Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel popped up on Astrid’s and my radar after the Purito sunscreen scandal when its SPF was tested and passed with flying colours. We consequently both bought it, and will both share our experiences and our checklist in the Isntree Watery Sun Gel review below.
The Brand
Isntree was started by Korean skincare blogger Jinwoo Kim in 2012. It’s an ingredient-focused brand, whose name can be broken down like this:
ISland- a nature island that is pure and clean and not affected by pollution
Natural- use of pure raw materials from nature
TREE- a strong tree that bears good fruit and grows with our consumers.
These ideas and concepts are quite typically Korean in the romantic way they describe their brand values and the clean, natural concept of an island setting, natural surroundings, and growth. Romanticism is a common theme throughout Korean modern pop culture, and Isntree is unique in its blend of scientific emphasis of ingredient selection and quality control, alongside the romantic ideas of nature.
Kosame Beauty
Description
Isntree published the SPF test results on their website, and it shows that PA 9.40 ± 3.51, SPF 53.5 ± 6.3. (A claim also strengthened in the following vid.)
The website claims it’s a gentle, organic sunscreen that “alleviates skin irritation (and) enhances moisture, whitening (sic) and wrinkles”.
It’s, in short, a very hydrating, gel-like sunscreen that comes with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide and other powerful antioxidants.
Ingredients
Just from looking at the ingredient list, the Isntree Watery Sun Gel is a dream: there’s everything and the kitchen sink in it, and a lot of it ticks all my skincare boxes. Different sizes of hyaluronic acid for lasting hydration. Niacinamide for brightening purposes, centella asiatica for soothing, and astaxanthin (and more) as powerful antioxidants? YES. Also, no alcohol, no essential oils. And then of course, an impressive array of sunscreen filters. (Full ingredient list at Incidecoder.)
Sunscreen Filters
| Sunscreen Filter | Type | Spectrum | Remarks |
| Ethylhexyl Salicylate / Octisalate | chemical / organic | UVB (280-320 nm) with peak at 306 nm | not a strong filter, used with other filters to solubilize. |
| Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine / Tinosorb S | chemical / organic | broad-spectrum (UVA & UVB, 280-400 nm, peak at 310-345 nm) | very photostable, available elsewhere but the US |
| Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate / Uvinul A Plus | chemical / organic | high UVA protection (320-400nm) with peak protection at 354nm | high photostability, can be used up to 10%, available elsewhere but the US & Canada |
| Tinosorb M / Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol / Bisoctrizole | chemical / organic | broad-spectrum (UVA & UVB, 280-400 nm, peak at 305nm & 360 nm) | highly photostable, not available in the US, can help stabilize other filters (eg Octinoxate) |
| Homosalate | chemical / organic | UVB with peak at 306nm | not a strong filter (SPF 4.3 at 10% concentration), not photostable (loses 10% protection in 45 mins), used with other filters to solubilize. |
| Polysilicone-15 | chemical / organic | UVB (290-320 nm, peak absorbance at 312nm) | can stabilize Avobenzone, works well with Ensulizole, approved to 10% anywhere but the US. Non-shiny! |
Sustainability
Cruelty-free. The brand claims to strive to use eco-friendly, recyclable packaging.
Application
The white gel-like, rather runny lotion is easy to apply in the recommended amount. It doesn’t have a white cast. I use two finger lengths, one after the other, and try to let the first one dry down a bit before applying the second.
I apply it over my regular summer skincare routine of cosrx toner and Paula’s Choice’s (discontinued) CBD Milk – a very lightweight base indeed.
Astrid: I am not as patient as Dorit, so I always just apply the entire amount at one go. It resulted in a super shiny situation, but it will dry down after around half an hour. I only use Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum Ex as a base.
Finish
Here’s the first set back, though: the Watery Sun Gel leaves a rather shiny and slightly sticky finish on both of us. To apply any type of makeup over it, I have to blot – which isn’t ideal to protect the integrity of the sunscreen. I then use a thin layer of powder, and after that, apply my foundation. At that point, foundation works very well over the Watery Sun Gel and nothing ever pills. But: maybe at that point I’ve already compromised the sun protection.
Now picture my surprise when one day, I applied it on bare skin after having a shower midday and wanting to reapply: it went on like a dream WITHOUT any sticky or shiny finish. It was, in fact, my dream finish – absolutely skin-like, without any traces of product on my face.
Reapplying OVER (another) sunscreen didn’t work so well for me: when I tried to reapply on my recent trip to the scorching hot Mediterranean it went weird. The product seemed to turn very runny on my face and didn’t form a proper film. This isn’t a proper outdoor sunscreen for me, given that it’s also not waterproof or sweatproof.
It doesn’t leave me teary-eyed, though, so that’s a plus.
Astrid: Can’t add more to Dorit’s great explanation!
Comparison
The SPF it’s most similar to would for me be Canmake’s Mermaid Skin Gel UV. The liquid, runny texture is very similar, but when it comes to finish, Canmake clearly wins for me, because it does sink in without leaving a shiny, sticky film. (Original review.)
Astrid: As I have not tried Canmake’s yet, the only one close to this for me is Biore’s Aqua Rich Watery Essence. While I like how Biore’s sinks in on my skin, the Isntree has less irritating ingredients.
Isntree Watery Sun Gel review: Checklist
Rating
I’d say this is for people with dry skin or a minimal skincare regime, as I think the Watery Sun Gel works best on bare skin.
What bugs me is their claims though: they advertise to use it during outdoor activities, and also claim to reapply over makeup.
Availability & Price
Isntree is easily available through sites like Yesstyle, Stylevana and Amazon, but also in Germany via Douglas and Lovemycosmetics. Depending on the retailer, you’ll get 50ml for around 14$/14€.
Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
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