Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

Complete Review: The new Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun gel has been around for a while but its packaging was recently upgraded. However, the ingredients stay the same, no change there. I think it can still be considered new, so I have decided to write this review to tell you all about it.

No matter how many sunscreens hit the market every year, Korean sunscreens still stand out for their unique, lightweight texture and the new generation of UV filters. I’ll be honest, if it weren’t for Korean sunscreens, we’d all be having a hard time finding “the” sunscreen made for our skin. Also, there is always a K-beauty sunscreen for every skin type and concern, so accessibility is no issue here.

So, without further ado, let’s get into this review. Spoiler alert: This is one of the best Korean sunscreens I have used this year, along with Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50: Rice + Probiotics.

Product claims: What is Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel claiming to be?

The Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is a daily sunscreen that provides deep moisture with 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid. It is a chemical sunscreen that provides high protection (both UVA and UVB) against harmful sun rays.

Sun protection factor:

  • SPF50+ PA++++ (SPF 53.5 and PFA 19.40 PA++++ confirmed by clinical trials at Korea Institute of Dermatological Sciences)
  • PA++++ refers to extremely high UVA protection
  • Protects the skin against both the UVA and UVB rays

Best suited for:

Being a universal sunscreen, it is suitable for all types. However, because of its high moisture content and non-greasiness, it would work best for dry, sensitive, and oily skin.

Things to know:

The Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is also:

  • Fragrance-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Non-irritating

Packaging & Scent

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
Photo by THESKINVERSE

As I mentioned at the beginning, the packaging has been updated. Lucky for us, they haven’t tweaked anything in the ingredients or formulation. It is a 50 ml tube that comes with a safety seal before opening it. Very simple and practical, really.

Isntree uses environmentally friendly packaging made with recycled green tea paper and soy ink. We love eco-friendly packaging in our skincare!

Scent

Having sensitive skin, I really don’t appreciate the fragrance in my sunscreen. I just don’t think your skin needs it and let’s face it, there is no additional skin benefit except some sensorial feel.

This Isntree sunscreen is absolutely fragrance-free, and this is a major factor that makes it perfect for sensitive skin. Plus, it is free of essential oils!

Application & Texture

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
Photo by THESKINVERSE

This is one of the most lightweight Korean sunscreens I have ever used. I might even say that it is the most lightweight sunscreen ever. Although it is marketed as a gel, I feel like the texture is also creamy and lotion-like.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
Photo by THESKINVERSE
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
Photo by THESKINVERSE

Once you apply it, it instantly melts into the skin and leaves no white cast. Easily glides on the skin, and has a dewy finish. The finish is dewier than other sunscreens. After 20 or 30 mins, you can see it dialing down a bit, but if you want a matte finish, I am afraid this is not the case for Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel. I am generally into a dewy finish in sunscreens, so it was not a deal-breaker for me.

Zero stickiness or greasy feeling with this one. We love sunscreen that doesn’t feel sticky or greasy and is easy to reapply.

Ingredients

Full list of ingredients of Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel:

Water, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Dibutyl Adipate, Niacinamide, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Cyclopentasiloxane, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Polysilicone-15, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Ceramide NP, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceteth-10, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Decyl Glucoside, Propanediol, Tocopherol, Astaxanthin, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Acrylates/​C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl PEG/​PPG-10/​1 Dimethicone, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin

UV filters used in Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel:

  • Homosalate (organic UVB filter)
  • Ethylhexyl Salicylate (absorbs UVB rays)
  • Tinosorb S (broad spectrum filter against UVB and UVA)
  • Tinosorb M (high-performance, broad-spectrum UV filter)
  • Parsol SLX (UVB absorber)
  • Uvinul A Plus (UVA filter).

8 types of Hyaluronic Acid!

Hyaluronic acid is known as the most effective humectant in skincare. It locks in moisture and prevents moisture loss which guarantees long-lasting hydration throughout the day.

The Isntree sunscreen packs a whopping 8 types of HA. The most widely known ones are Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer which allow for more enhanced hydration. It all has to do with the different molecular weights of HA. Large, medium, and small molecules all work together to prevent moisture evaporation, improve moisture density, and hydrate the skin from the inside, respectively.

Niacinamide

Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is a holy grail ingredient in Korean, as well as Western skincare. It brightens even the dullest skin complexion, controls oil production, and improves the skin’s moisture barrier. Basically, any skin type can benefit from using Niacinamide, it is a true multitasker!

Ceramides

Ceramides make up 50% of our skin barrier. They are types of lipids existing in the skin’s hydrolipidic layer, protecting the skin against aggressive external factors and preventing moisture loss.

Centella Asiatica

Being a K-beauty staple ingredient with many wonders, Centella Asiatica is known for its powerful wound-healing effect, promoting collagen productionResearch also shows that Centella Asiatica also enjoys anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.

