Updated on June 17, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe toners. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Isntree Chestnut BHA 0.9% Clear Toner 33 ingredients
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner 21 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Isntree Chestnut BHA 0.9% Clear Toner 33 ingredients
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner 21 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Ingredients Side-by-side
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It can be found naturally in our skin and hair.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Portulaca Oleracea Extract is an extract of the whole plant of the Purslane, Portulaca oleracea L., Portulacaceae. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
2 Benefits May worsen Rosacea
Betaine Salicylate is considered a salicylic acid alternative.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Stem Extract is the extract of the stems of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Fabaceae.
Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
Borago Officinalis Extract is often synonymous with Borago Officinalis Seed Oil.
Salix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
Centaurea Cyanus Flower extract comes from the cornflower, Centaurea cyanus. The cornflower is native to Europe.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf is a plant material from the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae
Chamomilla Recutita Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract comes from the lavender plant. Lavender extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
Sea Salt Extract can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Xanthan Gum, Betaine Salicylate 0.9%, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Stem Extract, Trehalose, Allantoin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Soy Isoflavones, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Codium Fragile Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sea Salt Extract, Tromethamine
Houttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It can be found naturally in our skin and hair.
This ingredient is also called sugarcane extract. It is a moisturizing humectant and has skin soothing properties.
Portulaca Oleracea Extract is an extract of the whole plant of the Purslane, Portulaca oleracea L., Portulacaceae. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Arctium Lappa Root Extract is from the burdock plant. It is an antioxidant and helps soothe skin. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract is extract from Apples. Apples are rich in Vitamin C, sugars, and antioxidants.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.
Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
Houttuynia Cordata Extract 77%, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Panthenol, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Butylene Glycol, Vitex Agnus-Castus Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Isopentyldiol, Methylpropanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It can be found naturally in our skin and hair.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5 or dexpanthenol in dermatology.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
Learn more about PanthenolPortulaca Oleracea Extract is an extract of the whole plant of the Purslane, Portulaca oleracea L., Portulacaceae. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.
Purslane is very nutritious. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, NMFs, many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The vitamins found in purslane include: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.
Purslane is a succulent with an extensive habitat. It is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat irritated skin.
Nowadays, it is becoming a superfood due to its highly nutritious content.
Learn more about Portulaca Oleracea Extract1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.
Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTATromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
When to use
Isntree Chestnut BHA 0.9% Clear Toner 33 ingredients
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner 21 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner 21 ingredients
Lapaki
Very good at targeting redness and irritations. Whenever my skin feels irritated, either from treatments or using products with Tretinoin and...
Very good at targeting redness and irritations. Whenever my skin feels irritated, either from treatments or using products with Tretinoin and Hydroquinone, or is experiencing Rosacea flare-ups, applying one or more layers of this toner noticeably reduces redness - sometimes it even disappears completely, depending on the severity.
I usually am cautios with hyped products, they tend to set you up for disappointment with too high expectations. That's a real possibility here, given all the buzz. Yet, I would say it works for calming and soothing skin or for people with sensitive skin (if you're not sensitive to one of its ingredients). Moreover, it ticks all the boxes for being cruelty-free, vegan, etc., which is a huge plus.
If your skin is generally trouble-free, it will not be a game-changer. For those looking for extra hydration, layering this toner or trying Anua's Birch Moisture Boosting Toner could be an option. Given its specific use for me, I probably won't buy a regular-sized bottle anymore but will keep a small one on hand in case my skin acts up. I'm rating it 5 stars because it lives up to its promise of soothing my sensitive skin effectively.
Laila
Did not live up with the hype I've seen all over TikTok.
I wanted to love it as I heard great things about it for acne prone skin, but it...
Did not live up with the hype I've seen all over TikTok.
I wanted to love it as I heard great things about it for acne prone skin, but it literally did nothing to me even when i used it for four months (2 bottles).
Once I stopped using it, my skin became better.
Yeah, Korean skincare is severely overhyped. That's not to say there aren't products that are effective, but it's just a trend. Based on the ingredients, I don't see how this is supposed to help with acne.
