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Knowledge powered skin and hair care, that is how The Inkey List describe themselves, and I have been exploring their range since they released their first products in 2018.
Like most brands they do have amazing products as well as some I suggest you skip, and because I don‘t assume you want to scroll your way through 6+ years worth of blog posts just to see which The Inkey List products fit your skins needs, I decided to create this list with a short description as well as a link to a more indepth review.
The Inkey List Cleansers
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm
What it is
A balm cleanser in a tube, great for removing makeup and water resistant sunscreen.
Price
One bottle contains 150 ml and is available for 14 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
This luxurious cleansing balm gently dissolves make-up, cleans and nourishes the skin, making it ideal for sensitive skin types. Combining soothing colloidal oatmeal with ceramides to support skin’s natural protective barrier, it’s also formulated with oat kernel oil. (More info: The benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal in skincare explained)
Best for
Makeup removal or first cleanse when you do Double Cleanse. I think it is suitable for all skin types, but those on the drier or more sensitive side will benefit more from the hydrating feeling it leaves than those with oily skin.
My thoughts
I like it a lot especially during winter. If the added colloidal oat meal really gives an advantage in soothing the skin that other balm cleansers don’t have I can‘t say (More info: The benefits of colloidal oat meal in skincare explained), but if my skin is upset, this one is a great option to make sure the necessary cleansing doesn‘t aggravate it any further.
You can read my full review of The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm here.
The Inkey List Fulvic Acid Cleanser
What it is
A gel cleanser, often sold together with the Oat Cleansing Balm as Double Cleansing Bundle. Although it claims to gently exfoliate, I would describe it as nice, regular gel cleanser.
Price
One bottle contains 150 ml and is available for 14 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
This luxurious gel Fulvic Acid Cleanser gently exfoliates to reveal a brighter, healthy looking complexion whilst removing makeup, including eye makeup.
Containing 0.5% Nordic Peat, naturally high in Fulvic Acid which is proven to act as a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone whilst leaving skin feeling soft and soothed. Kakadum plum (rich in Vitamin C) instantly boost’s skin’s radiance whilst Liquorice root extract helps soothe and reduce hyperpigmentation.
Best for
All skin types.
My thoughts
I don‘t think it is exfoliating or will do much in terms of brightening the skin, but it is a really lovely gel cleanser with nice, non stripping foam. It isn‘t my favorite for removing makeup, it struggles to get everything I wear off, but I like it as morning or second cleanse.
You can read my full review of The Inkey List Fulvic Acid Cleanser here.
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser
What it is
A hydrating gel cleanser with minimal foam that is able to remove regular makeup.
Price
One bottle contains 150 ml and is available for 14 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
Dermatologically tested deeply hydrating cleanser for soft, smooth and healthy skin.
The lightly foaming formula of Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser removes makeup & SPF and continues to hydrate skin for up to 48 hours post use.
Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser contains a unique formula of 1% Hyaluronic Acid complex and 1% Inulin compound that immediately and deeply hydrates the skin, supports a healthy skin barrier and optimizes skin PH levels.
Best for
All skin types, but especially those with dry or dehydrated skin looking for a gel option.
My thoughts
A perfectly fine cleanser removing dirt and makeup while leaving the skin feeling hydrated, great if you are using irritating actives or struggle with dehydration. It is so basic in texture and experience though that I struggle to get excited about it.
You can read my full review of The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser here.
The Inkey List Oil and Water Double Cleanser (Discontinued)
What it is
An affordable, gentle yet thorough cleanse suitable for young skin that just started prescription retinoids for acne and was suffering with severe irritation.
Price
One bottle contains 150 ml and is sadly no longer available. It is vegan.
Claims
The INKEY List Oil & Water Double Cleanser is a 2 in 1 daily cleanser formulated with naturally derived Sea Buckthorn and Sweet Almond oil, to gently remove make-up and skins impurities. Added Panthenol works to help improve skins moisturise levels for a non-drying and thorough cleanse.
Best for
It was the cleanser I recommended most when building a skincare for people just starting with prescription retinoids, especially if they didn’t wear much makeup, but it worked on all skin types.
My thoughts
I am really sad that this one was discontinued, as it was gentle and hydrating, fun to use with the biphasic layer that needed to be shaken up and affordable. Yes, it would leave your sink in need of a wipe down when you spilled it thanks to the runny texture and the orange sea buckthorn oil, but I still don’t understand why it had to go.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Oil and Water Double Cleanser here.
