Skinfood Shine Muscat BHA Toner Versus Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid
Updated on February 27, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, 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
Skinfood Shine Muscat BHA Toner 39 ingredients
Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid 21 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Skinfood Shine Muscat BHA Toner 39 ingredients
Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid 21 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Tromethamine
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingPPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Phytate
Prunus Mume Fruit Extract
HumectantLactuca Scariola Sativa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientEnantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSesamum Indicum Seed Oil
Emollient
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Beta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingSerenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Tromethamine, Sodium Citrate, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Gluconolactone, Betaine, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Panthenol, Parfum, Allantoin, Citric Acid, Sodium Phytate, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Lactuca Scariola Sativa Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Beta-Sitosterol, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Oleanolic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Tocopherol, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
Masking
Castanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Allantoin
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.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
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.
Learn more about Sodium Citrate1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Salix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
Salix Alba Bark Extract has often been described as salicylic acid's cousin. This is due to the salicin it contains. However, studies are limited showing salix alba bark to be an effective salicylic acid alternative.
Salicin does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has shown to decrease the formation of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B. Salicin also has a mildly exfoliating effect on the skin.
Several other components in salix alba bark extract also contain antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging as they neutralize harmful free-radical molecules.
Willow Bark extract has been used for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used white willow to help treat pain and fevers.
Learn more about Salix Alba Bark ExtractAllantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.
One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.
Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.
What makes hyaluronic acid so hydrating? It has the capacity to bind or hold large amounts of water.
Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.
Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing.
Hyaluronic acid can be irritating if the molecule has a low-molecular weight, or if the molecules are small.
One study found low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be pro-inflammatory, meaning some people may experience irritation. This is because our bodies use hyaluronic acid in the wound-healing process to signal to our bodies, via irritation, that something needs healing.
The same study found high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be anti-inflammatory.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Skinfood Shine Muscat BHA Toner 39 ingredients
Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid 21 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Skinfood Shine Muscat BHA Toner 39 ingredients
Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid 21 ingredients
HG! This is my favorite chemical exfoliant I have ever used! I will use this forever!
It's a watery toner but the next morning my face looks so nice and feels so smooth. It has helped with acne and doesn't sting if using on healthy skin. It also doesn't dry out my skin if I leave it on for a while before putting other products on.
GREAT exfoliator for ppl with sensitive skin. so gentle and is very effective. its so much better than paula's choice for me, so much more gentle highly recc!!!
