Does dull-looking skin sound like one of your skin concerns? For me, although my skin looks bright in the morning, it starts to look kind of lifeless, tired and more red as hours pass. I usually rely on light base makeup like bb creams to fix it. But, at the same time, I’m always on the lookout for brightening ingredients or products to try and keep my complexion radiant during the day. One product I’ve been trying recently to tackle this issue is the ISNTREE C-Niacin Toning Ampoule [PR*]!

Where to buy: You can find this at Yesstyle (You can use KBEAUTYNOTES for % off your order, can be used with other coupons), Stylevana US / Stylevana EU, Stylekorean, Jolse.

Price: $15-$25 (depends on the site and sales)

Volume: 50ml (1.69 fl.oz.)

PAO: 12 months after opening.

*Isntree has recently changed the packaging design of their products, but the formulas remain the same.

What is the C-Niacin Toning Ampoule

Formulated with 70% vitamin-rich Sea Buckthorn fruit extract, 2% Niacinamide, and Vitamin C, the C-Niacin Toning Ampoule is meant to target dull complexion by brightening and evening out skin tone. Other ingredients with antioxidant and soothing properties include: Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Beta-Glucan, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Panthenol, Allantoin etc. Quick to absorb, lightweight and non-greasy, it would suit all skin types.

The product comes in a 50ml glass bottle with a dropper.

Application

Apply a couple of drops on dry skin after cleansing and massage gently until absorbed. Using a hydrating toner / essence first, may work better for dehydrated prone skin. It can be used both morning and night, but I prefer to use it in my morning routine since it has antioxidants and pairs well with sunscreen.

Consistency

The consistency is light, feels almost watery and absorbs quickly into the skin. No greasy feel or shiny finish, however, there is a bit of tackiness. This doesn’t bother me in this product since I will follow with a moisturizer or sunscreen on top.

Scent

The ampoule is fragrance-free and EO-free, so there’s simply a faint pleasant smell that comes from the ingredients.

Performance

I REALLY like the brightening effect of this ampoule and how it makes my complexion look more even. That’s why I use it mostly in the morning to keep the skin looking fresh, even and less red during the day. There have also been times that I’ve skipped wearing bb cream!

Texture-wise, all skin types would enjoy this. Since it’s lightweight, it’s great to use during the summer too by those with oily skin. Leaves no greasy feel behind. If you have dry skin, you’d need to incorporate other products that are more hydrating into your routine as this alone won’t cut it.

This would be a great option to try for sensitive skin or those that are not experienced with pure Vitamin C, because it contains a very promising derivative of Vit C for brightening which is way less irritating: Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (it doesn’t say at what percentage though). I did feel just a little tingling around my nose area the first 2 times I used this and then my skin adjusted well.

I have said it over and over again that Sea Buckthorn extract works wonders to reduce my redness. And I got the same results from this ampoule as with other products I’ve tried that contain it. Moreover, there are also a bunch of other ingredients with soothing properties in the formula like: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Beta-Glucan, which I think play a role too.

Niacinamide which is one of my favorite ingredients helps with my active acne and acne spots. No irritation or breakouts occurred while using it. Also, works well with other skincare and makeup and doesn’t pill.

Ingredients

Brightening: Sea Buckthorn, Niacinamide, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (A stable form of Vitamin C whose strong point is brightening. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and might also have collagen boosting abilities).

Soothing ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Beta-Glucan ( even shows promising anti-aging benefits ), Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Panthenol, Allantoin, Bioflavonoids

Antioxidants: Curcuma Longa Root Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol.

Niacinamide to fight acne and Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate for hydration.

There is no alcohol, fragrance or EOs in it.

Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Extract (70%), Butylene Glycol, Water, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide (2%), Glycerin, Betaine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Cucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract, Physalis Alkekengi Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Beta-Glucan, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Moringa Oleifera, Panthenol, Allantoin, Bioflavonoids, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 80, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/​Vp Copolymer, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract

Final Verdict on the Isntree C-Niacin Toning Ampoule

Pros

  • Moderately hydrating.
  • Smooths the skin texture.
  • Brightens.
  • Doesn’t pill.
  • Light, non-oily texture.
  • Reduces redness.
  • Suitable for all skin types.
  • No alcohol, fragrance or EOs.
  • Vegan & cruelty-free.

Cons

  • Slightly tacky.

A gentle and effective ampoule for anyone that is looking for both brightening and soothing properties. I like that it includes a mix of ingredients for brightening and not just one. You notice a brighter complexion after 1-2 weeks of use and redness is reduced significantly. Weightless and non-oily finish, so I think it would suit most skin types. Perfect as an alternative for those that cannot tolerate the pure form of Vitamin C. Besides being gentle, there is no added fragrance or EOs in the formula, so sensitive skin types will most likely find it suitable as well. Overall, I’m satisfied with this and I would repurchase.

*I cannot compare this directly to the Klairs Vitamin C, since that contains Ascorbic Acid (pure vitamin c), but if that one was too strong for you, then this one might be an alternative worth trying.



Did you find the Isntree C-Niacin Toning Ampoule Review helpful? What’s your favorite product from the brand?



More Isntree reviews:

Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel Review
Hyaluronic Acid Toner Review
Onion Newpair Essence Toner Review


*PR Sample – kindly gifted by Isntree, but opinions are completely my own.
*Affiliate Links – It means I may earn a small commission when you purchase a product through the links I have provided at no extra cost to you. Sincerely thankful to all of you that support my blog! For more information, see Disclosure Policy.