The Inkey List Toners
The Inkey List PHA Toner
What it is
It is called an exfoliating toner, but I personally would call it hydrating rather than exfoliating.
Price
One bottle contains 100 ml and is available for 14 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
PHA Toner (Polyhydroxy acid) is a gentle chemical exfoliant and toner for sensitive skin. Made of large molecules, it removes dead cells from the surface layer of the skin, while naturally locking in moisture.
Best for
All skin types can use it, but very sensitive ones will benefit from it the most.
My thoughts
I like it a lot in winter when the combination of prescription retinoids and central heating, wind and cold makes my skin very reactive. I don’t think it really has a significant exfoliating effect on my skin, but the Polyhydroxy Acids (that I talk more about here) help with overall hydration and skin maintenance when something like Glycolic would make my face fall off.
You can read my review of The Inkey List PHA Toner here.
The Inkey List Serums
The Inkey List Alpha Arbutin Serum
What it is
A serum (treatment?) aiming to help lighten hyperpigmentation.
Price
One bottle contains 30 ml and is available for 14 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
A concentrated 2% Alpha Arbutin serum to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots and keep skin at an optimal hydration level.
Derived from the leaves of the bearberry plant, this non irritating brightening serum helps to improve overall skin tone. Added Squalane helps to increase skin hydration and smoothness.
Best for
People struggling with hyperpigmentation.
My thoughts
Treating hyperpigmentation requires a multi step approach, and Hydroquinone is the gold standard for more stubborn spots. It does however require a prescription and can be irritating, so using its precursor, Alpha-Arbutin, can be recommended. Despite being featured under the serum category, I find it to be more of a moisturizer in texture and liked using it as last step in my routine, which will work for normal to oily skin types.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Alpha Arbutin Serum here.
The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum
What it is
A 10% Niacinamide Serum with a few additional soothing ingredients. And one of The Inkey List products I didn’t love as much as expected.
Price
One bottle contains 30 ml and is available for 10 € here.
Claims
A lightweight, power-packed Niacinamide Serum that can be easily layered into your skincare routine.
Containing 10% Niacinamide this naturally occurring B3 vitamin helps to effectively reduce excess oil, blemishes and redness. This anti-blemish serum has a thin consistency and is formulated with 1% Hyaluronic Acid for added hydration and effective delivery.
Best for
Niacinamide is good for oily skins and might help tolerate strong retinoids better. It has also supporting qualities in treating hyperpigmentation and soothing redness, so in theory it should be beneficial for everyone. 10% is more than the usual recommendation, which is 5%.
My thoughts
I love Niacinamide and use it regularly paired with my Tretinoin to minimize the risk of irritation and I expected to love this, but asolutely didn’t. It leaves behind more tackiness than I care for and just didn’t wow me as much as other Niacinamide Serums I have tried – there are dozens at a similar price point. While it isn’t a bad product, it certainly isn’t among The Inkey Lists best.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum here.
The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C + EGF Brightening Serum
What it is
A serum claiming to help brighten the skin. It says 15% Vitamin C, but uses a derivative, not L-Ascorbic Acid, and Epidermal Growth Factors harvested from plants.
Price
One bottle contains 30 ml and is available for 17 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
Give your skin a double dose of supercharged brightening and rejuvenation with 15% Vitamin C & EGF Serum.
This powerful yet gentle, skin-brightening serum is formulated to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, improve dull skin and help to visibly brighten and even skin tone.
Powered by 15% Ascorbyl Glucoside, a stable form of antioxidant vitamin C, to help brighten skin and protect from damage caused by environmental aggressors together with plant-based peptide Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) to help visibly regenerate skin’s appearance and improve the feeling of elasticity for firmer-looking skin.
The lightweight serum absorbs immediately on contact with the skin without leaving a sticky residue.
Best for
Even though I generally recommend products containing peptides (or n this case EGF) for those with more mature skin, the lower price point and lovely lightweight texture would also make it a good option for younger skins, especially those that don’t tolerate L-Ascorbic Acid (that would always be my preferred choice).
My thoughts
I like it, but could do without the EGF. Not that I think they are harmful, but out of all the peptides available I wouldn’t pick them to help with my well aging endeavours, I have others I prefer for that. The texture is lovely, but I prefer my 15% L-Ascorbic Acid Serums over this one.
