Isntree Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence 100ml

Isntree Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence pairs glycolic acid and lactic acid at an 8 per cent total concentration with chestnut shell extract and a full complement of Centella derivatives, including asiaticoside and madecassoside. The essence texture is light enough to layer into a daily routine on skin that tolerates AHA well, while still giving sensitive skin the option to use it two or three times a week instead.

Why You'll Love It

• Glycolic acid and lactic acid work together on rough texture and dullness at a considered 8 per cent concentration.
• Chestnut shell extract adds an antioxidant angle alongside the acid exfoliation.
• A full Centella complex, including madecassoside and asiaticoside, helps keep the formula from feeling harsh.
• Panthenol and sodium hyaluronate support comfort even while the acids are actively working.
• Flexible enough to use daily on tolerant skin or scale back for sensitive types.

Key Ingredients

• Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid: two AHAs combined at 8 per cent total concentration to target rough texture and uneven tone.
• Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract: the ingredient that gives this essence its name, included for its antioxidant properties.
• Centella Asiatica Complex: madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid work together to support calmer skin alongside the acids.

Full Ingredients (INCI)

Water, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Allantoin, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Sucrose Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin.

How to Use

Apply after toner, patting gently into the skin and avoiding the eye area. Sensitive skin should start with two to three uses per week and build up gradually rather than using it daily from the start. Because this essence contains AHA, sunscreen is essential every morning during use, and it is best avoided on the same night as other strong actives until you know how your skin responds.

Suitable For

Skin dealing with dullness, rough texture or occasional congestion that wants a gentler alternative to a stronger acid peel. Not recommended alongside other exfoliating acids or retinoids in the same routine without spacing them out.

About Brand

Isntree is a Korean skincare brand made in South Korea, known for building formulas around clearly labelled active ingredients rather than vague marketing claims. Its acid based essences sit alongside the brand's calmer, botanical led products for a fuller routine. See more from the range in our Isntree collection.

FAQ

Q: Can I use this essence every day?
Ans: Skin that already tolerates AHA well can often use it daily, but sensitive skin should start with two to three uses a week and build up slowly.

Q: Do I need sunscreen when using this product?
Ans: Yes. AHA exfoliation increases sun sensitivity, so daily sunscreen is essential while this essence is part of your routine.

Q: Can I use this alongside other active ingredients like retinol?
Ans: It is best to avoid layering this with other strong actives on the same night, at least until you understand how your skin responds to the combination.

Q: What does the Centella complex do in this formula?
Ans: Madecassoside, asiaticoside and related Centella derivatives are included to help keep the essence feeling comfortable rather than harsh while the acids exfoliate.

Q: Is this essence suitable for sensitive skin?
Ans: It can be, provided use starts slowly at two to three times a week, since it is still an active AHA product rather than a purely calming formula.