Before getting in, I have acne-prone and slightly dry skin and live in a hot and humid area. Also I used this only at night layering it after Kiku Lotion and Cezanne Deep Conditioning Toner, followed by Pyunkang Yul Intensive Ceramide Lotion.

If you’re a fan of milky toners, chances are the Isntree Yam Root Vegan Milk Toner has caught your eye at some point. I picked this up shortly after it launched, lured in by the hype, especially after hearing that it might be a dupe for Laneige’s Cream Skin Refiner. Needless to say, I went in with high expectations.

The first thing that stood out to me? The texture. Despite the presence of several plant oils, it’s incredibly lightweight, almost watery, and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy or sticky finish. The formula itself is a milky white with faint white particles suspended throughout, presumably from the 80% Yam Root Extract, so you’ll need to give the bottle a shake before each use.

Application-wise, I’ve had no issues layering this twice, and it always leaves my skin feeling smooth and lightly plumped. There’s no added fragrance, which is a win if you’re sensitive and somehow, even in my hot, humid climate, it never feels heavy or suffocating.

That said, it leans more hydrating than moisturizing. I don’t rely on this alone to seal in moisture, but the inclusion of ceramides, cholesterol, and nourishing oils like sunflower, macadamia, and meadowfoam definitely adds a cushiony softness. When I finish my full PM routine, I notice a subtle glass skin effect although to be fair, I’m layering this with other toners, so it’s hard to credit it entirely.

I’ve been using this for about 5–6 months now and have made it through roughly 65% of the 200ml bottle. For what it offers, the price is reasonable as I grabbed mine for $12 on sale, which makes it a pretty accessible option if you’re looking for something calming and hydrating without the weight.

Therefore I suppose this is a solid hydrating toner that plays nicely with others, offers a touch of moisturization, and leaves skin soft and smooth. It’s particularly comforting in the cooler months. While I don’t plan on repurchasing (I like to rotate and explore), I can still confidently recommend it if you’re after a gentle, milky toner that supports your skin barrier without overwhelming it.

Would I repurchase? Not this time, but only because I love trying new things.