Sunsticks - some people love them, some people hate them. I like to use them, especially on my hands and body since it's an easier way to reapply sunscreen. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA ++++ is one of the super popular sunscreens on social media, just like the entire Hyaluronic Acid sunscreens. Is this one worth a try? Is it better to stick to sun cream or sunstick?
What's UV?
UV stands for Ultraviolet, it's nothing else than the selected range of frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum. UV rays are not visible to humans, but that doesn't mean that they don't exist. Each type of UV - UVA, UVB and UVC has different wavelengths and different properties.
UVA, UVB and UVC - what does each of them do and where you can meet them?
I'm sure you know about UVA and UVB, but UVC or the difference between UVA2 and UVA1? Let's start from the shortest wavelengths - UVC (100nm - 280nm) exist in space and is absorbed by the ozone layer, it can kill bacteria that's why on Earth you can find it in germicidal lamps - you might ask me, but these lamps are usually visible to a human - it's because they are made in a way that makes them safe for you and other people - you shouldn't enter the room when the UV lamp is on and make people aware that the lamp is on we add other substances so the lamp has a blue/purple colour when it's on. This technology is used for example at labs and hospitals. We all remember UVB (280nm –315nm) because it is said that B in UVB stands for BURN. Indeed, this UV length is responsible for sunburns, but it also helps with the synthesis of Vitamin D - a vitamin which we all need because lack of it can lead to osteoporosis. UVB is focused on the epidermis aka the outer layer of the skin while UVA (315nm –400nm) can penetrate through the epidermis and dermis so it penetrates your skin deeper. A in its name stands for Aging. The bad news is that UVA can penetrate glass, and both UVA and UVB cause lots of damage including skin cancer and oxidative stress.
Should I wear sunscreen at home?
We already know that UVA penetrates through the glass so do we need to use sunscreen at home? Yes, especially if you spend lots of time working near the window then it's better to put on a layer of sunscreen in the morning and have any type of protection at home as well. But you can also use window films to reduce the risk. The choice is left to you, what I do is keep my blinds on the window during the entire morning and when the sun is not that intense because my windows are situated on the Eastern side the light usually starts to fade afternoon - usually by afternoon I already have sunscreen on, few times reapplied.
What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
It depends on which side we look at this topic. Mineral sunscreens are sunscreens that don't contain any carbon atoms - this automatically makes them inorganic sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens contain carbon atoms, which makes them organic substances. The main difference is that mineral sunscreen usually leaves a white cast, and it's better if we use both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide for a broad spectrum of UV protection. Chemical sunscreens don't leave a white cast, and they have more sophisticated formulas. Both are amazing, in some cases, PIH (hyperpigmentation), mineral sunscreens, and natural pigments can make a good layer of protection from UV rays.
Sunscreen reapplication
The majority of brands recommend reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours. The reason behind this is simple - we are active, we are sweating, we wear clothes or we touch our faces. All these things can remove a layer of sunscreen from the skin. We react differently to the same amount of UV radiation - my skin might react badly to 5 minutes of sun without protection, and my skin might need 10 more minutes. That's why on average we say that reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours is the best.
What's a sunstick?
Sunstick is a solid sunscreen. It's used as a way to reapply sunscreen on your face or body. Some people use it as a primary sunscreen. Is it safe? Yes! If you're worried that this solid sunscreen is touching your face - use tissue on a sun stick before every use or even use tissue + isopropyl alcohol and then once again use tissue. Isopropyl alcohol is a solution used by makeup artists and beauty stores to disinfect brushes and makeup.