You can read my review of The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C + EGF Brightening Serum here.
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
What it is
A hydrating serum with a really nice texture and some extra benefits through added peptides.
Price
One bottle contains 30 ml and is available for 10 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
Our #1 bestseller, this is a daily essential for every routine and helps your other skincare work harder. Clinically proven to deliver instant and lasting hydration, this non-tacky hydrating serum leaves skin feeling plump, smooth and healthy.
Formulated with 2% multi-molecular Hyaluronic Acid, this powerful moisture-binding ingredient can hold up to 1000x its weight in water, which is essential for maintaining skin hydration and plumpness. Lightweight and rapidly absorbed on contact with the skin, the combination of high and low molecular weight HA helps the serum deliver hydration across multiple layers of the skin’s surface.
Suitable for all skin types, we love it for its non-sticky or tacky texture. It glides on and instantly melts into the skin leaving you with a hydrated, dewy base. Helping to combat dry skin, improve the appearance of fine lines and helps maintain an effective skin barrier, it’s a must-have for every skincare routine.
Best for
Everyone except those that don’t get along with Hyaluronic Acid. Hydration is beneficial for everyone and the added peptides offer well aging benefits for those with more mature skin.
My thoughts
I don’t really use a dedicated Hyaluronic Acid Serum these days as the humectant is present in so many other products that I have an abundance of it in my other products already. But if I would use one, the one from The Inkey List would still be a strong contender due to its affordable price, nice texture and added extras.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum here.
The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum (now called Vitamin C Cream)
What it is
A waterless Vitamin C product that offers a concentration of 30% L-Ascorbic Acid, stable thanks to the absence of water.
Price
One bottle contains 30 ml and is available for 13 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
Vitamin C is a powerful, multi-functional antioxidant and skin brightening ingredient. Our Vitamin C Serum helps to tackle the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dullness and fine lines.
Formulated with 30% pure L-ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C Serum can help your skin appear brighter and targets signs of ageing. Our 30% Vitamin C Serum can also help to protect against free radicals and pollution. Best used in the AM, the rich, creamy texture gives an instant smoothing effect, making it a great base for makeup.
Best for
Anyone wanting a high concentration of Vitamin C that doesn’t go off as quickly as others. Definitely not suitable for sensitive skins.
My thoughts
I really wanted to like this one, but I didn’t. The high concentration of Vitamin C, much higher than actually necessary to be beneficial (anything more than 20% will not give more benefits), is really irritating on my skin and the waterless texture always felt weird. I had to mix it with something like a Hyaluronic Acid Serum to be actually able to use it and that was too much faff for my liking.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum here.
The Inkey List Retinol Serum
What it is
A serum containing encapsulated retinol, according to the brand (and I agree) a good option for beginners that haven’t used retinoids before.
Price
One bottle contains 30 ml and is available for 15 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
The ideal Retinol for beginners to introduce your skin to this powerful ingredient. Specially formulated with a slow-release, less irritating form of Retinol, the skin-renewing serum targets first signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Working to visibly improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and overall skin tone and texture with continued improvement over time.
Hero ingredient Retinyl Acetate is a derivative of vitamin A and works to gently resurface and enhance surface skin cell turnover, improving appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. This form of slow-release Retinol has been specifically chosen as a gentler anti ageing serum option. The added Squalane, a key antioxidant ingredient, provides additional hydrating and soothing benefits whilst helping to smooth skin’s appearance.
Best for
A good option for those new to retinoids and/ or more sensitive skin (still incorporate it slowly!) as well as those that are at an age where they want to introduce retinoids for prevention of premature aging. This is not suitable to treat severe acne.
My thoughts
I like it a lot and have recommended it as a beginners retinoid to several people in the past before affordable Retinaldehyde serums appeared on the market. It has some potency, meaning despite the encapsulation should be introduced slowly, but if used sensibly won’t make your face fall off.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Retinol here.
The Inkey List Q10 Serum
What it is
An antioxidant serum without Vitamin C, so great for those that want antioxidant power, but don’t tolerate Ascorbic Acid.
Price
One bottle contains 30 ml and is available for 9 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
This antioxidant works to protect your skin, hydrate it and target signs of ageing.
Working in the upper layers of the skin, Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect your skin from environmental stress. With an added Syn®-Tacks dual peptide and Squalane, this light, hydrating serum also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Best for
People that want an antioxidant that isn’t Vitamin C, but still has some data behind it. The added peptides will add value especially for those with more mature skin.
