Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence: a practical guide

What does hyaluronic acid do for skin?

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule your body naturally produces. In skincare, it acts as a humectant, an ingredient that attracts and binds water. That helps skin look fuller and makes hydration the main reason to consider it, especially for dry or aging skin.23

Despite its name, hyaluronic acid is not an alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid. Its purpose is hydration rather than the exfoliation associated with acids such as glycolic acid. Do not choose a hyaluronic acid product expecting the same job as an exfoliant.2

What should you check before buying?

Check the full ingredient list on the exact Water Essence bottle, particularly if you avoid fragrance or have known ingredient allergies. A product name cannot tell you its hyaluronic acid concentration, every ingredient in the formula, or whether the finished texture will suit your routine.3

Hyaluronic acid comes in different forms and molecular sizes. Those differences affect properties such as water retention, viscosity and skin penetration. A general benefit of hyaluronic acid is not a reason to assume a particular essence contains a specific molecular size or reaches a particular depth.4

How should you fit it into your routine?

For a hydration routine, the general principle is to add moisture and then help keep it in the skin. Follow the Water Essence bottle for its amount and frequency; the steps below describe general moisturizing guidance rather than an Isntree dose.3

1. 1Start with clean, moist skin. Applying moisturizing products after washing or bathing helps make use of the water already on the skin.
2. 2Apply Water Essence according to its bottle directions.
3. 3Follow with a suitable moisturizer. Ingredients that reduce evaporation help retain the moisture added by a hydration step.

Morning, bedtime and after bathing are useful times to moisturize dry skin. Keep that moisturizer routine in place whether or not you add an essence. Moisturizer remains the main treatment for dry skin, even if 'essence' sounds more suited to a velvet display stand.5

What if your skin is sensitive or eczema prone?

Hyaluronic acid is not irritating to most people's skin, but sensitive skin needs a decision about the whole formula. For eczema, favor fragrance free products with short ingredient lists. Botanicals and essential oils can cause problems, and humectants used alone can sting or burn. A moisturizer combining water attracting ingredients with soothing fats and ingredients that reduce water loss is a more complete approach than hydration alone.23

If a new product causes a rash, itching or redness, stop using it. See a dermatologist if dryness does not go away or keeps returning. Cracking, bleeding or open sores need attention because damaged skin is more vulnerable to infection.5

How much does Water Essence cost?

Isntree's global store lists the 50 ml Water Essence at a sale price of $26.01, with a regular price of $28.90. Isntree puts Water Essence in a 50 ml bottle, which is considerably more compact than its full name. Check the checkout currency and current price before comparing it with local retailers.1