The Inkey List is an affordable skincare brand that is known for its hero ingredient products. While The Inkey List formulates skincare products for all skin types, their skincare products for acne, breakouts, and oily skin stand out against their competitors.
So today, I’d like to discuss the best The Inkey List products for acne and oily skin.
This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.
14 Best Inkey List Skincare Products for Acne and Oily Skin
Whether you are looking for an entire skincare routine for acne and oily skin or just a few products to incorporate into your current skincare routine, The Inkey List has several options for acne and oily skin, from cleansers and serums to spot treatments and face masks.
Please note that not all of these products should be used in the same routine. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for some example skincare routines using these products.
1. The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser is a deep clean for your skin. This gel cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid to unclog pores and gently exfoliate your skin.
Key Ingredients:
- 2% Salicylic Acid: Penetrates pores to remove oil and debris.
- Zinc: Helps reduce excess oil.
- 0.5% Allantoin: Soothes irritated skin.
This cleanser helps to reduce blackheads and breakouts thanks to salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that penetrates deep into pores to remove buildup.
This gel cleanser removes makeup, dirt, oil, and other impurities and leaves skin feeling clean without feeling too dry or stripped.
2. The Inkey List Kaolin Clay Mask
The Inkey List Kaolin Clay Mask is a deep cleansing clay mask. This mask contains high-grade kaolin clay to help remove impurities and absorb excess oil for improved oil control.
Key Ingredients:
- Kaolin Clay: A gentle white clay that is ideal for all skin types since regular use does not dry out the skin.
- Smectite Clay: Reduces excess oil.
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder: Moisturizes and soothes your skin.
- Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract: Calms irritation and moisturizes the skin.
The pH of this mask is between 5.0 – 6.0.
There’s nothing worse than when, after finishing a skincare treatment, your skin feels tight, dry, and stripped. This mask does not do that. It leaves your skin feeling clean and balanced.
Perfect for oily and blemish-prone skin types. You can also use this mask on other areas of your body where you have breakouts, such as your back and chest.
3. The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment
The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment is a gentle, non-drying targeted treatment to help reduce blemishes, inflammation, and clogged pores.
The trio of active ingredients helps to shrink blemishes, blackheads, and redness.
Key Ingredients:
- 2% Succinic Acid: Balances oil production, exfoliates dead skin cells to unblock pores, and reduces blemish size.
- Colloidal Sulfur: Acts as an antibacterial and antimicrobial.
- 1% Salicylic Acid: Deeply exfoliates and unclogs pores.
The formula also contains 0.4% hyaluronic acid for hydration, glycerin, which acts as a humectant to help retain moisture, plus anti-inflammatory squalane, which also helps to prevent moisture loss.
NOTE: This product is green in color. This comes from a natural chlorophyll-derived plant pigment.
The Inkey List notes that the shade of the product may vary in brightness depending on the plant’s exposure to weather and the seasons. These variances do not affect the effectiveness of the product.
4. The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid is a lightweight serum that contains 2% multi-molecular hyaluronic acid (Sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid, and hyaluronic acid).
The serum penetrates multiple layers of your skin. It creates a plumped appearance to the skin, making fine lines and wrinkles appear less visible.
Key Ingredients:
- 2% Hyaluronic Acid: Helps the skin to draw and hold water, making it an excellent hydrator.
- Matrixyl 3000 Peptide: A peptide complex that pairs Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. These peptides work to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Don’t think that hyaluronic acid is only for dry skin types. Hyaluronic acid is excellent for all skin types. Hyaluronic acid hydrates your skin, which helps to keep your skin barrier in balance.
If your skin barrier is damaged, it opens the door to dryness, irritation, and possible breakouts.
This is my favorite hyaluronic acid serum. It has a lightweight texture that sinks into my skin quickly without feeling sticky. It does a fantastic job of hydrating and has the added bonus of an anti-aging peptide complex.
