1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Isntree
Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence
face essence
Isntree
face essence
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
See how this fits your skin
Take the skin test and I'll show you how suitable this product is for you.
Take the skin testThe Isntree Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence is an essence helps to unclog pores with 8% AHA. Glycolic acid (4%) and lactic acid (4%) work together with newly added Gongju Chestnut Shell extract to sweep away dead skin cells, revealing a smoother and brighter complexion. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size of any AHA, meaning it can penetrate deeply and quickly, while lactic acid is more gentle and has hydrating properties. Together, they’re the perfect pair. The formula also contains soothing centella asiatica and hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence is a lightweight essence from Isntree. The formula is built mainly around hydration and brightening and tone. The ingredient list runs to 26 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Butylene Glycol and Sodium Hyaluronate, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate and Panthenol.
Brightening: High. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid.
Cell renewal: Moderate. Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover, and here that comes from Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Asiaticoside and Panthenol.
On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on oil control and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain essential oils, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after cleansing, before serums. Apply to slightly damp skin so the humectants have water to hold on to.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Acetic acid, hydroxy-
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Tea, Camellia sinensis, Theaceae
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract is an extract obrained from the flowers of the Calendula, Calendula officinalis L., Compositae
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract is an extract of the flowerheads of the matricaria, Chamomilla recutita (L.), Compositae
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Portulaca Oleracea Extract is an extract of the whole plant of the Purselane, Portulaca oleracea L., Portulacaceae
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder is the powder obtained from the dried juice leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Toning" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 26 ingredients on the label.
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Forms a film that slows water loss
Dissolves and carries everything else
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Calms visible redness and irritation
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Acetic acid, hydroxy-
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Potassium hydroxide
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of the Licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Leguminosae
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Tea, Camellia sinensis, Theaceae
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract is an extract obrained from the flowers of the Calendula, Calendula officinalis L., Compositae
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract is an extract of the flowerheads of the matricaria, Chamomilla recutita (L.), Compositae
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lamiaceae
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Portulaca Oleracea Extract is an extract of the whole plant of the Purselane, Portulaca oleracea L., Portulacaceae
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract is the extract of the whole plant of the Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, Labiatae
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder is the powder obtained from the dried juice leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Octanoic acid, monoester with glycerol
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2,3,23-trihydroxy-, O-6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl-(1->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2alpha, 3beta, 4alpha)-
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Dextrin
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
O-6-Deoxy-α-L-mannopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl (2α,3β,4α,6β)-2,3,6,23-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oate
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
.alpha.-d-Glucopyranosiduronic acid, (3.beta.,20.beta.)-20-carboxy-11-oxo-30-norolean-12-en-3-yl 2-O-.beta.-d-glucopyranuronosyl-, dipotassium salt
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-1,2,3-propanetriyltris-.omega.-hydroxy-, esters with 5-oxo-L-proline and isooctadecanoic acid (25 mol EO average molar ratio)
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Then I Met You
Shares 6 key ingredients with Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence: Butylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Torriden
Shares 6 key ingredients with Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Dr. Ceuracle
Shares 6 key ingredients with Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence: Butylene Glycol, Water, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Dr. Althea
Shares 5 key ingredients with Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol
COSRX
Shares 5 key ingredients with Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence: Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Water, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate
HYGGEE
Shares 5 key ingredients with Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence: Glycerin, Water, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate
WATER, LACTIC ACID, GLYCOLIC ACID, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA ROOT EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA FLOWER EXTRACT, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF EXTRACT, PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE POWDER, SODIUM HYALURONATE, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, ASIATICOSIDE, DEXTRIN, PANTHENOL, MADECASSOSIDE, ALLANTOIN, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, GLYCERETH-25 PCA ISOSTEARATE, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE.
LACTIC ACID, GLYCOLIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE, PANTHENOL.
Take a proper amount using the pump. Gently massage on skin following the skin's texture. Reapply on the dry area.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
Yes — it contains Lavandula Angustifolia Extract.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after cleansing, before serums.
It lists 26 ingredients, of which 4 are recorded as actives.
Isntree.
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