Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel – Review

This post will be reviewing the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel.

The last time I remember a sunscreen going viral like this was during the Purito Unscented Sun Cream era. Once in a while, Kbeauty, and non-Kbeauty enthusiasts, agree on one sunscreen that is universally loved. As with all the other sunscreens that gradually rose to popularity after the sunscreen scandal in 2020, this one was one of them. The others include:

• Scinic Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence SPF 50+
• Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++
• Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50+
• Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
• COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream – 2020
• Of course, not forgetting the Missha sunscreens; Missha Essence Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++.

I’ve been gradually going through the list of all the verified sunscreens that are genuinely SPF50+, and the experience has been quite revealing. My skin has just reiterated the fact that it prefers Japanese sunscreens to Korean sunscreens.

Many skincare influencers have glowing reviews about this sunscreen, so I thought I should finally give it a go.

First Impressions of the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

According to Isntree;

Long-lasting moisture, gentle sunscreen

Gently applied UV absorbing particles strongly adhere to the skin and block UV rays.

Eight-layer hyaluronic acid locks in moisture in the skin, retains skin firmness with functional ingredients.

Ingredient List & Sunscreen Filters

Aside from being an SPF 50+ verified by two different labs, I was initially drawn to this sunscreen because of its ingredients. I figured that it was right up my dry skin’s alley with eight types of Hyaluronic Acid. Asides from that, it is packed with a bunch of beneficial ingredients, including;

• Niacinamide
• Pycnogenol
• Centella Asiatica
• Olive Oil
• Tocopherol
• Adenosine
• Ceramide
• Fig Fruit Extract

In the typical Kbeauty fashion, I’m not surprised by the ingredients used in formulating this sunscreen. On the other hand, I’m impressed that they managed to pack 6 chemical filters with no side effects whatsoever. So you have;

• Octisalate – provides UVB protection
• Homosalate – provides UVB protection
• Tinosorb S – provides both UVA & UVB protection
• Tinosorb M – provides both UVA & UVB protection
• Parsol SLX – provides UVB protection
• Uvinul A Plus – provides UVA protection

A good indication of high-quality chemical sunscreen is the number of filters used. You should aim for 4- 6 filters that provide broad-spectrum protection. By all standards, this is a solid sunscreen that will provide you with the necessary protection your skin needs.

Texture & Consistency

I typically prefer sun essences to sun gels because I’ve found that the latter caters to people with oily – to combination skin. So, this was a huge gamble for me. I tried not to have any expectations, but I couldn’t because of how hyped up this product is. It has a lightweight lotion-like consistency that you would expect from a gel product. It’s not too emollient or too fluid. It is right there in the middle such that it caters to all skin types.

Packaging, Price & Availability

It is packaged in a 50ml tube with an applicator tip, making it convenient to disperse and apply the two-three finger method. It currently retails anywhere between $15 – 20, depending on where you buy it. As always, you can also get it on sale a few times.

Review of the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

I have dry, dehydrated skin, so this sunscreen was formulated specifically for my skin. I won’t lie; it is pretty decent. The Hyaluronic Acid draws moisture into my skin throughout the day which keeps my skin supple. That has never happened with any sunscreen I’ve used before. Instead of the usual dryness I experience with most sunscreens after a few hours, I do not experience this at all. I had to test it out by using it for a day without reapplication. So, yes, it is definitely worth the hype.

The only downside is how incredibly dewy it is. I already layer hydrating products under my sunscreen, which gives me a decent level of dewiness. But this sunscreen takes it up a notch which I honestly don’t mind as long as my skin isn’t dry. But for those with oily skin or anyone who prefers the matte look, this sunscreen might not be for you.

So, to summarize, here are the pros and the cons;

Pros

• Solid chemical filters providing high protection
• No white cast
• Non–greasy and non-sticky
• Decently hydrating
• Doesn’t sting the eyes
• Can work across most skin types.
• Doesn’t pill; layers well under makeup and over skincare products.
• Absorbs super fast into the skin after application

Cons

• Very dewy, especially after a few hours of initial application
• Not necessarily water-resistant or sweat-proof.

Again, by all standards, this is an excellent sunscreen for those prone to dryness and who love the dewy look.

How about the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick?

While waiting for Jolse to restock the Sun Gel, I got the sun stick to reapply throughout the day. Let me tell you, it has been fantastic for reapplication primarily since I work from home and my desk is beside my window. I went from hardly ever reapplying to reapplying 2-3 times a day. Believe me when I say it’s a game-changer. In terms of formulation, it is pretty much the same with identical ingredients and chemical filters. So, don’t be afraid that you’re not getting enough protection. Plus, I find it to be very portable and easy to carry around. There’s honestly no excuse for you not to be reapplying your sunscreen.

Finally,

Both the Instree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel and Sun Stick are both excellent products that are worth trying. They remind me once again why Korean Skincare is and will remain to be top tier.