Isntree Onion Sunscreen

Why This Unique Korean Sunscreen Deserves a Place in Your Daily Regimen

I still remember the day I first discovered Isntree Onion Sunscreen. There I was, doom-scrolling through skincare forums at 1 AM (as one does), when I kept noticing the same product popping up in “holy grail” lists. After years of trying countless sunscreens that either left me looking like Casper the Friendly Ghost or turned my face into an oil slick by noon, I was intrigued but skeptical. Could a sunscreen with “onion” in its name actually be the answer to my prayers?

Fast forward three months, and I’m officially a convert. This sunscreen has completely transformed my relationship with sun protection, and I’m here to share every detail about what makes this product so special. If you’re on the fence about trying it or just curious about what makes it different from the sea of other options out there, keep reading. This comprehensive buying guide will help you decide if Isntree Onion Sunscreen is the missing piece in your skincare puzzle.

What Exactly Is Isntree Onion Sunscreen?

Before diving into the benefits, let’s address the elephant in the room: yes, this sunscreen contains onion extract, and no, it won’t make you smell like you’ve been chopping onions all day (more on that later!).

Isntree is a Korean skincare brand known for creating gentle, effective products with clean formulations. Their Onion Newpair Gel Sunscreen has become a standout product in their lineup, gaining cult status among skincare enthusiasts worldwide. It’s a chemical sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection while simultaneously addressing various skin concerns—which is what makes it so unique in the crowded sunscreen market.

The Benefits That Make It Stand Out

After incorporating this sunscreen into my daily routine, I’ve noticed several significant improvements in my skin. Here’s why this product has earned a permanent spot on my vanity:

Superior Sun Protection

The Isntree Onion Sunscreen provides SPF 50+ PA++++ protection, which is the highest level of UVA protection available in the Korean rating system. For those unfamiliar with sunscreen ratings, SPF measures protection against UVB rays (the ones that cause sunburn), while the PA rating indicates protection against UVA rays (the ones responsible for premature aging and deeper skin damage).

This level of protection means you’re getting defense against both types of harmful UV rays, which is essential for preventing not just sunburn but also long-term skin damage like dark spots, wrinkles, and increased risk of skin cancer.

The Power of Onion Extract

When I first heard about onion extract in skincare, I was puzzled. Aren’t onions what make you cry in the kitchen? What business do they have in a face product?

It turns out that onion extract is actually a powerhouse ingredient. Rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds, it offers remarkable benefits for the skin:

• Reduces inflammation and redness: I’ve noticed a significant decrease in the redness around my nose and cheeks since using this product.
• Helps fade hyperpigmentation: The dark spots from old acne marks have gradually become less noticeable.
• Supports skin healing: Minor irritations seem to resolve faster.
• Provides antioxidant protection: It helps neutralize free radicals, offering an extra layer of defense beyond UV protection.

The onion extract used in this sunscreen comes from black onions, which undergo a special aging process that enhances their beneficial compounds. This isn’t just marketing hype—I’ve genuinely seen improvements in my skin’s overall tone and texture.

Lightweight, Non-Greasy Formula

One of my biggest sunscreen pet peeves has always been the heavy, suffocating feeling many leave behind. The Isntree Onion Sunscreen has a gel-like consistency that spreads easily and absorbs quickly, leaving no sticky residue whatsoever.

Even on humid summer days, it feels incredibly lightweight on the skin. I can apply the recommended amount (about a quarter-sized dollop for the face) without feeling like I’ve plastered my skin with a heavy cream. This attribute alone sets it apart from many other high-protection sunscreens.

No White Cast

Let’s talk about another common sunscreen issue: the dreaded white cast. As someone with a medium skin tone, I’ve struggled with mineral sunscreens that leave me looking ashy and washed out.

The Isntree Onion Sunscreen applies completely clear, regardless of your skin tone. I’ve recommended it to friends with deeper complexions than mine, and they’ve all reported the same positive experience—no white cast whatsoever. This makes it an inclusive option for all skin tones, which isn’t always the case with high-SPF sunscreens.

