses potent antioxidant and skin-soothing properties, and shows significant promise for improving the appearance of sun-damaged skin, according to Paula’s Choice
  • Ginkgo biloba leaf extract: skin-soothing plant extract with antioxidant properties
  • Centella asiatica extract: an antioxidant-rich extract that soothes the skin
  • Salix alba (willow) bark extract: has soothing benefits
  • Vaccinum angustifolium (blueberry) fruit extract: an antioxidant with skin-conditioning properties. Blueberries are also a good source of vitamin C

You can see the full INCI list below:

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Water, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Beta-Glucan, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyacetophenone

My thoughts

I enjoy using this toner, especially after a long day when my skin feels tired, as it helps to calm it down and gives it a quick refresh. It’s very invigorating and soothing, which feels amazing on the skin. Honestly, it’s just what I need after a long day at work, exercising, blogging, doing chores, etc.

The scent of green tea is present but not overpowering, which adds a nice aroma to my evening skincare routine. I actually think using the ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Toner would be great in the morning or in the evening. If it wasn’t for the abundance of skincare products I own, I’d use this toner twice a day.

I don’t think this toner is the best at controlling oil, minimising pores or improving skin texture. Personally, I think you’d be better off using an exfoliant containing salicylic acid to help with these skin concerns. I actually think people with sensitive skin would appreciate this toner the most. Or anybody looking for a soothing toner to incorporate into their skincare routine.

Rating: 4 stars

I like this toner but it’s not my favourite. I prefer the COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner.

4. ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream

£17 for 100ml

ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream image

Product claims

The ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream claims to refresh, hydrate and cool the skin. Promising to be lightweight and non-sticky, this daily moisturising gel-cream will leave your skin feeling soft and supple. Enriched with 5 types of hyaluronic acid, this moisturiser has a cooling and calming effect. It claims to be suitable for all skin types.

Key ingredients

Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients in the INCI list are:

  • Methylpropanediol: hydrating and can leave a dewy finish on the skin
  • Methyl trimethicone: a silicone that can impart emollience (softening and soothing) the skin
  • Cyclohexasiloxane: an emollient (softens and soothes)
  • 1,2-Hexanediol: a non-sensitising synthetic preservative and moisture-binding ingredient
  • Glycerin: has hydrating properties

You can see the full INCI list below:

Purified Water, Methylpropanediol, Methyl Trimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, 1.2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Betaine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate (510 Ppm), Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid (101 Ppm), Centella Asiatica Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract, Skullcap Extract, Licorice Extract, Green Tea Extract, Common Purslane Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Chamomile Flower Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Isostearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol Cocoate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Pca, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate (0.1 Ppm), Butylene Glycol, Allantoin, Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate (0.01 Ppm), Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Ethyl Cellulose, Vegetable Squalane, Propanediol

My thoughts

It’s nice to see that the top 5 ingredients in the INCI list all deliver some form of hydration, moisture and softness to the skin. I think this translates well into my overall experience of using this hyaluronic acid moisturiser.

It’s non-greasy, cooling and lightweight on application and absorbs quickly into the skin. Despite having a gel-cream formula, this moisturiser delivers serious hydration and nourishment, without the sticky residue. I love how it feels on the skin as it’s immediately refreshing and gives your skin subtle radiance. It sits well over other products and underneath non-sticky SPFs.

This is a fantastic moisturiser and I truly have nothing bad to say about it. I can see it working for most skin types, but I think combination skins will most appreciate this balanced formula.

Rating: 5 stars

I love this ISNTREE hyaluronic acid moisturiser.

Overall review of these ISNTREE products

ISNTREE skincare products image

My overall review of these ISNTREE products is very positive.

Each item delivered on its claims – for the most part – was easy to use, and added hydration to my skin. When used together as part of a skincare routine (minus facial oils, serums, SPFs and cleansers), these products will give you a dewy, fresh and youthful appearance. Your skin will feel hydrated, soothed and calm.

ISNTREE is cruelty-free and each product feels gentle yet effective on the skin. None of these items will make your skin feel stripped or irritated, which is very important. You don’t want a compromised skin barrier after all.

Honestly, I believe ISNTREE is underrated. I’d love to check out some products from this K-beauty brand. It deserves more hype and attention.

Fave product?

The ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream. I love the consistency of this moisturiser and it makes my skin look healthy and dewy.


Which ISNTREE product from this review most appeals to you? I’d love to hear your comments below

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