Soothing Teatime Skincare for Spots | Isntree Green Tea Emulsion Review
Isntree is a company deeply in touch with simplicity, health and nature. Their formulas are designed to be sensitive-skin friendly, soothing and designed around simple ingredients. They are a favourite in South Korea due to their gentle and reliable formulas that have been central to skincare routines time and again. From their hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel to their cooling Mugwort Calming Clay Mask – they create good, clean skincare.
So, when my skin was in strife – angry and irritated from a rogue cleanser, this was where I turned my attention to. I had dozens of visible red spots that were inflamed, irritated and red – so I needed something strong and calming. I found the Green Tea Fresh Emulsion – and was immediately excited to try it. It’s a balanced lotion that perfectly balances the line between a hydrating serum and a thicker moisturizer – allowing me to just use one product on my skin. Green tea is a fantastic ingredient for irritated, sensitive skin – and it is the richest in antioxidants of any tea. Antioxidants are protective molecules that mop up dangerous irritants from your skin – such as environmental pollutants and UV damage, allowing your skin to better heal and repair itself.
When your skin is irritated or damaged – anything rich in antioxidants is a benefit to help heal your skin barrier; such as Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Resveratrol or Green Tea. Green tea also naturally stimulates collagen production, to boost skin firmness and natural hydration. But the reason I was excited to add some to my skincare was its anti-inflammatory effect – through a molecule called ‘Epitgallocatechin-3-Gallate' (or catechins). It actively suppresses inflammation in your skin cells; stopping that explosion of redness, swelling, heat and irritation. This molecule also reduces bacteria on your skin, suppressing the cause of acne spots before they grow, whilst also cooling and soothing your skin.
So, was I right? Was this emulsion the secret to cooling my skin and helping me heal from an outbreak of irritation and inflammation? Let’s find out!
What's in the Bottle?
Green tea (Camellia Sinensis Leaf extract): as mentioned above, this is the pull of why this emulsion is perfect for irritated skin. It’s anti-inflammatory to soothe redness, reduces bacteria on skin and rich in antioxidants for skin cells to heal.
Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract: rich in healing antioxidants, Ginkgo is also pH balanced for ideal skin absorption and balance. Helps tighten pores for clearer, more refined skin.
Centella asciatica extract: hydrating and soothing herbal remedy that helps hydrate skin, whilst also calming redness and irritation.
Willow Bark extract: rich in salicylic acid (BHA), willow bark helps gently exfoliate the skin barrier and melt away dead skin cells for clearer, smaller pores.
Blueberry extract: rich in vitamins and minerals, blueberry extracts improve skin elasticity and dermal thickness, whilst helping lift fine lines.
Pine tree extract: boosts skin healing, whilst reducing bacterial growth on skin. Helps refresh redness and irritation.
David Elm extract: deeply moisturizing plant extract that helps hydrate skin, whilst also being rich in bakuchiol that helps rejuvenate skin barrier and boosting skin healing.
Evening Primrose extract: deeply healing and soothing floral extract that helps boost natural hydration and infuses omega-6 fatty acids for stronger skin texture.
Allantoin: boosts and protects skin barrier, preventing loss of water from cells, whilst infusing healing antioxidants for stronger, healthier skin.
Beta-Glucan: rich in natural polysaccharides, which help protect and boost skin hydration, whilst improving skin barrier healing.
Who Should Avoid?
Although the formulation is soothing and hydrating, it’s likely not hydrating enough for a dry skin barrier. With the addition of willow bark, it’s designed to be a little exfoliating to help balance oily skin; so is more ideal for oily and combination skin. If you are looking for a green tea addition for dry skin – my recommendation would be the Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum with Green Tea and Panthenol.
Otherwise, this is a great, gentle formula for irritated skin (especially acne-prone skin) to help hydrate, soothe and refresh.
The Results
With a whole face of irritated, red spots – I could not add a cooling emulsion to my routine sooner. I have combination, acne-prone skin – which is reactive to specific products and ingredients, so I have to be mindful of ingredients and how products are used. This product, as an emulsion, is a lightweight and watery serum. It absorbs immediately and has a gentle cooling effect – which is perfect to help douse the fires left by irritated, red spots. It has no smell at all – except a natural lotion scent and absorbs within seconds of contact with the skin. It’s so light, it’s not likely to trigger acne spots – making it the perfect addition to help calm and soothe.
I spent two weeks bathing my face in this, with little else but a gentle cleanser and cooling serum. It helped provide an immediate cooling of red spots and there was a quick improvement to skin hydration and balance. It’s really a perfect, calming and light emulsion that can be versatile in a variety of routines – but perfect for oily skin, providing hydration without leaving oiliness. My skin still has some healing to do – but this was my first tool for that and I’d recommend this emulsion well for anyone going through a rough time with calming skin.
Final Thoughts
This emulsion is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin – if you need something basic, hydrating and soothing in your routine. It’s not hydrating enough for dry skin types – but perfectly melts into oily skin. If you are struggling with acne-spots or damaged, irritated skin – a good exfoliating cleanser, hydrating serum and this emulsion is a perfect combination to soothe and heal.
Looking for calming, simple skincare for any routine? Shop the refreshing, simple range designed by Isntree on Arktastic!
Do you know how great tea is for your skin? Find out with our Guide to Tea skincare blog. Or if you're looking for another top-tier moisturizer; check out our favourite from Real Barrier:
