The Inkey List

Renude

eye_wrinkles

This is a simple yet effective formula, and a great price point for an introductory retinol eye product. I've chosen this for you to target fine lines and wrinkles around the eye.

Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide which occurs naturally in the body. Hyaluronic acid works as an extremely powerful humectant, able to attract 1000x its own weight in water, to immediately plump and hydrate the area it is applied to. The body’s own production of hyaluronic acid slows with age, so supplementing this ingredient in topical formulations helps to support the skin’s natural moisture-binding, anti-ageing mechanisms.

hyaluronic acid

Vitamin A, aka Retinol, is one of the most well-researched actives used in skincare today. Retinol and all of its derivatives are broken down within the skin first into retinaldehyde, then into retinoic acid, the active form recognised by the body to trigger it’s skin benefits.

Retinoic acid (aka tretinoin) is the gold standard of anti-ageing and works in a number of ways. Firstly, it blocks the production of collagen-degrading enzymes, meaning collagen does not get broken down as quickly in the skin. After prolonged use (6M+), it has also been shown to stimulate the production of type I and type III collagen, reducing wrinkles and improving skin firmness. It has been shown to protect against UV-induced damage, as well as reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation in the skin. Skin treated with retinoids is smoother, more even-toned, firmer and younger looking.

retinol

Tocopherol, aka Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble Vitamin contained in many plant oils, or can also be produced synthetically. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

tocopherol

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble Vitamin contained in many plant oils, or can also be produced synthetically. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

A night time eye cream formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while giving extra support to your most fragile skin. Our Retinol Eye Cream has been formulated with slow release Vitamin A derivatives. These have been shown to support natural collagen production, while being gentle enough to use around the eyes.

Leaping Bunny

B Corp

Cruelty free

UK made

Diverse founder

Female founder

Unfragranced

Gluten free

Vegan

dullness

photoageing

uneven_tone

I've picked this serum for you to target pigmentation in the skin. It contains alpha arbutin, a gold standard ingredient in reducing pigmentation, alongside a host of hydrating ingredients to support a healthy skin barrier.

alpha arbutin

Arbutin can be derived from the bearberry plant, or made synthetically, and is used in skincare to lighten dark spots. It works by breaking down in the body into hydroquinone, which can inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for producing melanin. It is one of the most well-researched actives for lightening pigmentation, with better skin tolerability vs. prescription hydroquinone.

glycine soja  (soybean) germ extract

Soybean extract is used in skincare for its powerful antioxidant potential, meaning it is able to protect the skin from free radical damage. Research has also shown this extract to be able to visibly even out skin tone, and reduce the visible signs of ageing.

Glycolipids are made up of a sugar monomer (monosaccharide) and a lipid. This is the umbrella term encompassing ceramides, sphingoids & sterols.

glycolipids

Our outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, has a multilamellar structure (essentially a fine membrane), made up of lipids (fats), to form a non-permeable barrier. This keeps water inside the skin, and acts as the first defense against external aggressors. The lipids which make up the majority of this are known as ceramides, which are produced naturally in the body from a range of other naturally-occurring lipids, which we class here as essential lipids (not the same as essential fatty acids, which are deemed ‘essential’ as the body cannot produce these naturally.) Using these lipids in skincare helps to support the natural skin barrier, preventing water-loss to keep skin hydrated and balanced.

The name for a group of lipids comprising of a fatty acid, glycerol & phosphate. Lecithin in an example of a phospholipid.

phospholipids

Squalane is a natural substance usually derived from olives. It is structurally very similar to our skin’s own sebum, so is a great ingredient to support our own natural skin processes. In drier skin, which is naturally lacking in natural sebum, it helps to support the skin barrier to prevent water loss, which results in more hydrated, smooth and plump skin. Due to its sebum-mimicking structure, it is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t cause breakouts, so is also suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. It can be a great option to reduce any over-stimulation of the sebaceous glands, which can occur with excess cleansing (and make breakouts worse). It also works to support the skin barrier to combat any drying effects caused by ingredients commonly associated with acne treatment, so is a great ingredient for all skin types.

squalane

tetrapeptide

Many peptides function as anti-ageing ingredients in skincare, due to their ability to fit specific receptors in the body to trigger anti-ageing responses. This includes mechanisms like collagen production, cell regeneration or even blocking muscle contractions to smooth expression lines. Peptides are made up of amino acids, and are unique in shape, with a huge variety available to target specific responses in the body.