Skin-Friendly Ingredients

Beyond the onion extract, the formula includes several other beneficial ingredients:

• Niacinamide: Helps with brightening and reducing the appearance of pores
• Hyaluronic acid: Provides hydration without heaviness
• Centella asiatica extract: Soothes irritation and supports skin barrier function
• Adenosine: Has anti-aging properties that help with fine lines

The formulation is also free from potentially irritating ingredients like artificial fragrances, parabens, and alcohol, making it suitable for sensitive skin. When I had an eczema flare-up last winter, this was one of the few products I could continue using without exacerbating the irritation.

Is It Right for Your Skin Type?

One of the most impressive aspects of the Isntree Onion Sunscreen is its versatility across different skin types. Here’s my breakdown based on personal experience and feedback from friends with various skin concerns:

Sensitive Skin

If you’ve had reactions to other sunscreens in the past, this might be your new best friend. The formula is designed to be gentle and non-irritating, with soothing ingredients that actually help calm sensitivity rather than trigger it.

I have somewhat sensitive skin that tends to react to heavily fragranced products, and I’ve never experienced any irritation with this sunscreen. The absence of alcohol is particularly beneficial for reactive skin types, as alcohol can often cause stinging or increased sensitivity.

Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

This sunscreen has been a game-changer for my T-zone oiliness. Unlike many sunscreens that seem to amplify oil production, the Isntree Onion Sunscreen has a balancing effect. I find I’m much less shiny by midday when I use this product.

For acne-prone individuals, this formula is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. The onion extract can actually help with inflammation associated with breakouts, potentially providing a therapeutic benefit alongside sun protection. Several of my friends with acne-prone skin have reported that this is one of the few sunscreens that doesn’t exacerbate their breakouts.

Dry and Dehydrated Skin

Despite its lightweight nature, this sunscreen offers surprising hydration benefits. The hyaluronic acid in the formula helps retain moisture, while the gel texture creates a subtle barrier that prevents water loss throughout the day.

During winter months when my skin tends to be drier, I find I can sometimes skip my morning moisturizer and just use this sunscreen without experiencing any tightness or flaking. That said, those with extremely dry skin might still prefer to use a moisturizer underneath.

Combination Skin

As someone with combination skin (oily T-zone, normal cheeks, occasional dry patches), finding products that work for my entire face can be challenging. The Isntree Onion Sunscreen somehow manages to address all these concerns simultaneously, hydrating where needed without adding excess oil to already shiny areas.

How to Incorporate It Into Your Skincare Routine

Getting the most out of this sunscreen requires proper application and positioning in your skincare routine. Here’s how I use it for maximum benefit:

Morning Routine Placement

The Isntree Onion Sunscreen should be the final step in your morning skincare routine, after cleansing, toning, serums, and moisturizer (if needed), but before makeup. Here’s my typical morning lineup:

1. Gentle cleanser
2. Hydrating toner
3. Antioxidant serum (vitamin C or similar)
4. Eye cream
5. Lightweight moisturizer (I sometimes skip this in summer or when my skin feels balanced)
6. Isntree Onion Sunscreen
7. Makeup (if wearing)

Application Technique

To ensure you’re getting the full SPF protection, application technique matters. Here’s what I’ve found works best:

1. Squeeze approximately a quarter-sized amount (about 1/4 teaspoon) for your entire face.
2. Apply in sections: forehead, each cheek, nose and chin.
3. Gently pat and press rather than rubbing vigorously.
4. Don’t forget often-missed areas like around the hairline, ears, and neck.
5. Allow 10-15 minutes for the sunscreen to fully set before applying makeup.

Reapplication Tips

Even the best sunscreen needs reapplication, especially if you’re outdoors for extended periods. Reapplying over makeup can be tricky, but I’ve developed a few strategies:

• For minimal makeup days, I gently pat another layer directly over my makeup.
• When wearing a full face, I use a clean makeup sponge to press (not swipe) a small amount over my makeup.
• For on-the-go situations, I first blot any oil with a tissue, then apply the sunscreen with light tapping motions.

