Description
Isntree’s Chestnut BHA 0.9% Clear Toner is a beginner-friendly way to bring a BHA into your routine. Instead of classic salicylic acid, it uses betaine salicylate, which Isntree describes as a gentler BHA, at 0.9%. It is paired with chestnut shell extract and willow bark extract and positioned as a mild exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells and excess sebum and make pores look tighter and cleaner.
The texture is light and watery. Because the formula also includes hydrating ingredients such as trehalose, panthenol and sodium hyaluronate, skin is less likely to feel stripped after use than with many exfoliating toners.
Key ingredients
- Betaine salicylate 0.9% – a gentle BHA.
- Castanea crenata (chestnut) shell extract – the formula’s namesake ingredient.
- Salix alba (willow) bark extract
- Trehalose, panthenol and sodium hyaluronate – for hydration and comfort.
How to use
- After cleansing, soak a cotton pad and sweep it over the face, avoiding the eye area, then pat in the remainder.
- The brand recommends starting with 1–3 uses per week and increasing gradually as your skin adapts.
- Follow with hydrating products and moisturizer. Use sunscreen during the day.
Who it suits
Aimed at normal and oily skin that wants help with visible pores and excess oil; combination skin can use it on the T-zone only.
Good to know
Size: 200 ml. A light tingle can happen at first, but stop if you get redness or strong irritation. Use only one exfoliating product at a time, and avoid pairing it in the same routine with retinol or strong vitamin C products. Exfoliating acids can increase sun sensitivity, so daily sunscreen is essential. Not for children under three or for broken skin.
As with any new skincare product, patch-test on a small area (for example behind the ear or along the jaw) for 24–48 hours before using it on the whole face. Stop using it if redness, itching or stinging persists, and avoid applying it to broken or irritated skin. Always check the full ingredient list on the packaging you receive, as formulas can be updated by the brand.