Shine a light on hyper pigmentation and darks spots with this light-weight facial serum derived from the Bearberry plant. Formulated with squalane to hydrate the skin whilst tackling pigmentation issues, it improves the appearance of dull, uneven skin tone over time. Apply this as one of your last serums and start to show dull skin the door.

inflammatory_acne

sebaceous_filaments

This powerhouse treatment is great for reducing blemishes and fading pigmentation, so I've included it in your routine to be used as a mask 2-3x week alongside your other products.

Ascorbyl palmitate is an oil-soluble Vitamin C ester, produced by the reaction of ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. This oil-soluble form works to improve stability against oxidation (something L-ascorbic acid is notorious for), as well as improve skin affinity to allow the ingredient to penetrate further.

ascorbyl palmitate

Vitamin C has many skin benefits, including its action as an antioxidant, to neutralise free radicals (reactive molecules with an unpaired electron), preventing them from causing damage to cells within the body. Vitamin C is also involved in the collagen-production process, so provides anti-wrinkle activity through this mechanism. Lastly, Vitamin C inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin-synthesis, and can therefore visibly reduce areas of hyperpigmentation in the skin.

Blue lotus is typically used in skincare for its moisturising properties. As with most plant extracts, it also demonstrates antioxidant abilities, so is able to help protect skin against free radical damage.

blue lotus extract

Centella Asiatica (also known as Gotu Kola or Tiger grass) has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine for its healing properties. It contains phytochemicals which research shows can stimulate blood flow, strengthen the skin and provide antioxidant protection, all of which combined accelerate the wound healing process.

It is also believed to have the ability to stimulate the fibroblasts to produce type 1 collagen, which further supports wound healing as well as providing anti-ageing benefits. Collagen is also a protein whose production decreases with age, and is essential for maintaining skin firmness & smoothness, so this collagen-boosting property gives the added benefit of reducing wrinkles and firming the skin. It has also been shown to stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin, another molecule whose production slows with age, but is essential for keeping skin looking hydrated, plump & youthful.

madecassoside

This natural plant extract has been shown to have multi-functional benefits, targeting both pigmentation and wrinkles. Studies have shown the extract to be effective at inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in producing the pigment melanin in the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots. It has also been shown to help firm the skin, by slowing the rate at which elastin, an important protein for skin firmness, is degraded.

sacred lotus flower extract

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which occurs naturally in willow bark. Salicylic acid works as an exfoliating acid to dissolve the keratin that binds the outermost layers of the skin, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin.

Due to its oil-soluble form, salicylic acid can penetrate inside the pore, to clear out dead skin cell build up and prevent comedones (blocked pores) from occurring, or acne-causing bacteria to overpopulate within the pore. This P.Acnes bacteria is anaerobic so needs an oxygen-free environment to thrive, and thus require a pore to be blocked.

salicylic acid

sodium ascorbyl phosphate

Help your skin stay flawless for longer with The Inkey List C-50 Night Treatment, a mask that works to stop breakouts in their tracks. Using a stable form of Vitamin C, your complexion will be evened out and brightened, making existing blemishes less noticeable and encouraging healing to occur more quickly. With BHA Salicylic Acid exfoliating your skin’s surface, you’ll experience a much smoother look with clearer pores. Oil production will be regulated and blemish-causing bacteria reduced, leaving your skin looking like new. Working overnight, anti-inflammatory properties aim to calm redness and irritation for a fresher feel in the morning.

dryness

fine_lines

impaired_barrier

roughness

This overnight treatment is full of ingredients to hydrate the skin and support the skin barrier, so is a perfect add-on to your daily routine, to nourish your dry skin and leave it plump & hydrated.

Amino acids are the small building blocks that make up peptides, and proteins. Each amino acid has a unique structure, and as such plays a specific role within the body. There are around 20 different types considered to be most important for human health. In the outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, they are present in the ‘natural moisturising factors’, our skin’s own moisturising mechanism, and they help to support water transport between skin cells to keep our surface smooth and hydrated.

alanine

Arginine is an amino acid which occurs naturally within the human body. It is a popular ingredient in skincare for a number of reasons; it offers antioxidant protection, it hydrates the skin by stimulating the body's own production of humectants like urea and it can also repair visible skin damage.