Related: Centella Asiatica For Skin – A True Miracle Worker

Portulaca Oleracea Extract

It is a popular healing plant in Korean traditional medicine to treat infection and irritated skin. It boasts skin-soothing properties and is a powerful antioxidant thanks to its vitamin A, C, and E content, as well as other antioxidant compounds. Portulaca Oleracea Extract is used in Korean skincare to treat a number of skin concerns, including wrinkles, moisture loss, and overall, rejuvenating the skin.

Overall impressions: Does Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel work?

The Isntree Hyaluronic acid sunscreen is love at first application! This is a universal sunscreen that every skin type will love. It is everything a good sunscreen needs to be. Here is a breakdown of why this sunscreen should be your new go-to sunscreen:

Blends into the skin like a dream: This is one of the most lightweight sunscreens you will ever use. I absolutely loved its silky, smooth texture that easily spreads on the skin. Plus, it takes little to no time to get absorbed by the skin. Of course just like with all other sunscreens, you have to put it on 20 or 30 minutes before going out, but you don’t need to wait for it to set completely.

Leaves no white cast or greasy feeling: I am happy to report that the Isntree Hyaluronic acid sunscreen leaves no whit cast on the skin as it is a chemical sunscreen. No greasy of sticky feeling! I feel like this is an ideal sunscreen for oily skin that needs something lightweight and hydrating. The finish is on the dewy side, but it is not going to feel oily or greasy.

Can replace a moisturizer as it is very hydrating: Generally, I am into layering my daily moisturizer with sunscreen. However, I feel like I could skip my moisturizer with this when I had one of those hectic mornings where I didn’t have the time to layer them one at a time. Also, I didn’t experience any pilling up when I layered it with my moisturizer either.

Doesn’t irritate sensitive skin: Finding a sunscreen that agrees with sensitive skin can be a real battle. If you know, you know. Lucky for me, this sunscreen didn’t break me out or irritate my skin. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have made its way to my list of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin. Thanks to its gentle, hydrating, and replenishing formula, I feel like this is one of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin. If you are struggling with sensitive skin like I do, you definitely have to give this Isntree sunscreen a shot!

Safe to use under eyes: What’s worse than having sensitive skin? Having sensitive under eye area! Basically, any cleanser of sunscreen can easily burn or sting your eyes. That’s not the case for this sunscreen. I slathered it under my eyes (which is the first are of skin that aging reveals itself) with no problem: no stinging, burning, or irritation. Always remember to apply sunscreen under your eyes, it gets neglected so much.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
5 5 0 1
This is an ideal sunscreen that checks all the boxes due to being lightweight, hydrating and providing high sun protection.
This is an ideal sunscreen that checks all the boxes due to being lightweight, hydrating and providing high sun protection.
5.0 rating
5/5
Total Score
Amazing
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel 1

Final Verdict

To sum it all up, Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is one of the best Korean sunscreens you will ever use. It is a hydrating sunscreen with a light texture that suits every skin type, especially normal to combination skin. If you are prone to dryness, or acne-prone, it will work for you too. I guess the only catch with this is its dewy finish, which might not be ideal for very oily skin types that prefer matte finish. For me, the healthy radiance of the skin is important, so, I appreciated the dewiness factor.

As you can guess, I highly recommend this sunscreen. Whether you are looking for the perfect sunscreen, or just looking around, you will be positively surprised.

Check out other Korean sunscreen reviews:

Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen Review: New Korean Holy Grail?

Affordable and effective: Dr Ceuracle Cica Regen Vegan Sun Review

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream Review: Best Korean Sunscreen Ever?

FAQ on Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is a chemical sunscreen.

Yes, it is safe to use even for sensitive skin. It is vegan, cruelty-free and reef-safe.

No, Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel doesn’t leave a white cast.

Yes, formulated with gentle and hydrating ingredients, it is suitable for even sensitive skin.

No, Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is fragrance-free.

No, this Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel review is not sponsored content. THESKINVERSE reviews products independently unless indicated otherwise.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
5 5 0 1
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is truly a universal sunscreen that suits most skin types, especially normal to combination skin. It receives a 5/5 rating from us at this point, which is more than deserved!
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is truly a universal sunscreen that suits most skin types, especially normal to combination skin. It receives a 5/5 rating from us at this point, which is more than deserved!
5.0 rating
5/5
Total Score
  • Performance
    5.0 rating
    5/5 Amazing
  • Quality
    5.0 rating
    5/5 Amazing
  • Ingredients
    5.0 rating
    5/5 Amazing
  • Sensitive skin friendly
    5.0 rating
    5/5 Amazing

The Good

  • Totally safe for sensitive skin
  • Non-greasy and non-sticky
  • Provides long-lasting hydration
  • Perfect for oily, combination and dry skin
  • No pill-up
  • Leaves no white cast
  • Free of alcohol and essential oils
  • Can substitute a moisturizer

The Bad

  • Its dewy finish might not be ideal for all
Total
0
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