Brand Comparison

Isntree vs The History of Whoo

A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?

Our Pick

The History of Whoo

Higher editor rating (8.8 vs 8.5)

Isntree The History of Whoo

Rating8.5/108.8/10

Price RangeBudget ($)Premium ($$$)

Founded20142003

OriginSeoul, South KoreaSouth Korea

Products115

Best ForSensitive, Dry, Combo, OilyMature, Dry

PhilosophyStraightforward skincare with clean, well-researched ingredients. No gimmicks, no fragrance — just reliable formulations at fair prices.Royal-court hanbang for the woman who wants her anti-aging to feel ceremonial.

Isntree

Isntree is the quiet overachiever of K-beauty. No viral TikTok moments, no flashy packaging — just consistently excellent products at budget prices. The Hyaluronic Acid Toner is one of the best hydrating toners on the market regardless of price, and the BHA toner punches well above its weight for acne-prone skin. This is a brand for people who read ingredient lists and appreciate understated excellence.

Pros

✓ Hyaluronic Acid Toner is genuinely outstanding
✓ Clean, fragrance-free formulations across the range
✓ Exceptional price-to-quality ratio

Cons

✗ Minimal brand identity and unremarkable packaging
✗ Low profile means limited availability outside Korea
✗ Some products overlap in function

The History of Whoo

Price tags that make you wince and packaging that belongs in a palace museum — but the Bichup Self-Generating Anti-Aging Essence is legitimately good, and the Gongjinhyang:Seol brightening line has receipts. You're paying for the ritual as much as the results, which is either the point or the problem, depending on who you are.

Pros