Related Post: The Inkey List vs The Ordinary: Anti-Aging Skincare on a Budget
5. The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum
The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum contains 10% niacinamide. Niacinamide offers a wealth of benefits, especially when it comes to controlling excess oil.
Key Ingredients:
- 10% Niacinamide: Niacinamide offers anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, skin brightening, and skin barrier repair properties. It also fights blemishes and redness.
- 1% Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and draws moisture to your skin.
- Squalane: Lightweight moisturizer.
- Panthenol: Also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, panthenol has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.
If you are looking for oil control, this is The Inkey List serum for you. It has an elegant texture, sinks in quickly, and works to balance oil production and protect the skin.
It’s lightweight, hydrating and works well with other skincare and makeup products.
Related Post: The Best The Ordinary Skincare Products for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
6. The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid
The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid contains 2% Salicylic Acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that travels deep into pores and unclogs them while fighting blackheads and breakouts.
This powerful exfoliator is ideal for oily skin. This beta hydroxy acid also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties to soothe skin that is prone to breakouts and acne.
Key Ingredients:
- 2% Salicylic Acid: An exfoliating acid that is oil-soluble and clears out sebum from your pores.
- Zinc PCA: A combination of Zinc and l-PCA. This duo helps to reduce sebum production and minimize bacteria, which can lead to acne.
- 1% Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps the skin while keeping dryness at bay.
While you can use this serum (a drop or two) on your face and neck, it can also be applied as a spot treatment to areas that are prone to breakouts and blemishes.
7. The Inkey List Retinol Serum
Retinol Benefits
- Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is the one over-the-counter product that can effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, stimulate collagen production, and create a smoother more even-looking complexion.
- Retinol also supports cell turnover and helps to unclog pores. As a result, acne breakouts and scarring are minimized.
- Retinol also helps to reduce the look of hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
The Inkey List Retinol Serum is formulated with two different retinoids: 1% RetiStar stabilized Retinol and 0.5% Granactive Retinoid.
1% RetiStar Stabilized Retinol
RetiStar stabilized Retinol is a retinol complex containing 0.05% retinol, tocopherol, sodium ascorbate, and PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil in caprylic/capric triglycerides in an oily dispersion.
So while you may think you are getting 1% retinol from this complex (which would be an extremely high amount of retinol), you are actually getting 0.05% of retinol from the complex plus 0.5% Granactive Retinoid.
0.5% Granactive Retinoid
Granactive Retinoids are a newer type of retinoid that are not yet highly researched but are supposed to perform as well as retinol but without the irritation associated with retinol.
Additional Serum Ingredients:
- Squalane
- Vitamin E
- Hyaluronic Scid
- Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
For more on this retinol serum, please see my The Inkey List Retinol review.
Be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen while using this product and for up to 7 days after using it since it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Do not use this serum at the same time as alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, other retinoids, vitamin C, or other potent actives.
Another reason to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is that unprotected sun exposure can darken post-breakout scars and marks.
For Acne Scars:
8. The Inkey List Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution 1% Retinol Serum
The Inkey List Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution 1% Retinol Serum contains 1% retinol and a blend of apricot kernel oil and squalane to keep your skin hydrated and protected.
The serum helps reduce the look of post-acne scar size, depth, and discoloration while targeting wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone and texture.
Key Ingredients:
- 1% Retinol: The gold standard for anti-aging, retinol helps to resurface the skin, visibly reducing the appearance of post-blemish scarring, uneven skin texture, and wrinkles.
- 5% Apricot Kernel Oil: This nurturing plant oil is high in essential fatty acids and vitamins, offering moisturizing benefits and helping to protect your skin against moisture loss.
- 2% Squalane: A powerful hydrating ingredient and emollient that works to fortify your skin’s barrier, ensuring it remains supple and resistant to environmental stressors.
9. The Inkey List Phytic Acid Serum
The Inkey List Phytic Acid Serum is formulated to reduce the look of pores and rebalance oily skin. This super lightweight, almost water-like serum also helps to reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.
The serum goes to work on enlarged pores and excessive oil production with Phytic Acid.
