I’m working my way through all the Isntree ampoules one by one, it’s like Pokémon: gotta catch them all! The Isntree Onion Newpair B5 Ampoule is a great addition to their product range.
Texture
It’s a light gel serum texture which spreads really well.
I like to apply half a dropper and to make sure it absorbs very easily, I’ll do one light layer and then go in for a second layer.
It doesn’t take long if I put it all on my face at once but I prefer the fastest option possible!
Really, only a quarter of a dropper is necessary but I like to use plenty for the hydration boost.
Even at half a dropper, I don’t find it at all sticky.
Compared to the other Isntree 50ml serum-type products that I’ve tried so far, it’s definitely thicker.
The TW-Real Bifida is the lightest – it’s the thinnest and most watery; the C-Niacin Toning Ampoule does feel a touch oily (the amount of oil is small so I suspect it’s the vitamim c) and the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence is a little more moisturising yet doesn’t feel oily (it also has a little oil).
Despite the different textures I haven’t found any issues with absorption, as they all spread and absorb nicely.
The only real thing to think about is what benefits you’re looking for and whether you prefer a gel texture or a more traditional watery texture. I’d argue the C-Niacin is the most brightening, although the TW-Real Bifida and the Onion Newpair are also brightening.
The Hyaluronic Acid is definitely the most hydrating and it’s more moisturising that the others, whilst not being heavy at all, although I’d say the Onion Newpair is the next most hydrating.
And let’s not forget that all of them are good for barrier support, from the plant antioxidants but also the inclusion of niacinamide.
Read about the other Isntree serums here: Bifida , C-Niacin and Hyaluronic Acid.
Ingredients
There are a lot of beneficial ingredients here so it’s worth talking about them at length!
The ampoule has a really nice balance of hydrating and moisturising ingredients which pay off as it does both of those things well.
5% panthenol is a very decent amount and it’s good to know the concentration, as quite often the percentage isn’t called out.
Panthenol is not only moisturising and hydrating but also has antiinflammatory effects so it’ll help soothe and calm skin. You’ll also find allatoin for soothing and a variety of hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid.
Onion extract is said to be good for healing skin and there’s adenosine to support this.
Let’s not forget one of the most popular ingredients because it’s multifunctional and excellent: niacinamide. It’s combined with acetyl glucosamine, both of which can help fade pigmentation. And of course niacinamide is great for barrier support.
And then I’ve written about tranexamic acid (which is why I got the ampoule, apart from being intrigued by the onion) in my Mary & May review of their eye cream and I’ll talk more about that below for the dark circles – there’s also caffeine which is said to help dark circles.
There’s a synergy of ingredients for a variety of concern; Isntree have thought very carefully about this particular ampoule.
Experience
I use this in place of toner in my morning routine when I’m in a rush because it’s nicely hydrating without being heavy. That is the best of both worlds because it boosts my hydration without needing a lot of extra steps.
I got it for brightening my eye area, even though that’s not the specific aim of this ampoule! The Mary & May Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione eye cream helped my dark circles so I thought the Isntree might also work for me.
Whilst the Mary & May absorbs nicely, I felt that a product which is hydrating would help me multitask so I could skip toner if I wanted to do so.
And it’s usually the case that a serum will absorb more quickly than a cream, plus I can just apply this serum all over so I’m not waiting for a specific area to dry before proceeding with the rest of my routine.
That’s not to say you can’t use the Mary & May all over your face, because you absolutely can, it’s lightly moisturising and feels softening. The problem is that I have my cream routine sorted out: I go on about it a lot but I love my Waphyto!
The Isntree does work for brightening my dark circles, which is what I’d hoped for. I haven’t yet found a toner that helps with dark circles so this is a great option for hydrating my skin and giving me those benefits.
Using the Mary & May as well as the Isntree boosts the eye area glow factor even more so if one works for you but you wanted more impact, then it could be worth trying both together.
However, these tranexamic acid products might not work for everyone, as dark circles can be from other reasons, like genetics (use concealer or tone-up products). However, if you do have dark circles and you need a new serum or eye cream anyway, these are products well worth considering because they’re super nice products.
Whilst I keep writing about how I don’t find K-Beauty fragrances products irritating, some people are sensitive or allergic, so from that perspective, the Isntree would be better than the Mary & May. Although it’s a very small amount, the Mary & May does contain fragrance.
It’s worth noting that the Isntree Onion cream and toner share a lot of the ingredients of the ampoule so if you’re looking for the benefits but want a different formula, have a look at those!
Final Word
If you’re not sure which Isntree ampoule to get but you would like to help dark circles, this one might work for you!