Hyaluronic Acid Low-Ph Cleansing Foam
Hyaluronic Acid Low-Ph Cleansing Foam
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, low-pH cleansing foam infused with 8 types of hyaluronic acid and 17 amino acids that deeply cleanses while maintaining skin's moisture barrier. This K-beauty favorite produces a soft, dense foam that removes impurities without stripping or tightening, leaving skin clean, hydrated, and balanced.
Triple Moisture Layer Technology
8 types of hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights create a three-layer moisture shield that prevents water loss during cleansing.
Texture & feel
SENSORYTriple Moisture Layer Technology
8 types of hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights create a three-layer moisture shield that prevents water loss during cleansing.
Amino Acid Complex
17 amino acids strengthen the skin barrier and improve skin texture by supporting natural protein synthesis.
Skin-Matching pH
Low pH formula (5.5-6.5) matches healthy skin's natural acid mantle, preventing disruption and maintaining optimal barrier function.
Cloud-Like Dense Foam
Gentle coconut-derived surfactants create a soft, dense foam that effectively removes impurities without stripping natural oils.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains Glycol Distearate and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate which may not be fully FA-safe. Patch test recommended for those prone to malassezia.
Dermatologically tested, fragrance-free formula with soothing Centella Asiatica, Beta-Glucan, and Panthenol. Skin irritation test completed.
Gentle enough to use with retinol and other active ingredients. Low pH won't interfere with treatment efficacy.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTS8 Types of Hyaluronic AcidProven
Multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid complex that hydrates at different skin layers. Small molecules penetrate deeper while large molecules form a protective moisture barrier on the surface.
- Types included: Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed HA, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate
- Function: Each type provides different benefits - from deep penetration to long-lasting surface hydration
17 Amino AcidsProven
Complete amino acid complex that mimics the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). Supports skin barrier repair and protein synthesis for healthier, more resilient skin.
- Includes: Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Arginine, Lysine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Threonine, Tyrosine, Valine, Histidine, Cysteine, Methionine
- Research: Amino acids are essential building blocks for collagen and elastin production
Centella Asiatica ExtractProven
Also known as "Cica" or "Tiger Grass," this healing herb has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Known for its powerful soothing and skin-repairing properties.
- Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, wound healing, collagen synthesis support
- Research: Studies show Centella improves skin barrier function and reduces redness
Ceramide NPProven
A lipid naturally found in the skin barrier that helps retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors. Essential for maintaining healthy, resilient skin.
- Function: Fills gaps between skin cells to strengthen the moisture barrier
- Pairing: Works synergistically with the Hydrogenated Lecithin in this formula
Supporting IngredientsPromising
Additional beneficial ingredients that enhance the formula's hydrating and soothing properties.
- Beta-Glucan: Soothing polysaccharide that calms irritation and boosts hydration
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Hydrates and helps skin retain moisture
- Allantoin: Soothes and promotes skin healing
- Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate: Licorice-derived ingredient that calms redness
57 ingredients
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glycol Distearate, Potassium Cocoate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Arginine, Lysine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Threonine, Tyrosine, Valine, Histidine, Cysteine, Methionine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Beta-Glucan, Panthenol, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Fructooligosaccharides, Allantoin, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the second step in double cleansing (PM) or as a standalone cleanser (AM). For best results, follow with the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Start with a damp face. If wearing makeup or sunscreen, use an oil cleanser first.
Dispense & Foam
Take a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) onto wet palms and work into a foam. A little goes a long way!
Gentle Massage
Apply to face in gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until all product is removed. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- Your skin feels tight and dry after cleansing
- You have sensitive or easily irritated skin
- You want a gentle, hydrating daily cleanser
- You're looking for a low pH cleanser
- You prefer fragrance-free formulas
- You want to maintain skin barrier health
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
Consider alternatives if:
- You have confirmed fungal acne (contains potential FA triggers)
- You need a cleanser that removes heavy makeup alone
- You prefer a squeaky-clean feeling after washing
- You want strong exfoliating action
- You have very oily skin and want oil control
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThe 8 types of hyaluronic acid and amino acids provide intense hydration without stripping. No tight feeling after cleansing.
Fragrance-free, low pH formula with soothing Centella and Panthenol. Dermatologically tested for minimal irritation.
Effectively cleanses without over-drying. Balances hydration across different face zones.