Key Ingredients:
- 2% Phytic Acid: An antioxidant that reduces calcium deposits on the skin’s surface. Calcium can clog pores, which leads to breakouts, so by reducing it, the Phytic Acid serum helps to keep pores clear.
- 1% Symcontrol care: Derived from microalgae, this ingredient keeps oil in check while reducing pore size. It also soothes the skin.
- 0.1% concentration of LPA (Lysophosphatidic acid): A phospholipid found naturally in the skin, supports a healthy skin barrier, wound healing, and a reduction in the appearance of pores.
Perfect for acne-prone and oily skin, this skin care serum is also suitable for sensitive skin.
10. The Inkey List Omega Water Cream
The Inkey List Omega Water Cream is a lightweight, water-based, oil-free moisturizer that hydrates the skin without using oil or silicone in the formula.
Key Ingredients:
- Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3 that brightens the skin and improves the appearance of enlarged pores. Niacinamide helps to control excess oil production and reduces the look of uneven skin tone and redness.
- Omega Ceramide Complex: Contains Omega 3, 6, and 9, which help repair the skin’s natural barrier and lock in hydration.
- 5% Glycerin: A non-irritating moisturizer and humectant.
- 3% Betaine: Skin protectant and moisturizer.
The moisturizer is suitable for all skin types and works especially well for oily and acne-prone skin.
Omega Water Cream has a lightweight feel on the skin and is non-greasy. This is a perfect dose of niacinamide and can be used both in your AM and PM skincare routine.
11. The Inkey List Rosehip Oil
Using a facial oily may seem counterintuitive if you have oily skin, but The Inkey List Rosehip Oil can actually benefit acne-prone and oily skin types. This oil is 100% cold-pressed and contains omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Key Ingredient: Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit those with acne.
Rosehip oil contains linoleic acid, a fatty acid that can regulate oil production. Individuals with acne have been shown to have lower levels of linoleic acid in their lipids.
These lower levels are believed to contribute to acne and compromise the skin barrier. This study found that topical linoleic acid can also help to reduce the size of microcomedones (small acne blemishes).
Rosehip oil also contains small amounts of tretinoin, a retinoid known for not only its anti-aging properties but also for its acne-fighting properties.
This hydrating oil also offers anti-aging benefits from its antioxidants, such as the ability to fight free radicals, support collagen production, and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving post-breakout skin texture and tone.
12. The Inkey List SuperSolutions 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser
The Inkey List SuperSolutions 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser is an acne cleanser that’s powerful yet non-drying on your skin.
The cleanser targets current acne and breakouts by killing bacteria and preventing new breakouts from forming. The non-foaming cleanser contains glycerin to offset the dryness that often occurs with benzoyl peroxide.
Key Ingredients:
- 5% Benzoyl Peroxide: The star ingredient of the formula, known for its ability to swiftly kill acne-causing bacteria, helping not just to treat existing blemishes but also to prevent future breakouts.
- 5% Glycerin: Included to counteract potential dryness, glycerin draws hydration into the skin, ensuring that the treatment doesn’t strip away necessary moisture.
- 0.05% Hyaluronic Acid: A dual-weight hyaluronic acid complex designed to provide lasting hydration, remaining on the skin after washing to keep it moisturized and plump.
13. The Inkey List Acne Clearing Moisturizer
The Inkey List Acne Clearing Moisturizer is a specially formulated overnight moisturizer, targeting acne blemishes with precision while you sleep.
The Inkey List Acne Clearing Moisturizer is formulated for those with stubborn and persistent active acne breakouts. If you don’t have active acne but have oily, breakout, or acne-prone skin, The Inkey List suggests using Omega Water Cream instead.
Key Ingredients:
- 2% NovoRetin: A retinol alternative that amplifies the effects of traditional retinol, aiding in the reduction of acne and enhancing skin texture without the usual irritation.
- 5% STAY-C50: A stable form of Vitamin C that works to brighten your skin tone and diminish the appearance of blemishes.
