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Skincare isn’t just a passion, it’s an addict. And you know what? I’m chronically addicted, which has led me into testing almost every new skincare products on the market to share my personal and honest review about them and today, I’m going to be reviewing about The Inkey List Niacinamide serum which is now making waves in the skincare industry just like that of The Ordinary’s version.
Like I keep saying, I have an oily and sensitive skin and for that, I’m really into skincare ingredients that can stop excessive production of natural oil and niacinamide is my best bet. I’ve used a lot of niacinamide serums previously including The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + % Zinc 1% serum which I have found to be one of the best for me so far, and has remained in my skincare routine.
But as competition may have it, I have decided to give that of The Inkey List 10% Niacinamide + 1% Hyaluronic Acid a trail and see how it goes and after 2 weeks, I have come up with my precise review, but before I go down to it, let’s know more about The Inkey List brand (just Incase you’re new to it).
About The Inkey List Brand.
The Inkey List skincare Brand was launched in 2018, this brand is situated in Canada (just like The Ordinary brand) and has a way of making simple, effective and quality skincare products at a very cheap price (just like The Ordinary skincare brand too) including their product packaging, infact every odds has it that they very much emulated from The Ordinary brand, from producing quality skincare products down to making them pocket friendly to suits everyone’s budget.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3 and a water-soluble vitamin that helps control excessive oil production, minimize large pores, Improve skin barrier function and enhance overall skin tone which is very beneficial for all skin types but mostly for individuals with oily skin. Individuals with oily skin are very much vulnerable to acne breakouts due to excessive oil (sebum) production which can lead to clogged pores, so to regulate oil production you have to incorporate niacinamide into your routine.
The Inkey List 10% Niacinamide Serum.
The Inkey List niacinamide serum contains 10% niacinamide in combination with 1% hyaluronic acid (for added moisture) while niacinamide does its magic. The percentage of niacinamide in The Inkey List version is same with that of The Ordinary’s niacinamide version but the difference is, The Ordinary’s version combined niacinamide with zinc for more regulation and reduction of excessive sebum (oil) and also minimization of redness which makes it more suitable for people with oily skin, while that of the The Inkey List’s version contains more of skin hydrating and moisturizing ingredients which are going to be explained below.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan (carbohydrates) found in our body. The largest amounts of it are found in your skin, connective tissue and eyes. Its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated, hydrated and moist. It’s called the “moisture magnet” because it pulls water from the atmosphere to your skin to supply the skin with hydration.
- Squalane: Squalene is a lipid fat, that is naturally produced by the oil glands in our skin to hydrate and maintain the barrier of our skin. Squalane oil mimicks our natural skin oil, which means when it’s applied on the skin, the skin recognizes it and takes it as its own, our skin understands and compliments it. So, if you’re scared or worried that squalane is going to break you out, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about, because that is never going to happen. Squalane oil is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and is suitable for use on all skin types. It has excellent emollient properties, meaning it can keep your skin hydrated and moisturized.
- Soyabean Oil: Soybean oil is the vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the soybean. Soybean oil is abundantly rich in vitamin E, a nutrient that can help promote skin health by fighting against free radicals, which are known to cause rapid signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. And also protect against inflammation and help the skin retain moisture. That’s not all, soyabean oil also contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids which restore collagen and increase skin’s elasticity, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. So, aside retaining moisture, moisturizing and nourishing the skin, soybean oil also works to prevent and reduce signs of aging.
Packaging.
Comes in a black and white colored plastic container (not bottle) with a squeezable top flip-cap to dispense the liquid easily unlike the traditional dropper bottle most brands uses.
Texture.
The Inkey List niacinamide serum has a creamy-rich texture, feels super hydrating on the skin and absorbs quickly, but leaves a tacky feeling/finish on the skin. To counteract this feeling you have to layer a moisturizer on top and you’re good to go.
It spreads effortlessly and nicely on the skin, all you need to do is give it a gentle massage and watch it absorb in no distant time.
Size.
The Inkey List niacinamide serum comes in a 30ml container size.
Ingredients:
Water (Aqua/ Eau), Niacinamide, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hyaluronic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phospholipids, Xanthan Gum, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Allantoin, Disodium Edta, Polysorbate 60, Panthenol, Glycolipids, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterol, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Sodium Phosphate.
My Review On The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum.
After 2 weeks of usage, this niacinamide serum also delivered the same positive effect I had from that of The Ordinary’s niacinamide version. Although at the time of using The Inkey List niacinamide serum, I had no active acne but definitely still had none till I made this review, so I bet that future acne occurrence was under control.
Not only that, my large pores were shrunked to a point of invisibility (but you can still see them when you take a closer look), my skin was more smoother, excessive oil production which I normally have more around my T-zone (forehead and nose) was drastically curtailed while redness was as well reduced too.
Talking about the effect of The Inkey List niacinamide serum on my skin tone, there was an improvement in radiance and luminosity just like the same effect I got when using The Ordinary’s niacinamide serum.
Taking about the texture, it was very hydrating and soothing on my skin but it did eventually leave a tacky finish after absorbing which I had absolute no problem with because I seal off with my moisturizer which counteracts the slight-tacky feeling.
To sum it up, The Inkey List 10% niacinamide serum is really wonderful and one of the best niacinamide serum you can try out, especially if you have a dry skin because of its added skin soothing, nourishing hydrating and moisturizing ingredients.
Upon I have an oily skin but it never made my skin more oily but rather controlled excessive oil production. At first, I was scared to try this serum because of its consistency, I thought because it has a thick-rich texture that it might cause acne breakouts, but that never happened, rather I enjoyed the hydration and soothing effect on my skin.
In Conclusion.
If you have oily to combination skin, The Ordinary niacinamide version is your best bet because of its combination of niacinamide with zinc which helps regulate oil production too and reduces Inflammation. Because of these two combinations, individuals with dry skin type will find The Ordinary niacinamide serum very drying to their skin. So to say, it’s more suitable for people with oily to combination skin.
But, if you have dry to very dry skin then The Inkey List niacinamide serum will be your best choice because it combines niacinamide with other super-hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalane and soyabean oil which helps keeps the skin intensively moisturized, hydrated, nourished, supple and soft, while niacinamide does it job.
What I Like About The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum.
- Very budget friendly.
- Absorbs Quickly.
- Regulated Excessive Oil.
- Improved My Complexion.
- Well Packaged.
- Fragrance-Free.
- Minimized Large Visible Pores & Smoothen The Skin
What I Dislike About The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum.
- Leaves a slight-tacky finish behind (which I counteract using my moisturizer).
- Due to product’s flipping top-cap you may not get a full control while dispensing the product, which may make you dispense a lot sometimes. (You have to be careful while dispensing, to avoid dispensing too much).
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: Does The Inkey List niacinamide serum foam just like The Ordinary’s version?.
A: No. When you rub The Inkey List niacinamide serum in the palm of your hands prior to application it doesn’t foam.
Q: Does The Inkey List niacinamide serum pill?.
A: No. I layered it with other of my skincare products and I experienced no pilling of any sort.
Q: Does The Inkey List niacinamide serum leave a tacky finish?.
A: Yes it does leave a slight tacky-finish when fully absorbed. However a layer of moisturizer will counteract that.
Q: How do I apply The Inkey List niacinamide serum?.
A: After cleansing your face with your skin-suitable facial cleanser. Pat (not rub) your face with a clean towel (don’t towel off completely) while your face is moist or damp, quickly apply 2-3 pumps of niacinamide serum to your face and massage gently till fully absorbed.
UP NEXT: Want To Know About Other Niacinamide Serums? These Are Our Best Picks.
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