My thoughts
I enjoy this one a lot, especially as it does much more than it says on the tin – it is an antioxidant, but at the same time offers peptides and due to the almost lotion like texture, can double up as moisturizer for normal to oily skin in the warmer months.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Q10 Serum here.
The Inkey List Collagen Serum
What it is
Unlike I thought the first time hearing about it, this is not a serum featuring hydrolized collagen (which can be hydrating), but a peptide serum aiming to boost collagen production.
Price
One bottle contains 30 ml and is available for 14 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
A serum that works to make the skin appear plumper and firmer, to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Using the Matrxyl 3000™ peptide, this smoothing and hydrating collagen serum mimics the effect of what natural collagen would do to your skin, helping it appear plumper and firmer. Syn-Tacks™ Dual Peptide serum also gives an added boost to aid a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Best for
People with more mature skin. I have said it before and I stand by it: If you are below 30, you don’t need peptides in your routine just yet.
My thoughts
It is a lovely peptide serum using the Matrixyl 3000 peptides you have probably already heard about paired with another one peptide aiming to boost structural skin proteins in addition to collagen.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Collagen Serum here.
The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment
What it is
It is now actually called Tranexamic Acid Serum, but no matter if you call it Serum or Treatment, it is a product aiming to lighten hyperpigmentation by using 2% Tranexamic Acid combined with a 2% Vitamin C derivative.
Price
One bottle contains 30 ml and is available for 14,80 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
This gel treatment targets hyperpigmentation, uneven patches and dark spots. It brightens your skin’s complexion, as well as aids the reduction of dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Formulated with 2% Tranexamic Acid (a powerful amino acid), 2% Acai Berry extract to promote even skin tone, as well as 2% skin brightening hero Vitamin C, it also boosts overall skin brightness and evens skin tone.
Best for
Obviously for those dealing with some kind of hyperpigmentation (More info: The different types of hyperpigmentation and where they come from), and out of those the ones that either can’t deal with the more irritating ingredients working against pigmentation or those already using everything else and wanting to add something on top.
My thoughts
Firstly: Beware of the scent, which is quite strong and resembles Barbecue Sauce. And second: Out of all the ingredients you can use to target your hyperpigmentation, Tranexamic Acid is not the one with the most robust data, so this is in the best case an addition to a routine that already does incorporate other means to target dark spots. (More info: The ten best ingredients to target hyperpigmentation) With all that in mind I do like this product a lot in terms of texture and the hydration it offers – for normal to oily skins this can easily be used as moisturizing step in the warmer months.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Serum here.
The Inkey List Ceramide Night Treatment (now: The Inkey List 3% Ceramide Serum)
What it is
When I first tried it, it was still called „Night Treatment“, but unless your skin is especially oily, it would have always worked best as serum step. Like all Ceramide products it aims to repair a somehow damaged skin barrier to prevent irritation and loss of moisture.
Price
One bottle contains 30 ml and is available for 15 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
This 3% blend of Ceramides works overnight at various levels of the skin to target dehydrated skin and help it appear plumper by morning.
Naturally found in the skin, Ceramide serum is the glue that binds skin cells together, helping the skin’s barrier feel rehydrated, supple and protected. This nourishing cream treatment is also formulated with a 2.5% multi-molecular Hyaluronic Acid, giving an all over surge of skin plumping hydration.
Best for
There are several reasons why your skin barrier could be impacted, the main ones being your genetics or, quite common these days, the (over?) use of potentially irritating actives. As Ceramides are part of a healthy skin barrier and lacking in some genetic skin barrier problems, topical conclusion of Ceramides is supposed to help with that. There are still a lot of things we don’t know when it comes to Ceramides as an ingredient (More info: The benefits of Ceramides in skincare explained), but if your skin is acting up or you are using strong actives and want to take preventative steps, products like this one are a good choice.
My thoughts
Out of all the Ceramide products I have tried so far, this is one of the more cosmetically elegant as it lacks the waxiness they often have. It has no tackiness and leaves the skin soft and hydrated, so gets a recommendation from me.
You can read my review of The Inkey List 3% Ceramide Serum here.
The Inkey List Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution 1% Retinol Serum
What it is
According to the brand it is the „step up“ from their Retinol Serum, targeting skin with concerns like acne scars, discoloration and wrinkles. Basically the Retinol Serum is preventative and this one is treatment.