Ideally, reapplication should happen every 2 hours of sun exposure, though I’ll admit this isn’t always practical in real life. At minimum, I ensure I reapply before extended outdoor activities.

Makeup Compatibility: Does It Play Well With Others?

A major concern with any facial sunscreen is how it interacts with makeup. After experimenting with various combinations, I can confidently report that the Isntree Onion Sunscreen is one of the most makeup-friendly sunscreens I’ve ever used.

Under Foundation

Due to its quick-absorbing formula, this sunscreen creates an excellent base for foundation. Unlike some sunscreens that cause makeup to pill or separate, the Isntree Onion Sunscreen actually seems to help my foundation apply more smoothly.

I’ve successfully paired it with various foundation types:

• Liquid foundations (both water and silicone-based)
• Powder foundations
• BB creams and tinted moisturizers
• Cushion foundations

In each case, the makeup applied evenly without pilling or patchiness. If anything, I find my makeup stays fresher longer when I use this as my base.

Primer Substitute

On more minimal makeup days, I sometimes skip primer altogether and just use the sunscreen. It provides enough grip for products like concealer and blush to adhere well, while still maintaining a natural skin finish.

The subtle blurring effect it has on pores and fine lines serves as a great primer-like base that improves the appearance of makeup without adding another layer of product.

Addressing Potential Concerns

Despite its many benefits, you might still have some reservations about this product. Let me address the most common questions and concerns:

“Does it really smell like onions?”

This was my first concern, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the Isntree Onion Sunscreen has a very mild, fresh scent that dissipates quickly after application. There’s absolutely no discernible onion smell whatsoever.

The formula contains no added artificial fragrances, so the subtle scent comes from the natural ingredients. I’d describe it as clean and barely noticeable—certainly nothing that would compete with perfume or be detected by others.

“Is it really worth the price?”

The Isntree Onion Sunscreen typically retails between $20-28 USD for 50ml (1.7 oz), depending on where you purchase it. While this isn’t the cheapest sunscreen on the market, I consider it excellent value for several reasons:

1. The multifunctional benefits mean you’re getting sun protection, antioxidant defense, and skin-improving ingredients all in one product.
2. A little goes a long way—using the correct amount daily, one tube lasts me approximately 2-2.5 months.
3. The quality of the formulation is comparable to much more expensive brands.

When I consider how much I previously spent on separate products to address the various skin concerns this sunscreen handles, it actually represents a cost saving.

“Is it truly cruelty-free and vegan?”

Isntree is committed to cruelty-free practices and does not test on animals. The Onion Sunscreen is also vegan-friendly, containing no animal-derived ingredients. This ethical stance is another reason I feel good about supporting the brand.

“Can I use it around my eyes?”

The eye area is typically the most sensitive part of the face, and many sunscreens cause stinging or irritation here. I’ve been able to apply the Isntree Onion Sunscreen right up to my lash line without any discomfort or irritation.

That said, everyone’s sensitivity levels differ, so I’d recommend starting cautiously if you have extremely sensitive eyes, perhaps testing a small amount near (but not directly on) the eyelid first.

How It Compares to Other Popular Sunscreens

To give you a better perspective, let me compare the Isntree Onion Sunscreen to some other well-known options I’ve tried:

Vs. La Roche-Posay Anthelios

La Roche-Posay makes excellent sunscreens that I’ve used for years. Their Anthelios line offers similar high protection (SPF 50+), but I find the texture of Isntree to be lighter and more elegant. The La Roche-Posay options tend to feel more traditionally “sunscreen-like,” while Isntree feels more like a skincare treatment.

The major difference is in the additional benefits—La Roche-Posay focuses primarily on sun protection, while Isntree offers the added skincare benefits of onion extract and other nourishing ingredients.

