10 Best Inkey List Products UK 2024 Guide | Cleansing Balms, Serums and More

Dry, oily, combination, or sensitive - we all have specific skin types that respond differently to certain products. Finding a product that's suitable for your skin type will not only guarantee its effectiveness, but will prevent it from aggravating your skin. So, before you do anything, get to know your skin!

• Dry skin: If your skin often feels tight, flaky and is easily irritated, you may have dry skin. Dry skin needs a lot of hydration, so opt for products with nourishing ingredients that won't strip the skin of moisture. Keep an eye out for products that reenforce and repair the skin's barrier to lock in moisture and promote healing.

• Oily skin: Oily skin types have an over-production of sebum, which often leads to visibly enlarged pores, blackheads and acne breakouts. If your skin is oily, choose products that help purify the pores, remove nasty buildup, and moisturise - all while controlling oil production. 

• Combination skin: Combination skin types usually have skin that becomes oily around the T-zone area. This includes the nose, forehead and chin. You may either experience dry or normal skin around the rest of the face, such as the cheek, mouth, and eye area. When choosing a product for combination skin, you will need to carefully select those that won't aggravate either conditions, or use a combination of products for different parts of the face.

• Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin gets irritated and can react easily, so always be careful when choosing new products. Exfoliants can be highly abrasive, so be sure to do a patch test especially if they're designed for physical or chemical exfoliation. Always start with lower concentrations, and gradually increase the frequency of which you apply them, so that your skin can build up a tolerance. 

Explore our favourite body washes for sensitive skin!

From cleansing balms to eye cream, and a bunch of serums, The Inkey List has an extraordinary lineup of superstars. To know which product goes where in your skincare routine, as a rule of thumb, the order of application should be from the lightest to the heaviest, referring to the texture and viscosity of the formulation.

To make it even easier for you to incorporate an Inkey List product into your existing routine, our top 10 ranking will be according to the order in which you should apply each one. 

• For example;

But don't worry, we'll also include this information in our specification table!

Want more effective serums without the high price tag? Check out the 10 best serums from The Ordinary!

You're guaranteed to find at least one key active ingredient in each The Inkey List product, but do you know what the benefits are? Here are some of our favourites for addressing a range of skincare concerns!

• Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is great for removing congestion as it penetrates deep into the pores to break down dead skin cells, pimples and comedones. This cleanses away impurities, giving your skin a chance to breathe and heal. It also controls sebum secretion, and calms inflammation to reduce redness.

• Oat kernel oil: This is a fabulous ingredient that's suitable for all skin types. It's non-comedogenic, hydrating, and can even minimise the appearance of pustules, blackheads and blemishes, making it a top choice for acne-prone skin. It has a high polar lipid content too, including ceramides, to nourish skin and help it retain much needed moisture.

• Glycolic acid: This is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and a powerful exfoliant. This is due to its small molecular size that's capable of penetrating deep into the pores and layers of the skin. Aside from eliminating dead skin cells, it hydrates and fights acne, promoting even skin tone and texture. It can also help to boost the absorption of other ingredients.

• Hyaluronic acid: This is a humectant, suitable for all skin types. Hyaluronic acid draws in moisture to the lower layers of the skin, keeping it locked in. There is also evidence to suggest that it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for strengthening the skin barrier.

• Retinol: Retinol is great for treating acne, and it's an incredible anti-ageing treatment too! It works by encouraging cell turnover, supporting cell regeneration and collagen production for clearer, more youthful and glowing skin. Available in different concentrations, always begin with a low strength and remember to use sun protection the day after. 

Learn more about retinol and retinol serums here!

• Tranexamic acid: Suitable for most skin types, tranexamic acid targets hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the pathway for melanin production. Pigmentation is reduced and dark spots will slowly fade away for a brighter complexion. 

• Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, this is a great all-rounder that can help to hydrate, treat hyperpigmentation, boost skin elasticity and calm redness. It also acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from environmental damage.

• Vitamins C and E: As powerful antioxidants, these protect skin cells from free radicals induced by sun exposure. Vitamin C also suppresses melanin formation on the skin, which contributes to the reduction of hyperpigmentation and brown spots. Meanwhile, vitamin E activates the skin's natural healing and regenerative properties.

• Caffeine: Caffeine is a great ingredient for combatting under eye puffiness, which can make you appear aged or tired. This ingredient revives tired eyes by shrinking the size of blood vessels, while alleviating water retention around the eye area. As a result, puffiness and dark circles are decreased for a fresher looking complexion. 

• Succinic acid: This ingredient supports your skin's natural exfoliating mechanisms, to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. This makes it a superb choice for clearing up blemishes. It also aids in the reduction of oil production, which is ideal for those with oily and acne-prone skin.