How To Choose The Right One For You

What’s the best The Inkey List moisturiser for YOUR skin type? At roughly £20 a pop, it’s tempting to haul them all and put them to the test yourself. But what if something goes wrong and you end up with a bunch of pimples on your face or flaky patches where your skin used to be silky soft?

That can happen when you use the wrong moisturizer for your skin type. Bummer! Save yourself money and heartache and get it right from the get go. Here’s a short guide to The Inkey List moisturisers to help you pick the best one for you:

The Inkey List Bio Active Ceramide Moisturiser (£19.00)

WHAT THE INKEY LIST SAYS

Powered by Bio-Active Ceramides for up to 4X visible fine line and wrinkle reduction*, this rich, velvety, anti-ageing moisturiser defends against visible signs of skin ageing. Delivering multi-level support, the next-generation formula helps strengthen the skin barrier, provide 24-hr hydration, and accelerate visible skin renewal. After 28 days, 100% saw a clinical improvement in 6 signs of ageing; wrinkles, fine lines, plumpness, firmness, lift, elasticity and barrier function**.

KEY INGREDIENTS

The Inkey List Bio Active Ceramide Moisturiser uses ONE type of ceramides. Ceramides are the building blocks of your skin, part of the protective barrier that keeps skin naturally soft and moisturised. When this protective barrier is broken down (by overexfoliation, harsh weather, unprotected sun exposure…), skin becomes dry, red, and easily irritated.

Ceramides patch up the holes in your skin’s barrier, nourishing back to softeness and suppleness. When the barrier is restored, your skin looks plumper. This, in turn, makes fine lines wrinkles look smaller. Shea butter is here for the same reason. It strengthens your skin’s protective barrier, makes skin softer and smoother, and plumps up fine lines and wrinkles so they look smaller.

PERFORMANCE

The Inkey List Bio Active Ceramide Moisturiser is very moisturising indeed. Let’s say the brand makes it sound like it does more than it actually does, but the main benefits are delivered indeed: it strengthens your skin’s barrier, makes skin softer, and it improves the signs of aging – but only through simple moisturisation. There’s nothing here that can boost collagen, fight free radicals, or protect from UV rays – all things your skin need to prevent and treat premature aging.

TEXTURE

The texture is thick, rich, and hydrating with a slight velvety feel (thank silicones for that).

FRAGRANCE-FREE

Yes.

BEST FOR

Dry and sensitive skin that needs some extra tender loving care – or simply a moisturiser to keep skin in touch shape without causing irritations.

Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, Sephora, and The Inkey List

The Inkey List Omega Water Cream (£11.00)

WHAT THE INKEY LIST SAYS

Ideal for oily, dehydrated and combination skin, our Omega Water Cream is a silky, oil and silicone free moisturiser that’s clinically proven to increase skin hydration and help minimize excess oiliness in the skin. 

KEY INGREDIENTS

This simple formula uses a mix of glycerin and niacinamide to hydrate oily skin without adding more oil to it. Glycerin is a humectant that attracts and binds water from the air into your skin, helping to increase moisture level so it stays softer and suppler for longer. Niacinamide strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, soothes irritations, and helps treat acne.

PERFORMANCE

It’s a basic moisturiser that does what it says on tin. It hydrates skin without adding more oil to it, leaving it softer and suppler for hours. But, don’t expect anything more than this.

TEXTURE

Super light and hydrating, it absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky feel on the skin.

FRAGRANCE-FREE

Yes.

BEST FOR

Oily and acne-prone skin.

Available at: Boots, Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, Sephora, and The Inkey List

The Inkey List Peptide Moisturiser (£16.00)

WHAT THE INKEY LIST SAYS

A nurturing yet fast-absorbing daily face moisturiser 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 Moisturiser helps to support natural collagen and hydrate skin, leaving skin looking youthful.

KEY INGREDIENTS

The Inkey List Peptide Moisturiser contains two peptides:

• Acetyl Hexapeptide-37: A synthetic peptide made of the amino acids alanine, proline, serine and glycine. It hydrates skin and reduces dryness and redness. The only proof it works comes from the manufacturer.
• Pentapeptide-48: A synthetic peptide made of arginine, glutamic acid, leucine, serine and threonine. It moisturises skin, but I haven’t found any independent research it works.