About Isntree
Isntree is a brand loved by many of my friends and people on Instagram. The brand calls itself "green" since Isntree is trying to combine dermatologic knowledge with nature. Isntree was founded in 2009 in South Korea. The name is a combination of the words island, nature and tree. The brand is cruelty-free and eco-friendly. Isntree doesn't forget about underprivileged people - Isntree has campaigns to support people in need.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA ++++ - Packaging
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick comes in a paper box. The tube is made out of plastic, there's a plastic part that protects the texture.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA ++++ - Texture & Scent
It's a solid sunscreen that doesn't leave any white cast. The only thing I've noticed - near the end of the product the solid sunscreen started to move so keep that in notice while trying to apply since I got a few messages on Instagram saying that people lost 1/4 or more of the product because it came out of the tube while applying. It has no scent.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA ++++ - Ingredients
Aqua, Polyethylene, Propylheptyl Caprylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Homosalate, Silica, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Niacinamide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Vinyl Dimethicone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ozokerite, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Water, Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Ceramide NP, Glycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Polyurethane-11, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Astaxanthin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol
Water hides in cosmetic products under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. Water in skin care needs to fit some standards. It should be clean and free from minerals, microorganisms or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the content of the product. Polyethylene is a synthetic emulsifier and film-making substance. Propylheptyl Caprylate is an emollient that usually comes along with sun-protecting agents. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emulsifier and emollient. It prevents skin from TEWL (transepidermal water loss), it makes skin soft and it prevents product from being too oily. It's useful in UV-protecting formulas. Homosalate is a sunscreen agent. It protects the sun from UVB radiation (295-315 nm), and its peak is at 306nm. It's a photosensitive and weak sun-protecting ingredient that's why you can usually find it in a pair with Avobenzone or other substances. Silica is a mineral-natural ingredient. It's popular in makeup and skincare. It can absorb sebum or thicken the texture. Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate or Octinoxate is a sunscreen agent. It protects your skin from UVB radiation (280-320 nm), but it has its peak at 310nm. It's a common ingredient in waterproof sunscreens. Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate is an ester. In skincare, it works as an emollient. It makes the formula easier to spread. Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer is a thickener that leaves an occlusive film on the surface of the skin to prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss). Ethylhexyl Salicylate or Octisalate is a sun-protecting agent. It's a chemical sunscreen that protects the skin from UVB radiation (280-320nm), but it has its peak at 306nm which makes it a weak sunscreen. Butylene Glycol is a common ingredient in products. It's not only a solvent. We use butylene glycol because it helps with the penetration of active ingredients, protects products from drying and moisturizes skin and hair. This ingredient can prevent hair loss and make your hair stronger. Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is a synthetic version of a mineral called Mica. This ingredient has a variety of uses - from thickener to create pigments. It reflects the light, and it's more delicate than regular mica. Lots of brands choose Synthetic Fluorphlogopite instead of Mica. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 - a vitamin soluble in water. It helps with problems like wrinkles, acne, skin texture, and enlarged pores and promotes collagen synthesis. Niacinamide makes the skin barrier stronger. It might be handy in cellulite treatments. Do you want to fight pigmentation or uneven skin? Try to mix niacinamide with Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid or Retinol. Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate or Uvinul A Plus is a sun-protecting agent. It covers the UVA range (320-400 nm), and its peak of protection is 354 nm. Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine is quite a hard name to remember, that's why you can find people talking about this ingredient by calling it Tinosorb S. It's one of the newer types of sunscreen agents and one of the strongest ones. It's a chemical sunscreen that protects skin from UVA (315-400 nm) & UVB (280-315 nm), and its peak is high. It's a stable sunscreen that works with other sun-protecting substances to protect their early photodegradation.
Ozokerite is a mineral wax. It's an emollient. Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract is one of the ingredients you can see more often in Korean skincare products lately. Usually, brands talk about Pycongenol - a trade name for this extract. It's an antioxidant and a source of proanthocyanidin, ferulic acid, α-pinen and β-pinen. Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract not only fights free radicals and prevents your skin from oxidative stress, but it also has moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It might help with skin elasticity. In haircare, it can help with dandruff. Bambusa Vulgaris Water or Bamboo Water is a soothing ingredient, ideal for sensitive skin. Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Extract is an antioxidant, it has some moisturizing and anti-aging properties. Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract or Hibiscus Extract is a source of anthocyanins, ascorbic acid and thiamin. It has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Ceramides naturally occur in the skin - it's like cement in the skin. Ceramide NP (also known as Ceramide 3) strengthens the skin barrier to prevent dehydration. Glycerin or Glycerol is a humectant. Its origin can be natural or synthetic - depending on the product. It protects TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and naturally occurs in the skin. It's one of the NMFs - natural moisturizing factors. It's practical in hair care. Glycerin won't clog your skin or irritate it just the opposite - it protects your skin from irritation. Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil is an oil which you probably know well from your kitchen. Olive Oil in cosmetics works as an emollient. It's a source of many antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamins A, and E and fatty acids like oleic acid. It has nourishing properties. Laminaria Japonica Extract is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial antioxidant. It's a source of fucoidan and laminarin. It has moisturizing properties. Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract is an ingredient related to hanbang - traditional Korean medicine. It's an antioxidant with moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe is a common ingredient in beauty products. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract has moisturizing properties. Aloe pulp contains over 95-99% of water. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract can be helpful after sunburns, sun exposure, acne, and sensitive skin. Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract is a source of flavonoids. It's an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract or Japanese Mountain Yam Root Extract is a source of ascorbic acid, tannin, iron, niacin, riboflavin and zinc. Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate is a water-in-oil emulsifier. Polyurethane-11 is a film-forming ingredient. Glyceryl Caprylate is a natural oily emollient and emulsifier. It creates a delicate film on the surface of the skin. It has some antimicrobial properties. Sorbitan Sesquioleate is a water-in-oil emulsifier. Sodium Hyaluronate or sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. It's a form of hyaluronic acid and naturally occurs in the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate has strong water-binding properties. Sodium hyaluronate combined with elastin and collagen is like a scaffolding for the skin. It has hydrating properties and leaves a hydrating film on the skin, but sodium hyaluronate prevents skincare products from drying.