arginine

ceramide ap

Ceramides are long chains of lipids, which occur naturally within the epidermis. Their function is to hold the skin cells together by creating a barrier against water-loss from the inside-out, and external aggressors from the outside-in. They make up almost 50% of our skins composition, but they can be depleted by UV, free radicals & pollution, and their production also naturally slows with age. This leads to an impaired skin barrier, which results in dry, rough skin with more visible wrinkling and redness. Applying ceramides topically can increase the levels of ceramides in the epidermis, and therefore supports the natural healthy functioning of the skin.

ceramide eop

ceramide np

Cholesterol is a fatty acid which occurs naturally in the skin’s lipid barrier. Applying cholesterol topically supports the skin barrier, reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and maintaining healthy skin functioning. Strengthening this lipid barrier also leads to improved skin hydration, which in turn leads to smoother, plumper, younger-looking skin.

cholesterol

glycine

histidine

Acetyl Glucosamine is an amino acid sugar

isoleucine

Phytosphingosine (PS) is a lipid which naturally occurs in the stratum corneum (the top, visible layer of our epidermis). This acts as a precursor for ceramide synthesis, meaning it encourages the skin to produce ceramides naturally.

Studies have also shown PS to offer anti-acne benefits, it is believed by reinforcing the protective barrier, and therefore reducing specific abnormalities in the skin functioning that lead to acne (invading inflammatory bacteria, increased keratinization, increased sebaceous gland activity).

phytosphingosine

proline

serine

Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid (a polysaccharide which occurs naturally in the body), created to improve the ingredient stability. It works as an extremely powerful humectant, able to attract 1000x its own weight in water, to immediately plump and hydrate the area it is applied to. The body’s own production of hyaluronic acid slows with age, so supplementing this ingredient in topical formulations helps to support the skin’s natural moisture-binding, anti-ageing mechanisms.

sodium hyaluronate

Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), which is found naturally in the body, and in the skin’s natural moisturising factor (NMF). PCA acts as a humectant, meaning it draws water to it, plumping and hydrating the area. The skin’s NMF ensures adequate hydration of the stratum corneum, which also works to support the overall barrier function of the skin, regulating trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Including Sodium PCA in skincare supports this natural mechanism of the skin.

sodium pca

Natural moisturising factor (NMF) is a substance produced by the body, made up of minerals, lactate, urea, amino acids & humectants, which coats the surface skin cells to keep them moisturised. NMF increases the skin’s ability to retain moisture, which results in more hydrated, plump, smoother skin.

threonine

valine

Forget complicated beauty jargon, The Inkey List are a no-funny-business brand who harness the power of science for effective skincare. Their Ceramide Night Treatment works to replicate the naturally occurring Ceramides in your skin, amplifying its ability to retain moisture overnight. Hydrated skin is happy skin, appearing smoother, plumper and softer. Including one of the most sought-after ingredients, hyaluronic acid, this mask offers pure hydration, locking moisture into your skin cells. What’s more, this formula fights signs of premature ageing, helping your complexion to stay youthful and supple.

elasticity

wrinkles

This serum is loaded with collagen-boosting peptides, so I have included it in your regime to target the fine lines & wrinkles you mentioned. You should notice an immediate plumping effect from the hydrating ingredients, and a line-smoothing effect with continued use.

palmitoyl tetrapeptide

palmitoyl  tripeptide

Replenish your skin with The INKEY List Collagen Booster Serum. This simple, yet effective serum boasts a Matrixyl 3000, a peptide that mimics the effect of our natural collagen protein which depletes as we age. The serum works to support the skin’s firmness and elasticity to promote a plumper, smoother appearance. This anti-ageing wonder serum helps to maintain the appearance of youthful skin for longer to keep your skin looking and feeling firm and supple.

I chose this nourshing and radiance boosting gel cleanser for your skin as it is rich in fulvic acid which gently helps to exfoliate, leaving the skin smoother and brighter. This luxurious gel textture is further boosted with a coctail of antioxidants and hydrators.

Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine is a synthetic tetrapeptide used in skincare for its firming abilities. It works by inhibiting the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (the protein responsible for skin firmness and elasticity). This reduction in elastase allows for higher levels of elastin in the skin, which in turn leads to skin that looks firmer, tighter and restructured.

acetylarginyltryptophyl diphenylglycine

aloe vera leaf juice

Aloe vera has been used for millennia as a natural medicine across many regions of the world, with references as early as Cleopatra using it as part of her beauty routine. It contains around 75 active constituents, including Vitamins A,C & E to provide antioxidant protection, 8 enzymes to inhibit inflammatory processes in the body and 9 different minerals to support the body’s natural functioning. It also includes sugars to provide hydrating humectant properties, fatty acids to provide anti-inflammatory & antiseptic properties, and hormones to promote wound healing.