Vs. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

Supergoop! Unseen is renowned for its invisible, primer-like finish. Both it and the Isntree Onion Sunscreen leave no white cast, but I find Isntree to be more hydrating and better for longer-term skin benefits. Supergoop! has a more silicone-heavy feel that some prefer for its mattifying properties, while Isntree feels more like a skincare gel.

Price-wise, Isntree is generally more affordable than Supergoop!, offering similar cosmetic elegance at a lower price point.

Vs. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence

This Japanese sunscreen is another cult favorite known for its lightweight feel. Both it and Isntree have gel-like textures that absorb quickly. The main difference is that Biore contains alcohol, which helps with the fast-drying effect but can be drying or irritating for some skin types. Isntree’s alcohol-free formula makes it more suitable for sensitive or dry skin.

In terms of additional benefits, Isntree’s formulation with onion extract offers more skin-improving properties beyond sun protection.

Real Results: My Personal Experience

I’ve now been using the Isntree Onion Sunscreen daily for over three months, and the improvements in my skin have been noticeable:

1. Reduced redness: The persistent redness around my nose and cheeks has diminished significantly.
2. Faded hyperpigmentation: Several post-inflammatory dark spots from past breakouts have lightened considerably.
3. Better overall texture: My skin feels smoother and looks more refined.
4. Balanced oil production: I experience less midday shine, particularly in my T-zone.
5. Improved makeup wear: My foundation lasts longer and looks better throughout the day.

These benefits have accumulated gradually over time, which suggests to me that the skincare ingredients in the formula are truly effective with consistent use. What started as simply a search for a comfortable daily sunscreen has turned into a product that actively improves my skin’s condition.

Where to Purchase and What to Expect

The Isntree Onion Sunscreen is available through various retailers, both online and in physical stores that specialize in Asian beauty products. Popular online options include:

• YesStyle
• Stylevana
• Olive Young Global
• Amazon (though be cautious of authorized sellers to avoid counterfeits)
• Specialized K-beauty retailers like Sokoglam, Stylekorean, and Jolse

Prices typically range from $20-28 USD, depending on retailer and any ongoing promotions. Shipping times can vary significantly, especially when ordering from international retailers, so plan accordingly if you’re running low.

The sunscreen comes in a 50ml (1.7 oz) squeeze tube with a narrow nozzle that dispenses the product precisely, preventing waste. The packaging is practical for travel and everyday use, though I do wish they offered a larger size option for those of us who use it religiously.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Adding to Your Routine?

After thoroughly testing the Isntree Onion Sunscreen and experiencing its benefits firsthand, my conclusion is a resounding yes—this product is absolutely worth trying, especially if:

• You’ve struggled to find a sunscreen that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy
• You have sensitivity to traditional sunscreen formulations
• You’re looking to address skin concerns like hyperpigmentation or redness while protecting from the sun
• You want a sunscreen that works well under makeup
• You prefer products with additional skincare benefits beyond UV protection

Of all the skincare products I’ve introduced into my routine over the past year, this sunscreen has made one of the most noticeable differences. The combination of excellent sun protection, skin-improving ingredients, and cosmetic elegance makes it stand out in an increasingly crowded market.

The most important takeaway is that the best sunscreen is ultimately the one you’ll actually use every day—and the pleasant experience of using the Isntree Onion Sunscreen makes daily application something I look forward to rather than a chore.

If you’ve been sunscreen-hopping or struggling to find “the one,” I highly recommend giving this unique formula a try. Your skin will thank you not just for the sun protection, but for all the additional benefits that come with this thoughtfully formulated product.

Remember that consistency is key with any sunscreen—the most expensive, high-tech formula won’t help if it sits unused in your drawer. What makes Isntree Onion Sunscreen special is that it removes the barriers that typically prevent consistent use: discomfort, white cast, greasiness, and incompatibility with makeup.

Have you tried the Isntree Onion Sunscreen or are you considering adding it to your routine? I’d love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions you might have about this standout product. Here’s to protected, happy skin all year round!