Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% Review [Updated]
Update: this is now an empty! I've enjoyed using this product, but it did not make it to my all-time favorites list. I am no longer messing around with a good thing and going back to my good ol' trusty COSRX BHA 4% Blackhead Power Liquid!
If you're looking to just get started with adding a BHA to add to your routine though, keep on reading this Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% review! (It's still a little gentler than the COSRX one.)
Quick facts:
EWG's Skin Deep® Database Rating: The Isntree website states the majority of the ingredients are EWG green graded 2-level ingredients (Salicylic acid and Sodium Hydroxide) which are in the yellow normal/low concern rating.
Formulation: Formulated without parabens, alcohol, synthetic fragrances, and mineral oils
Potential irritants: No known irritants
Application: Lightweight, watery (thinner than the COSRX BHA Liquid)
Scent: None
Pricing: $14.69 USD on StyleVana
Packaging: The toner comes in a recyclable white 100ml bottle that can easily be poured onto a cotton pad
Pros: This is a super lightweight and gentle exfoliating toner that's effective and doesn't leave much of a residue on the skin. It's also fragrance and alcohol-free!
Whilst it is gentle on the skin, the Isntree Chestnut BHA toner is still really effective. I can usually see leftover makeup/dead skin on the cotton pad after use. And especially for my closed comedones/texture, I notice a big difference almost overnight.
Cons: If you have sensitive/dry skin or have never used AHAs or BHAs before, this could be a little more sensitizing. If you need a little more strength for your chemical exfoliants, my all time favourite list winner for BHA is still the COSRX BHA 4% Blackhead Power Liquid.
About the Isntree Chestnut BHA
The Isntree brand website notes that the toner has a dual care purpose for pores where it cleanses the pores with the BHA and tightens pores simultaneously with the chestnut shell (FYI the chestnut shell is not where the BHA is from) featured in the formula.
The toner also strengthens the skin barrier, leading the skin to become healthier and brighter. Isntree claims the toner does not irritate the skin as it provides mild exfoliation. It helps to remove dead skin cells which overall creates a smoother skin texture.
Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid ingredients
We will be breaking down some of the key points below, but you can also read our in-depth guide on how to read skincare ingredient labels to see if the formulation would be right for you.
Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Allantoin isntree.com
According to INCIDecoder, the key ingredient, Salicylic Acid aka BHA, is known to be highly effective in exfoliating the skin and treating problem skin. Salicylic acid is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial which makes it a great ingredient to combat acne.
Based on the order of ingredients, the BHA is formulated at 2%, so it's likely that the Chestnut shell extract is around 1% of the formulation (meant to calm the skin and control sebum production).
The product also contains 3 types of hyaluronic acid to help with hydration (again likely in lower concentrations, below 2%).
Other ingredients in the formulation appear to be low in comedogenicity and are highly moisturizing as well which helps the skin from drying out once exfoliating. The willow bark extract helps with inflammation and soothes the skin too (this is also in the COSRX BHA as well).
Is tree chestnut a BHA?
No, the chestnut shell extract is meant to work in conjunction with the BHA/Salicylic Acid in the formulation. The Tannin in the chestnut shells helps with tightening pores and reducing sebum.
How do you use the Isntree BHA liquid?
- After cleansing your skin, saturate a cotton round with the BHA liquid and gently apply onto your face (patch test on your arm if you have sensitive skin).
- Wait 2 minutes to help with absorption, and then apply your moisturizer as usual.
*As BHA can be a little sensitizing, use this once a week to start and do not mix with other exfoliants.
Isntree Chestnut BHA vs COSRX BHA Liquid
Compared to the COSRX BHA I would say this is better suited for normal/oily skin since the COSRX one seems to be more hydrating and leaves a bit of a tacky finish.
Summing up this Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% review
- The Isntree Chestnut BHA toner is really effective at gently exfoliating the skin. I can usually see leftover makeup/dead skin on the cotton pad after use (which is why I prefer to use a cotton pad rather than just patting this directly into the skin!
- Leaves skin feeling refreshed but have to follow up with a moisturizer
- Can be sensitizing if it's your first time using BHAs
- Best for combination-oily skin
- Not recommended for sensitive or dry skin
- I purchased mine from StyleVana, they usually have the best deals for kbeauty products there!
- This product didn't make it to my all-time favorites list.
And that's all! Let me know in the comments below if you decide to try it!
Cheers,
Tia
*This post contains affiliate links, all opinions are my own and products are purchased myself!