Glycerin is a humectant present in all natural lipids. It works to attract water molecules towards it, plumping & hydrating the applied area, resulting in smooth, soft, hydrated skin. It is one of the most widely used humectants in skincare, due to it’s high performance and broad availability (making it very cost-effective). Recent research has shown that it’s ability to penetrate the layers of the skin is superior to that of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, making it a brilliant choice for overall skin hydration, and suitable for all skin types.

glycerin

liquorice extract

Liquorice is a legume which grows in the Mediterranean, the Middle East & Russia. It contains the active constituent glabridin, which has been shown to prevent and reverse UV-induced skin damage, to provide visible skin-lightening properties to the skin.

Its second active component, Glycyrrhetinic acid is used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory substances, such as cortisone, within the body, with some research showing results to be comparable to prescription hydrocortisone cream.

sweet almond oil

Sweet Almond Oil is naturally rich in fat-soluble Vitamins A & E, which provide antioxidant benefits. This oil is naturally high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which cannot be produced naturally in the body, but offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

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. Kakadu plum (rich in Vitamin C) instantly boosts skin's radiance whilst Liquorice root extract helps soothe and reduce hyperpigmentation.

dehydration

This simple hyaluronic acid serum is a great choice for hydrating the skin, whilst supporting healthy skin ageing with the inclusion of peptides.

palmitoyl oligopeptide

The product we would recommend to everyone. Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful moisture-binding super ingredient capable of holding 1000x its weight in water. This moisture magnet is naturally found in the skin, helping your cells retain as much moisture as possible. The result? Working across multiple layers of the skin, this super serum hydrates your skin, helping it appear plump and smooth, while reducing the appearance of fine lines. Ensuring your skin is hydrated is essential for it to look healthy, making Hyaluronic Acid a must have.

Sensitive

ageing_pores

congested_pores

I have chosen this lactic acid serum for you to improve skin radiance by gently exfoliating the outermost layer of the skin. The formula also includes glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, so is a great option for drier skins.

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which occurs naturally in the body, as well as being found in dairy products, but is typically derived synthetically for cosmetics today.

AHAs work by dissolving the keratin binding the outermost layer of skin cells, speeding up the skin’s natural exfoliation process. This leads to smoother, brighter, clearer skin, whilst reducing skin discolouration & fine lines/wrinkles with continued use.  

lactic acid

Create a brighter, more radiant complexion with the The INKEY List Lactic Acid Exfoliant. This natural AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) is derived from milk and fruit sugars, to exfoliate the skin’s surface and lift away dead cells. The mild exfoliator leaves your skin feeling renewed, with a more even tone and brighter appearance. The bonds between dead cells are dissolved, revealing the smoother, clearer skin surface beneath.

This serum is the perfect introductory product for those who are looking to add an acid into their skincare routine but not sure where to start. Lactic Acid is milder than other acids such as Glycolic and Salicylic, with added moisturising properties to maintain soft, smooth skin and prevent drying. The serum also features 1% hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin while exfoliating to increase the tolerance of the product. Reduce dullness and congestion while helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles with this multi-benefit exfoliating serum.

redness

Niacinamide is an excellent ingredient for controlling oil production in the skin, to reduce blemishes and congestion. It also encourages ceramide production in the skin, so is an especially good choice for balancing combination skin.

Allantoin occurs naturally in the body, but can also be derived from the root of the Comfrey plant or Chamomile, or produced synthetically. It is used in skincare for its ability to promote wound healing and healthy tissue growth, by stimulating the fibroblasts in the dermis to produce collagen and elastin fibres, essential tissues for skin regeneration and healing. Allantoin has also been shown to have soothing and anti-irritant properties, which is thought to be down to its ability to form complexes with irritating agents, thus preventing them from activating inflammatory mechanisms within the skin.

allantoin

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3 and Nicotinamide, has many skincare benefits. Firstly, it regulates sebum production in the skin, which in turn reduces blemishes and visible pore size. It also reduces facial redness by improving microcirculation, which means moving the blood inside the capillaries away from the face to reduce visible redness. It also has the ability to strengthen the natural lipid barrier of the skin by encouraging ceramide production (the building blocks which seal our skin cells together), which in turn increases the hydration within the epidermis. Lastly, niacinamide works to help reduce hyperpigmentation by blocking melanin from being deposited on the skin cells.

niacinamide

Panthenol is a form of Vitamin B5, which is converted into Pantothenic acid within the epidermis when applied topically. Its main benefit in cosmetics is as a humectant, meaning it can draw water molecules to it, hydrating and plumping the area it has been applied to.