- 3% Sulfur: Known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, sulfur acts to reduce and prevent acne flare-ups.
- 0.2% Retinol: A trusted anti-aging ingredient that exfoliates, resurfaces, and smoothes your skin.
14. The Inkey List C-50 Blemish Night Treatment
The Inkey List C-50 Blemish Night Treatment is an excellent option for an overnight leave-on treatment.
It is formulated with vitamin C (in the form of the derivative Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Vitamin E, and exfoliating salicylic acid to reduce bacteria on the skin and prevent and reduce blemishes. Lotus Extract helps to balance oil production.
This night treatment replaces your moisturizer step and can also be used on other breakout-prone areas, such as your chest and back.
Example The Inkey List Skincare Routines
You can create your own The Inkey List acne routine that works best with your skin type and budget.
Here are some The Inkey List sample skincare routines for acne-prone and oily skin for the morning and evening:
Example Morning The Inkey List Skincare Routine for Acne and Oily Skin
- The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser OR The Inkey List SuperSolutions 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser
- The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid
- The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum or The Inkey List Phytic Acid Serum
- Eye cream from The Inkey List, such as Caffeine Eye Cream or Brighten-i Eye Cream
- The Inkey List Omega Water Cream OR The Inkey List Acne Clearing Moisturizer (for persistent active acne)
- Don’t forget SPF: Since The Inkey List doesn’t have a sunscreen yet, this mineral sunscreen has a lightweight matte finish, and here is a less expensive mineral matte sunscreen option
Example Evening The Inkey List Skincare Routine for Acne and Oily Skin
- The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser OR The Inkey List SuperSolutions 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser
- The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid
- The Inkey List Retinol Serum (alternate nights with The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid)
- The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum or The Inkey List Phytic Acid Serum
- Eye cream from The Inkey List, such as Caffeine Eye Cream, Brighten-i Eye Cream, or Retinol Eye Cream
- The Inkey List Omega Water Cream OR The Inkey List Acne Clearing Moisturizer (for persistent active acne)
- Optional: The Inkey List Rosehip Oil
Optional Treatment 1-2x week: The Inkey List Kaolin Clay Mask
Optional Treatment (1-3x/day): The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment
About The Inkey List
Colette Laxton and Mark Curry founded The Inkey List in 2018. Based in the UK, The Inkey List aims to make information useful for you so that you can make informed decisions, especially when it comes to skincare. They use their askINKEY platforms to help empower and educate their community.
The Inkey List believes their products should be accessible to all and prices them in a way that allows you to test ingredients and ultimately build your ideal skincare recipe.
Many of their products center around a hero active ingredient, which often draws comparison to another popular affordable skincare brand, The Ordinary.
Transparency is important to The Inkey List, and they disclose active percentages on their products. All of their products are cruelty-free and in line with EU regulations.
Their packaging is currently 91% recyclable with an aim at being 100% recyclable.
TIP: The Inkey list packaging is very informational. Many of their boxes can be broken apart, and inside, there are additional tips on how to use the product or how to combine the product with other The Inkey List products to treat specific skin concerns.
The Best The Inkey List Products for Acne and Oily Skin
The Inkey List has a large collection of products that work well for acne and oily skin and can help minimize breakouts and acne scarring.
These products contain ingredients that not only help with oily skin issues but also support your general skin health by maintaining hydration and a healthy skin barrier. A few products, such as Retinol, Niacinamide, and Rosehip Oil, even offer anti-aging benefits.
A huge bonus is the pricing. The Inkey List products are incredibly inexpensive, and you can try multiple products without breaking the bank. Affordable and effective!
For more affordable drugstore skincare products for combination, oily, and acne-prone skin, be sure to check out my Revolution Skincare review.
Thanks for reading!
Sarah Roberts is the founder, writer, and photographer behind A Beauty Edit. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, Sarah is an avid skincare and beauty enthusiast who shares the best beauty finds to help you save time and money!