Look, brands are hyping up peptides like they’re the best thing since retinoids for skin. But, with one or two rare exceptions, it’s all smoke and mirrors. Most of the research on peptides comes from manufacturers – and even when they show positive results, they are no studies showing they work better than retinoids or Vitamin C. Not a fan.

PERFORMANCE

It’s a moisturising formula that helps keep skin soft and supple. If that’s all you want, go for it. But I’m not convinced it can boost collagen and improve the signs of aging long-term.

TEXTURE

The texture’s on the thicker side and it does leave a bit of residue on your skin. It may cause some pilling with your foundation.

FRAGRANCE-FREE

Yes.

BEST FOR

If your skin is on the dry side and you’re curious to see what the hype around peptide is about without breaking the bank, go for it. Otherwise, there are better options for dry skin on this list.

Available at: Boots, Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, Sephora, and The Inkey List

Related: My Full Review Of The Inkey List Hemp Oil Cream Moisturiser

The Inkey List Blemish Clearing Moisturiser (£19.00)

WHAT THE INKEY LIST SAYS

The ultimate overnight moisturiser for blemish-prone skin, Blemish Clearing Moisturiser is clinically proven to help fight and reduce blemishes overnight. Powered by breakthrough retinoid technology, NovoRetin™, the formula helps to clear blemishes, smooth skin texture and help keep skin clear of new breakouts.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, that speeds up cellular turnover, a fancy way of calling the skin’s natural exfoliating process. As skin cells shed faster from your face, they can’t get lodged in the pores and cause breakouts. While it’s at it, retinol also boosts collagen to fight wrinkles and fades away dark spots.

The Inkey List Blemish Clearing Moisturiser also contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP), the only form of Vitamin C that helps treat acne. A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science shows that 1% of SAP reduces the amount of P.Acnes on your skin, while 5% prevents lipid oxidation by 40%! in the first place (lipid oxidation is one of the main causes of acne).

PERFORMANCE

A moisturiser with 0.2% retinol, it helps to clear up the blemishes you already have and prevent new ones from forming – all the while slowing down premature aging too. The hydrating base makes skin softer and smoother while counteracting the drying effects of retinol. Even so, use it only every other day. Too much retinol causes dryness and irritation.

TEXTURE

Lightweight and fast-absorbing.

FRAGRANCE-FREE

Yes. The Inkey List didn’t add any artificial fragrance. But ingredients have a smell of their own and… well, this isn’t that pleasant.

BEST FOR

Oily, combination, and acne-prone skin who want to get rid of acne and prevent wrinkles at the same time.

Available at: Boots, Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, Sephora, and The Inkey List

Related: Why Is Glycerin In Every Skincare Product?!

The Inkey List Vitamin B, C, And E Moisturiser (£9.00)

WHAT THE INKEY LIST SAYS

This lightweight daily hydrating moisturiser quickly absorbs to deliver 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 all year round.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Coconut oil and hyaluronic acid provide a moisturising base that softens skin and plumps up fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, true to its name, the cream contains Vitamin B (niacinamide), C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), and E to fight free radicals and prevent wrinkles. Unfortunately, none of the 3 are present in very high amounts, so the anti-aging benefits are minimal.

PERFORMANCE

This moisturiser does a good job at making skin softer and smoother – if your skin is normal or combination and doesn’t need much moisture in the first place. It has minimal anti-aging properties, which is ok for the price. I mean, this is £9. Considering most drugstore creams don’t have antioxidants at all, this is a step forward. Just don’t expect miracles.

TEXTURE

Lightweight. Velvety. Fast-absorbing.

FRAGRANCE-FREE

Yes.

BEST FOR

Normal and combination skin.

Available at: Boots, Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, Sephora, and The Inkey List

The Inkey List Symbright® Moisturiser (£13.00)

WHAT THE INKEY LIST SAYS

A silky, daily moisturiser formulated to brighten and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone whilst optimizing skin’s moisture and hydration levels.

KEY INGREDIENTS

This is what The Inkey List says:

• 0.5% SYMBRIGHT® Helps brighten and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. 
• 2% KAKADU PLUM EXTRACT Rich in Vitamin C, containing 50-100x more than an orange, it helps to instantly boost skin’s radiance and luminosity.