Panthenol also supports the natural lipid barrier of the skin, by encouraging the production of a precursor to fatty acids & sphingolipids, both of which are essential parts of the skin barrier. This mechanism helps to moisturise the skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), therefore retaining more moisture within the skin. This also helps to reduce inflammation in dry or broken skin, as an intact skin barrier will prevent potential irritants from getting into the epidermis.

panthenol

Vitamin B5 is as a humectant, meaning it can draw water molecules to it, hydrating and plumping the area it has been applied to. It also supports the natural lipid barrier of the skin, by encouraging the production of a precursor to fatty acids & sphingolipids, both of which are essential parts of the skin barrier. This mechanism helps to moisturise the skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), therefore retaining more moisture within the skin. This also helps to reduce inflammation in dry or broken skin, as an intact skin barrier will prevent potential irritants from getting into the epidermis.

Balance oily skin with The INKEY List Niacinamide. The naturally occurring Vitamin B3 works to regulate oil production while helping to prevent and reduce the appearance of breakouts. Ideal for battling congestion, the serum works to minimise the appearance of pores, while reducing the redness and inflammation associated with breakouts. This innovative formula combines 10% Niacinamide with 1% Hyaluronic Acid to help hydrate and plump the skin, preventing the dehydration which can contribute to excess oil production. The serum is perfect for those who find that their skin gets excessively oily during the day meaning they constantly have to blot.

This formula is a great option for you to help target the early signs of ageing that you mention as concerns. This moisturiser contains peptides which help to target fine lines and wrinkles by encouraging the skins natural collagen production process.

acetyl hexapeptide

butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter

Shea butter is the natural butter of the shea nut, which grows in West Africa. It is high in fatty acids and vitamins, so works to support the natural lipid barrier of the skin, reducing water loss via the epidermis to keep skin soft, smooth and moisturised.

pentapeptide

Tocopheryl acetate is a specific form of the fat-soluble Vitamin E, with improved stability vs. Tocopherol. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

tocopheryl acetate

The Peptide Moisturizer promotes cell renewal, an important process which repairs and protects damaged or tired skin, revealing a younger-looking surface. A favourite amongst those with mature skin, this peptide blend encourages increased collagen production, targeting skin at its deepest layer to restore elasticity and firmness. A powerful process, this formula helps to smooth over fine lines and wrinkles, reviving your skin’s natural luminosity to leave a soft-focus finish. Housed in a lightweight, fast-absorbing cream, the formula also strives to moisturise skin, providing intense hydration.

Peptides can stimulate specific mechanisms in the skin (e.g. collagen production), so are great ingredients for keeping skin looking youthful for longer.

Youth-boosting moisturiser picks

This formula has been clinically proven to lift, firm and add volume to the skin. It contains high levels of maltobionic acid to gently resurface, smooth & brighten the skin, alongside anti-ageing peptides to firm and lift, and acetyl glucosamine to brighten and natural resveratrol (from grape extract), to act as a powerful antioxidant. Oil free, non-comedogenic.

Packed with naturally-occurring constituents of the skin barrier, such as ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids, this formula is great for nourishing drier skin or supporting strong actives like retinoids or acids in your routine. It also contains peptides to firm, acetyl glucosamine to brighten, and dragonfruit extract to tighten.

This rich cream works by delivering hyaluronic acid into the skin, whilst stimulating the skins own production of this powerful humectant to deliver long term hydration to the skin. It also works to plump the skin, boost radiance and provide visible anti-ageing effects, with a user trial showing that after 4 weeks, 82% agreed their wrinkles appeared reduced.

Nourishing, yet quick to absorb, this fuss-free moisturiser contains two different peptides, to firm skin and reduce fine lines. Alongside this, glycerin as a humectant to hydrate, and Vitamin E as an antioxidant.