Price
One bottle contains 30 ml and is available for 23 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
A unique serum containing our highest % of Retinol at 1% to reduce the appearance of marks, post-acne scar size, depth and discolouration and to help smooth out wrinkles.
Best for
People with leftover postinflammatory hyperpigmentation or those with more mature skin that already have experience with retinoids. It is not for treating acne, but for the leftover damage once your acne is under control.
My thoughts
I think this is a very nice over the counter option for those that want to step up their retinol game. I especially like the texture that is light enough for my combination skin, but still rich enough for me to wear it without another product on top.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution 1% Retinol Serum here.
The Inkey List Dry and Rough Skin Solution 10% Urea Moisturizer
What it is
A moisturizer with Urea, an ingredient that used to be popular mainly in foot creams and is slowly conquering the face cream domain as well. For good reason as it is especially good at hydrating dry skin – like the callusses on your feet. Despite the sound of this introduction it is actually a lovely texture that depending on your skin type will work morning or night.
Price
One bottle contains 50 ml and is available for 20 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
A clinically proven, fast absorbing moisturiser formulated with 10% Urea that delivers instant hydration to very dry skin. It gently exfoliates rough skin, leaving skin soothed and delaying dryness for up to 48 hours.
Best for
Dry and dehydrated skin, and even skin that is dehydrated, but slightly oily – then I would recommend night time use.
My thoughts
It is recommended for flaky skin by the brand referring to the keratolytic effect Urea has, but at the concentration present I don’t think you’ll see much of that. I still love it especially in the colder months to deeply hydrate my skin.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Dry and Rough Skin Solution 10% Urea Moisturizer here.
The Inkey List Symbright Moisturizer
What it is
A moisturizer that claims to brighten the skin using extracts that don’t really show up in the top 10 of ingredients to brighten hyperpigmentation.
Price
One bottle contains 50 ml and is available for 15 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
A silky, daily moisturizer formulated to brighten and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone whilst optimizing skin’s moisture and hydration levels.
Best for
For those that enjoy the texture and have everything else that might brighten their hyperpigmentation on board already, so they are looking for some exotic things to try on top.
My thoughts
I don’t like the texture, I feel it sits on my skin and feels odd, and I am underwhelmed by the ingredient combination that in my opinion won’t move the needle much in terms of hyperpigmentation. What I do like is that the finish on the skin is very natural without much dewiness.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Symbright Moisturizer here.
The Inkey List Omega Water Cream
What it is
A lightweight moisturizer that feels like water on the skin, but offers great hydration.
Price
One bottle contains 50 ml and is available for 12,50 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
Ideal for oily, dehydrated and combination skin, our Omega Water Cream is a silky, oil and silicone free moisturizer that’s clinically proven to increase skin hydration and help minimize excess oiliness in the skin. The innovative gel-cream formula instantly transforms into a fresh, water-like texture on contact with the skin, delivering a lightweight veil of immediate hydration. Skin looks smoother and more even with a dewy finish.
Best for
Oily skin or anyone in need of hydration during the summer heat when it is so hot that you can’t bear the feeling of adding another layer to your face.
My thoughts
I love this one. I use it depending on the season and the time of the day as moisturizer or as hydrating serum underneath something richer. The added 5% Niacinamide are a nice bonus, but I admit I mainly use it for the perfect lightweight hydration it gives.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Omega Water Cream here.
The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer
What it is
A moisturizer aimed at dry skin that will work for all skins except very oily ones and that uses a peptide to try and improve skin hydration as well as one that claims to increase skin elasticity.
Price
One bottle contains 50 ml and is available for 16,50 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
A nurturing yet fast-absorbing daily face moisturizer for dry skin. Its dual peptide formula aims to reduce the appearance of fine line & wrinkles and balance skin’s natural oil levels. With continued use, Peptide Moisturizer helps to support natural collagen and hydrate skin, leaving skin looking youthful.
Best for
Normal to dry skins and people with more mature skin that want hydration with a little extra.
My thoughts
Despite my skin being combination, I like this one a lot as despite its richness it sinks in without any heavy feeling, leaving my skin hydrated and soft. Sadly they have changed the packaging from a tub with press down lid (pictured) to a standard tube now. I am sure there was a good reason for that, but I miss the old version.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer here.
The Inkey List Snow Mushroom (sadly discontinued)
What it is
A hydrating moisturizer using a polypeptide found in snow mushroom for deep, multilevel hydration.