I’m not saying that’s not true. But I’m saying they haven’t been proven to work as well as Alpha Arbutin, Azelaic Acid, or Hydroquinone, all gold standard treatments for dark spots. Also, look at the claim. 2% Kakadu Plum Extract may indeed contain 50X times more Vitamin C than an orange, but does it work as well as 15% L-Ascorbic Acid (the pure form of Vitamin C)? Interesting they haven’t mentioned that… Marketing can make anything sound amazing, but I wouldn’t rely on this to fade away dark spots…

One more thing: the moisturiser contains mica, a mineral that imparts a glow to your skin. It’s another way to brighten the complexion, but it’s a cosmetic effect. It’s like sprinkling glitter on your skin – and that doesn’t fade away dark spots.

PERFORMANCE

It’s a moisturiser, so it’s lightly hydrating and dries down to a subtle glowy finish. But it can’t really fade away dark spots.

TEXTURE

Lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-greasy.

FRAGRANCE-FREE

Yes.

BEST FOR

Combination skin that’s a bit dull.

Available at: The Inkey List

The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturiser (£13.00)

WHAT THE INKEY LIST SAYS

Plant derived, and with antioxidant properties, this natural Retinol alternative helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and even skin tone.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Bakuchiol is an antioxidant derived from the leaves and seeds of babchi (Psoralea corylifolia) plant, native to India. “It works through the same receptors that retinol uses, which is why many refer to it as a natural retinol alternative,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. It fights free radicals and helps reduce collagen breakdown, keeping your skin firmer and younger-looking for longer.

Bakuchiol is also gentler than retinol. It’s less likely to cause redness and irritation, and it’s safe during pregnancy too. The catch? You need to apply bakuchiol twice a day to get the same results you’ll experience by applying retinol once a day (every other day).

PERFORMANCE

The moisturiser has a squalane base that strengthens your skin’s protective barrier and makes your skin softer and smoother. Bakuchiol does help minimise wrinkles, but we’re playing the long game here. Don’t expect results overnight, but know your skin will age better if you’re consistent with it.

TEXTURE

Lightweight, non-greasy.

FRAGRANCE-FREE

Yes.

BEST FOR

Sensitive skin and pregnant women who can’t use retinol.

Available at: Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, Sephora, and The Inkey List

The Inkey List Dry and Rough Skin Solution (£19.00)

WHAT THE INKEY LIST SAYS

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.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Urea is part of your Natural Moisturising Factors (NMF, for short). High in water content, it attracts and binds a truckload of moisture to your skin to keep it soft and supple for hours and hours. According to The Naked Chemist, “when [urea is ] topically applied, dehydrated skin improves by as much as 50%!”.

Plus, the moisturiser contains colloidal oatmeal. Yep, derived from oats, it’s a natural inflammatory that soothes redness and irritations and strengthens your skin’s protective barrier. These two actives make this moisturiser a godsend for sensitive and very dry skin.

PERFORMANCE

If you’ve tried anything to heal your dry and flaky skin. If you’ve got sensitive skin that gets irritated easily, no matter what you use. If you’re dealing with eczema, psoriasis or any other kind of irritation. This moisturiser will take your skim from a dry, flaky, red mess to smooth, plump, and glowy in a matter of days. It’s one of my fave formulas from The Inkey List for a reason – it works.

TEXTURE

Light and fast-absorbing, it lacks the oily feel a lot of urea creams have.

FRAGRANCE-FREE

Yes.

BEST FOR

Very dry, dehydrated, and/or sensitive skin types.

Available at: Boots, Look Fantastic, Sephora, and The Inkey List

The Verdict: What’s The Best The Inkey List Moisturiser For Your Skin Type?

There you have it, the best The Inkey List Moisturiser for every skin type. To recap:

If you have oily skin: The Inkey List Omega Water Cream (£11.00)

If you have dry skin: The Inkey List Bio Active Ceramide Moisturiser (£19.00) or The Inkey List Dry and Rough Skin Solution (£19.00)

If you have combination skin: The Inkey List Vitamin B, C, And E Moisturiser (£9.00)

If you have sensitive skin: The Inkey List Dry and Rough Skin Solution (£19.00) or The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturiser (£13.00)

If you have mature skin: The Inkey List Blemish Clearing Moisturiser (£19.00)

About Gio

Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.