Adenosine naturally occurs in the skin. One of the adenosine's roles in our bodies is being a neurotransmitter. In skin care, we use adenosine for its anti-wrinkle properties. Adenosine is an anti-inflammatory ingredient. It can boost collagen production. At the same time, it speeds up the healing process. Adenosine can have positive effects on reducing redness. In hair care, adenosine can help with hair loss. Astaxanthin is an antioxidant which you probably never heard about, but it's worth adding to your routine. It's an ingredient derived from the microalgae Haematococcus Pluvialis. It is a red or orange pigment, it's also a carotenoid. Why astaxanthin? This antioxidant prevents dehydration, premature ageing and age spots on the skin by fighting free radicals and damage made by them. It's not new information that free radicals destroy lipid barriers and make them more prone to dehydration, but we mostly focus on UV damage and aging when we talk about their negative aspects. Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants. It speeds up wound healing, helps with collagen and elastin synthesis, inhibits melanin synthesis and might help with puffiness. Pentylene Glycol is mostly a solvent and stabilizer, but it has great moisturizing properties. Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is related to sodium hyaluronate. It boosts moisture in the skin and elasticity. It helps prevent skin from TEWL (transepidermal water loss). Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is related to sodium hyaluronate. It's a good moisturizer. Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate just as the name says is related to Ascorbyl Acid and Hyaluronic Acid. This ingredient might be an antioxidant with great anti-aging properties. Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate is a big molecule related to hyaluronic acid. It leaves a moisturizing film on the surface of the skin. Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate is a smaller version of sodium hyaluronate. ULMW Hyaluronic Acid (ultra-low molecular weight HA) penetrates skin more easily than Hyaluronic Acid. It's a good moisturizer that prevents skin from dehydration. It works in deeper layers of the skin. Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a low-weight humectant. We have to remember that not every molecule can get through the skin surface and lower molecule HA can penetrate the skin deeper and bring moisture inside the skin. It's a natural polymer that binds water in the skin to prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss). Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient loved by everyone! Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the skin. It's a glycosaminoglycan or GAG. What does that mean? It's a long polysaccharide - nothing else than sugar, and we all know what sugars do in the skin. It's not different from Hyaluronic Acid - it acts like a humectant. One HA molecule is supposed to hold up to 1000x heavier molecules than this one single HA molecule. Hyaluronic acid can have different molecular weights - smaller molecules are usually more hydrating than bigger ones. Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to coat sunscreens and pigments. It makes the product easier to spread. Caprylyl Glycol is an oily emollient and humectant. It leaves a moisturizing film on the surface of the skin. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative - it protects products from microorganisms by boosting other preservatives. At the same time, it can moisturize the skin, and it has no unpleasant effects on your epidermis.
How does Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA ++++ work?
I know that most people use sunsticks on their faces, but I use them on my body. Sun is not my friend and so is living in Poland because people are pretty sure that I'm using deodorant on my arms, not sunstick. The concept of a sun stick is still not a common thing here. Do I care about the opinions of other people? Not really, but I do care about not getting a sunburn.
The texture of the Isntree sun stick isn't sticky at all, but it doesn't feel dry. It doesn't leave white marks on black clothes, it has a neutral scent. The formula is based on Homosalate, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Uvinul A Plus and Tinosorb S, so it's not a mineral sunscreen.
I ended this product and I can proudly say, we got a winner! How do I know that the sunstick is working? I wear a smartwatch and so far you can't see the difference between the covered area and the uncovered area.
This review is quite short, but I wanted to share it with you as quickly as possible because this sunscreen is really a thing!
Where to get Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA ++++ and how much does it cost?
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA ++++ is available on YesStyle & Olive Young. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA ++++ costs $22 on YesStyle* (feel free to use my referral code BETWEENDOTS to save up to 5% on your order). The same sunscreen costs $20.15 on Olive Young* (my affiliate code: BETWEEND0).
Have you ever tried Isntree sunscreens before?
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