Price
n.a. as it is no longer available.
Claims
Deep hydration, soothing the skin and redness reduction.
Best for
Dehydrated skin prone to redness and irritation.
My thoughts
I liked the cooling gel texture in the summer and the fact that it was easy to layer underneath a richer moisturizer if you needed hydration and a little more.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Snow Mushroom here.
The Inkey List Rosehip Oil (discontinued)
What it is
A facial oil made up of rosehip oil.
Price
n.a. because no longer available
Claims
Seal in hydration while being non-greasy and target hyperpigmentation and dry patches.
Best for
Combination skin types that enjoy oil during the colder months or dry skin types that want an oil that skins in quickly.
My thoughts
I don‘t use oils on the regular and never really have, but this was one that I enjoyed. I never finish them though do I didn‘t repurchase.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Rose Hip Oil here.
The Inkey List Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment
What it is
A spot treatment designed to reduce the redness and bring down inflammation quickly.
Price
One tube contains 15 ml and is available for 12 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
Clear blemishes fast, reduce inflammation and prevent clogged pores with our non-drying, targeted treatment. With a cream formula, it is easily layered under makeup without flaking.
Using 2% Succinic Acid to treat blemishes, the treatment gently reduces blemish size, reduces oil levels and unblock pores whilst also helping prevent them from clogging again after use. Combined with 2% Sulfur and 1% Salicylic Acid, this targeted treatment will help shrink blemishes and blackheads whilst remaining gentle on the skin.
Best for
People that get regular breakouts – if you don‘t, you don‘t need the product.
My thoughts
Despite the controversy around its launch (the 2% Succinic Acid don‘t really bring the data on blemish fighting) I like this one a lot. The 2% Sulfur and the 1% Salicylic Acid help reduce inflammation quickly and I found it gentle enough to use alongside my other treatments without drying out my skin and turning it into a flaking mess.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Succinic Acid Treatment here.
The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream
What it is
An eye cream with a retinol derivative to help reduce fine lines around the eyes without irritating the more sensitive skin there. It is surprisingly firm to the touch when it comes out of the tube.
Price
One bottle contains 15 ml and is available for 15 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
A night time eye cream for fine lines, formulated to reduce the appearance of wrinkles while giving extra support to your most fragile skin.
Best for
I don’t think you need retinoids in your products if you are younger than 30 (medical reasons obviously excluded), but everyone could use it.
My thoughts
Despite being called „retinol eye cream“, it uses an encapsulated version that is slowly released. If that has the same effect as Retinol would have, I can’t say, and I also can’t comment on the concentration. It still is a great budget buy if the skin around your eyes is sensitive and you don’t want to risk bringing your face retinol up to the eyes.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream here.
The Inkey List Brighten-I Eye Cream
What it is
An eye cream claiming to brighten the under eyes both short and long term.
Price
One bottle contains 15 ml and is available for 14 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
Instantly illuminate and brighten dull under-eyes with Brighten-i™ Eye Cream. This lightweight, hydrating and eye-brightening cream targets dark circles and uneven skin tone to visibly improve under-eye brightness with lasting results.
Best for
People younger than 30 with light to moderate dark circles and no prominent wrinkles around the eyes.
My thoughts
While dark circles get usually worse with age, I think this one is aimed at a younger audience. While it contains a few helpful ingredients to target different causes for dark circles, I would after a certain age opt for a retinol for the eyes instead of this one. The slight pearlescent effect would sometimes emphasize lines around the eyes, another reason why I think it is better for a younger demographic.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Brighten-I Eye Cream here.
The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
What it is
A lightweight eye cream that tackles puffiness much better than any other I have tried and on top of that is loaded with peptides and other good things to help keep the skin around the eyes firm.
Price
One tube contains 15 ml and is available for 11 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
Tired, puffy eyes in need of a wake-up call? This is the product for you.
Our Caffeine Eye Cream is clinically proven to improve the appearance of under-eye puffiness and dark circles from first use. Lightweight and hydrating, the eye area feels instantly cooled, looks visibly less tired and leaves a smooth base for makeup.
Best for
People with puffy eyes either due to seasonal allergies or because they have reason to cry a lot.
My thoughts
I adore it and have repurchased in the double digits. Even if I cried a lot and applied this before going to bed the swelling would be minimal the next morning. The effect on dark circles was way less noticeable, at least on me, but they do appear due to a variety of reasons, so yours might react better to the cream than mine.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream here.