Cleanses well but may feel less "cleansing" than stronger formulas. Great for those with dehydrated-oily skin.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5), but contains ingredients that may trigger fungal acne. Patch test recommended.
Results timeline
1+ MONTHSoft, Hydrated Feeling
Skin feels clean but not stripped. No tightness or dryness typically experienced with other cleansers.
95% noticedImproved Skin Texture
Smoother, softer skin texture as the amino acids support natural skin renewal and barrier repair.
80% noticedBalanced Hydration
Overall improvement in skin hydration levels. Less dehydration throughout the day, better product absorption.
75% noticedHealthier Skin Barrier
Strengthened moisture barrier, reduced sensitivity, and more resilient skin that handles other products better.
70% noticedRatings by platform
850+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Doesn't strip skin or leave it feeling tight
- Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin
- A little product goes a long way
- Creates soft, dense, luxurious foam
- Low pH maintains healthy skin barrier
- 8 types of HA provide layered hydration
- Affordable for K-beauty quality
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
Criticized
- May not feel "clean enough" for oily skin types
- Slight soapy/unusual scent bothers some users
- Not suitable for confirmed fungal acne
- Won't remove heavy makeup alone (need oil cleanser)
- Tube packaging wastes product at the end
- Can sting eyes if not careful during use
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar low pH concept but uses tea tree oil and BHA for mild exfoliation. Has a noticeable tea tree scent. Better for oily/acne-prone skin.
Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid like the Isntree. Non-foaming cream formula. Larger size (16oz) offers better value. Available at drugstores.
French pharmacy option with ceramide and niacinamide. Cream-to-foam texture. Dermatologist recommended for sensitive skin. No HA complex.
Gentle gel cleanser with hemp seed oil and matcha. Fungal acne safe option. Minimal ingredient list (18 ingredients vs 57).
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tube tightly closed after use.
Hygienic squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Minimizes air exposure and contamination.
Yes - 150ml is above TSA limit but perfect for checked luggage. Available in trial kits for carry-on.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes! This cleanser is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain any of the ingredients typically flagged as unsafe during pregnancy, such as retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. The gentle, fragrance-free formula makes it a great choice for expecting and nursing mothers.
Use with caution. The formula contains Glycol Distearate and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, which may not be fully safe for fungal acne-prone skin. If you have confirmed fungal acne, consider doing a patch test first or opt for a certified FA-safe cleanser like Vanicream or the Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Cleanser.
Absolutely! This low pH cleanser is gentle enough to use with all active ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA. In fact, its low pH (5.5-6.5) helps maintain an optimal skin environment for these actives to work effectively. Just cleanse, wait for your skin to dry, then apply your treatment products.
This cleanser is best suited for dry, sensitive, and dehydrated skin types. The 8 types of hyaluronic acid and amino acids provide excellent hydration without stripping. It's also great for those with compromised skin barriers or anyone who experiences tightness after cleansing. Oily skin types may find it less satisfying if they prefer a more "squeaky clean" feeling.
You'll notice the difference immediately - skin feels soft and hydrated instead of tight and dry after cleansing. For skin texture improvements and barrier strengthening benefits, most users report noticeable changes within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. Full barrier repair benefits typically develop over 1-2 months.
Use as the second step in double cleansing (after oil cleanser) in your PM routine to remove residual makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. In your AM routine, it can be used as a standalone cleanser. Always follow with toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only).
This cleanser has a very low comedogenic rating of 1/5. It uses gentle, coconut-derived surfactants (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate) that effectively cleanse without leaving pore-clogging residue. However, individual skin reactions can vary, so patch testing is always recommended for acne-prone skin.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. With twice-daily use, the 150ml tube typically lasts 3-4 months since only a small amount is needed per use. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the cap tightly closed to maintain product integrity.
Verdict: The Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Low-pH Cleansing Foam is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won't compromise their skin barrier. The combination of 8 hyaluronic acid types, 17 amino acids, and soothing botanicals delivers real hydration benefits that users notice immediately. While it may not satisfy those who prefer a deep-cleansing, squeaky-clean feeling, it's perfect for dry, sensitive, and dehydrated skin types. The pregnancy-safe, fragrance-free formula makes it widely accessible. Just note that those with confirmed fungal acne should patch test first or consider alternatives. For the price point, it offers exceptional value with quality K-beauty formulation.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Glycol Distearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsifying, Opacifying
|
|