This afforable nourishing formula contains a blend of ingredients to support overall skin health. A seaweed-derived collagen works to plump and hydrate the skin, lactic acid gently exfoliates, magnesium pca boosts radiance and shea butter nourishes.

This toner is perfect for resurfacing the skin, but is gentle enough for more sensitive skin types. The PHAs in the formula will gently dissolve the outermost layer of the skin to reveal a more radiant complexion, as well as hydrating the skin.

aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice

Gluconolactone is a poly hydroxy acid (PHA). PHAs work by gently dissolving the keratin that binds our outermost layer of skin cells, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin, leading to smoother, clearer skin. This process also encourages new skin cell generation in the basal layer of the epidermis, a process which naturally slows with age, so with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on the skin. Gluconolactone has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (an essential protein produced by the fibroblasts), leading to sagging of the skin.

PHAs are much larger in molecular weight vs AHAs so they cannot penetrate the skin as fast or as far, which therefore makes more gentle & suitable for more sensitive skin types, including those with rosacea-prone skin. Gluconolactone is also especially good for drier skin types as it also has natural humectant qualities, meaning it draws water towards it, hydrating the skin from within. 

gluconolactone

Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) work by gently dissolving the keratin that binds our outermost layer of skin cells, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin, leading to smoother, clearer skin. This process also encourages new skin cell generation in the basal layer of the epidermis, a process which naturally slows with age, so with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on the skin. Gluconolactone has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (an essential protein produced by the fibroblasts), leading to sagging of the skin.

PHAs are much larger in molecular weight vs AHAs so they cannot penetrate the skin as fast or as far, which therefore makes more gentle & suitable for more sensitive skin types, including those with rosacea-prone skin. Gluconolactone is also especially good for drier skin types as it also has natural humectant qualities, meaning it draws water towards it, hydrating the skin from within. 

Reveal a brighter, smoother complexion with The Inkey List PHA Toner. This gentle yet effective toner is formulated with PHA or Poly-Hydroxy Acids to exfoliate the skin surface for a more refined skin texture. Ideal for dull, rough or congested complexions, the acid toner gently breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells, while helping to clear blocked pores.

Unlike other acids, which have associations with dryness and irritation, PHAs possess humectant properties, helping your skin to attract and retain moisture. The toner is formulated with Aloe Barbadenis Leaf to nourish and hydrate, along with 3% Niacinamide to help regulate oil production, and promote a more uniform complexion by minimising pores. Discover smoother and more even skin with this exfoliating toner.

This antioxidant serum is great for providing daily protection to the skin, whilst the peptides in the formula also target fine lines & wrinkles with continued use.

Ubiquinone, also known as CoEnzyme Q10, is a fat-soluble substance produced naturally in the body. It provides antioxidant protection against free radicals, to support the skin’s own anti-ageing defenses. With age, the body’s production of this vitamin-like substance decreases, so it can be applied topically to provide extra antioxidant activity. It has also been shown to support the synthesis of collagen and elastin, proteins which give skin structure & bounce, which also naturally decrease with age, so the inclusion of Ubiquinone in your routine can help to support youthful-looking skin.

ubiquinone

The INKEY List champion no-frills skincare at affordable prices and the Q10 Serum is no exception. This potent antioxidant helps to reinforce the skin’s natural defences to help combat damage from environmental aggressors such as pollution and harsh weather conditions. The serum supplements the body’s own supply of Q10, a naturally occurring enzyme that functions to help prevent and repair damage.

Our Q10 reserves deplete as we age, so in steps this skincare saviour to replenish the lost enzymes and boost your skin’s defences. Syn Tacks, a dual-action peptide stimulates collagen production while Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid intensely moisturise to quench dehydrated skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Incorporate this multi-benefit serum into your daily skincare routine to provide a vital barrier of defence against the stressors of modern life that can take an ageing toll on your skin.

I've chosen this serum for your evening routine to target blemishes and fine lines. The hero ingredient is retinol which has a number of skin benefits - it works to reduce blemishes, refine skin texture, even out tone and reduce wrinkles. It is also formulated with vitamins and peptides so is a real multi-tasker.

palmitoyl tripeptide

Promote a brighter and more youthful looking complexion with The INKEY List Retinol Serum. This powerful anti-ageing ingredient is renowned for stimulating collagen production and promoting skin renewal to reveal a more youthful-looking complexion. The slow-release formula minimises irritation while maximising potency to leave your skin looking brighter and feeling smoother. Derived from Vitamin A, Retinol helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles along with discolouration, to reveal a more even skin tone.