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
What it is
A pre-wash treatment for oily scalps and people that have seborrheic dermatitis, which can lead to flaky buildup mimicking dandruff. The new packaging has a fine nozzle that makes applying it to the hair much easier than the pump it had on first release (pictured above).
Price
One bottle contains 150 ml and is available for 15 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
Tackle flaky, oily and itchy-feeling scalps head on with our Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment.
Formulated as a pre-wash treatment, it works to gently exfoliate and slough off dead skin cells on the scalp’s surface to eliminate product buildup, reduce flakes, and minimize excess oil. Clinically proven to deliver visible results after one use, the formula soothes an itchy-feeling scalp, leaving it feeling healthier and more balanced.
Best for
People with oily scalp or people that don’t wash their hair too often and experience buildup. If your scalp is itching due to eczema, it might not be the one for you.
My thoughts
Both me and my kids have a tendency for seborrheic eczema with flaking on the scalp (a mild one, it only shows when we go a little longer between washes than normal), and introducing this once a week has really helped against flakes and (in my case) against roots getting too oily too quickly again.I have tried other brands over the years, but nothing beats the price here.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment here.
The Inkey List Caffeine Stimulating Scalp Treatment
What it is
One of the many scalp serums out there promising to help against the thinning of the hair that comes with age, stress and for a multitude of other reasons.
Price
One bottle contains 150 ml and is available for 15 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
An overnight hair growth serum that uses caffeine powder and an ingredient called Redensyl™ to help reduce hair loss by stimulating the scalp and hair follicles, therefore encouraging hair growth and helping to improve hair thickness.
Best for
People with thinning hair that have ruled out a medical reason that would need a different form of treatment and that for some reason don’t want to try Minoxidil, the topical ingredient with the best studied effect on hair thinning.
My thoughts
I will preface this by admitting that I didn’t manage to use this consistently, so my lack of results might be rooted in that. But other than pre-wash treatments I have a hard time with anything I need to apply to my washed hair as it makes me feel as if I need to wash my hair more often. If you don’t have this issue, it might work well for you, but I would still suggest using Minoxidil, which has better data on its effect on hair thinning that Caffeine or Redensyl have.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Caffeine Stimulating Scalp Serum here.
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Hair Treatment
What it is
Despite the name giving Hyaluronic Acid that is supposed to hydrate the hair to reduce frizz, the effect seems to come more from Resysthial, a compex coating the hair and preventing moisture to get in the hair and make it frizzy – hair doesn’t really like being hydrated.
Price
One bottle contains 100 ml and is available for 11 € here. It is vegan.
Claims
A lightweight serum formulated with optimized high and low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acids, helps to hydrate, reduce frizz and brittleness to improve shine, whilst helping to protect hair from the impact caused by environmental pollution.
Best for
People with damaged and frizzy hair – bleached blondes like myself for example, or people with hair that naturally leans toward frizziness. Tight curls come to mind for example.
My thoughts
I liked the product, but not so much the implication that the Hyaluronic Acid would be the thing doing the heavy lifting here. I am not as versed in hair as I am in skincare, but every expert I have talked to has agreed that hydrating serums for the hair don’t work the same way as they do for the face. I repurchased it once, but am pretty low maintenance with my hair and switched to other products over time.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Hair Treatment here.
The Inkey List Shea Oil Nourishing Hair Treatment
What it is
Apparently discontinued – I only find the Chia Seed Curl Defining Hair Treatment on the website and I never tried that one. But it was hair oil for dry and processed strands with an interesting, dry oil feel to it.
Price
One bottle contained 50 ml and is no longer available. It is vegan.
Claims
The causes of dry and brittle hair can be numerous, from chemical treatments, bleaching, excessive heat styling, diet, sun damage or simply your hair texture and type. Dry hair can show signs of frizziness, split ends and breakage.
To address these concerns we have created a unique formulation resulting in a non-greasy oil that helps to hydrate and nourish dry and brittle hair.
The end result? Moistured, shiny and protected hair from first use!
Best for
People with damaged hair that want shine and texture, but no silicone slip.
My thoughts
I like my hair products to contain certain silicones and don’t want added texture, so it wasn’t for me.
You can read my review of The Inkey List Shea Oil Nourishing Hair Treatment here.
Shop The Inkey List here
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