This multi-benefit serum speeds up cell turnover to give your skin a renewed appearance and improve clarity. The simple yet effective formula combines 1% stable retinol with a slightly stronger 0.5% granactive retinoid to kick-start your skin’s natural renewal process while Squalane soothes and moisturises to prevent drying. This potent skincare hero offers the perfect introduction to retinols, helping to reveal a brighter, clearer and more youthful-looking complexion.

I've chosen this salicylic acid cleanser to gently unblock pores to decongest the skin and reduce blemishes and blackheads.

Zinc PCA is a synthetic active, derived from zinc and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. Zinc is known to regulate sebum production, as well as inhibit the growth of the P.Acnes bacteria to improve acne symptoms. PCA is a component of the skin’s natural moisturising factor (NMF), which acts as a humectant to draw water to it, and when synthesized with zinc, it can actually improve the efficacy of zinc, by making it more bioavailable and easily-absorbed.

Studies have also shown that zinc PCA can inhibit the activity of destructive enzymes within the skin, therefore providing a protective, anti-ageing mechanism to the skin. 

zinc pca

Zinc is known to regulate sebum production, as well as inhibit the growth of the P.Acnes bacteria to improve acne symptoms.

Clarify your complexion with The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser. This BHA exfoliating cleanser provides a thorough cleanse, lifting makeup, dirt and impurities while helping to unclog the pores. Perfect for blemish-prone and oily skin types, this cleanser helps to tighten the pores while Zinc minimises excess oils for a fresher, clearer complexion.

Allantoin acts as an anti-irritant to soothe the skin after exfoliation and creates a protective barrier to reinforce the skin’s natural defences against environmental aggressors. Suitable for everyday use, the cleanser works to reduce the appearance of blackheads, breakouts and discolouration. Add this no-nonsense cleanser to your morning and evening routine to help fight breakouts and promote clearer skin.

This is a great daily basic for you, to provide antioxidant protection to the skin, whilst supporting the natural lipid barrier.

This lightweight daily moisturizer delivers every essential vitamin for healthy-looking skin, including clarifying B3 (Niacinamide) to help balance oil, brightening antioxidant Vitamin C, and soothing Vitamin E. Perfect for normal skin types looking to keep skin healthy.

These formulas are loaded with antioxidants to help protect the skin from free radicals caused by pollution, uv and even our own bodies.

Antioxidant moisturiser picks

This formula is loaded with antioxidants and skin-boosting ingredients. It contains a blend of peptides to boost youthful mechanisms in the skin, vitamin c to brighten and act as an antioxidant, plus glutathione and Teprenone to protect against environment damage and premature ageing.

This nourishing cream formula includes a high level of lipid-soluble vitamin c (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), which is able to penetrate the skin to deliver protective antioxidant effects. It is combined with Vitamin E to boost the antioxidant potential, along with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to deeply hydrate.

This simple moisturiser contains a blend of vitamins to support overall skin health. Niacinamide (B3) balances, Vitamin C brightens and protects while Vitamin E nourishes the skin.

This high-dose Vitamin C serum is a perfect option for you, to target pigmentation and improve overall skin radiance.

L-ascorbic acid is Vitamin C in its purest form, and the active form required by the body to result in the many skin skin benefits of Vitamin C. The issue with L-ascorbic acid is in the delivery, as it is very unstable in water, and needs a pH 4 or below for it to penetrate the skin. That being said, when it can be stabilised in a formula and is able to penetrate the skin, it provides the highest potency of any form of Vitamin C currently available.

ascorbic acid

Brighten up with The INKEY List Vitamin C Serum. This on-trend hero ingredient is renowned for its ability to help promote a more even skin tone while boosting radiance to give you that glow! This powerful antioxidant works to reinforce the skin’s natural defences, helping to combat the damaging effects of environmental aggressors such as harsh weather conditions and pollution.

The serum boasts 30% stable L-ascorbic acid in a potent waterless formula to deliver optimal brightening benefits with minimal irritation. Vitamin C also offers anti-ageing benefits, stimulating collagen production to increase cell turnover while improving firmness and elasticity. Ideal for dull or ageing skin types, the serum helps to brighten, even the skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines to give you a naturally glowing complexion!

The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream

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