the inkey list review

Skincare on a Budget – The Inkey List New products!

It was time for some new The Inkey list reviews. Their newest products – Symbright moisturiser and Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser got some attention in the skincare community and I couldn’t pass on them! Along with these two, I have some new products in my collection that I will also be reviewing.

The Inkey List continues to provide us with innovative products and affordable products! Of course, some are absolute gems and others are so-so, as with any brand. Liking everything would be suspicious right?

I hope you will enjoy the new The Inkey List reviews, and maybe discover a new product that will be your future holy grail.

Part 1 here

Part 2 here

Disclaimer: recommendations are based on my own experiences and one product might work for me but not for you. Please do your own research to further decide if this is something you wish to try. These products were received in PR (press sample) with no obligation.

The Inkey list review

Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Yes, yes, I am acne free now but hear me out. This salicylic acid cleanser is recommended for oily and acne-prone skin but I still love using this for gentle exfoliation. It has 2% BHA which helps unclog pores and gently remove the dead skin cells. Along with it, there is also zinc and allantoin. Allantoin is very helpful in separating the tough layer of dead skin cells. Think dry, scaly patches. It’s non-irritating and can even be used on sensitive skin types and can act as a soothing agent.

  • 2% salicylic acid
  • Zinc compound helps reduce excess oil
  • 0.5% allantoin helps soothe irritation

The scent of this isn’t pleasant but that’s very common with all The Inkey List products. It’s a gel-type cleanser that forms a gentle foam. I use it sparingly but it’s a great way to exfoliate when I don’t want to use an exfoliating toner or enzyme wash because I don’t know how my skin might react. I’m still slowly getting to know my skin after Accutane. Where was this when I had acne?

Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser

No review can go without the newest addition to The Inkey List collection – fulvic acid cleanser.

This is quite an interesting one. I love trying out new ingredients and had no idea what fulvic acid is. It is naturally found in peat. Peat immediately makes me think of the Islay whiskey bottles my boyfriend hoards. It is antioxidant and even anti-inflammatory which makes it perfect for sensitive skin. Some added Kakadu plum extract for even more antioxidants as well as liquorice root extract to further help with hyperpigmentation, and aloe vera to soothe the skin. In conclusion, this is absolutely loaded with antioxidants but is very gentle on the skin

  • 0.5% nordic beauty peat
  • 1.5% kakadu plum extract
  • 1% liquorice root extract
  • 0.5% aloe vera

The cleanser has a runny gel consistency with brown spots of nordic peat. The peat is not a physical exfoliator, it actually dissolves in water and you can’t feel it on the skin. The cleanser forms a very gentle creamy foam. Again it smells strong and unpleasant, but what The Inkey List product doesn’t.

I feel like this combined with the serums in my routine has really made a difference in my skin. After Accutane I still have some spots roaming on my face but they are slowly and surely fading.

Polyglutamic Acid

So I am a bit confused about this one. It’s a so-so product. Polyglutamic acid is a humectant much like hyaluronic acid. However, it can hold up to 4 times more moisture than HA.

  • 3% polyglutamic acid complex
  • 2% invisaskin

It will instantly moisturise and improve the skin texture, fine lines, and ensure long-lasting hydration. Although I love this I don’t see it do much more than hyaluronic acid. I even love the rotten fruit scent it has. I reach for it a lot when it’s retinoid evening as I feel that it improves my skin and reduces any potential irritation. But I won’t be throwing myself at it and say that it’s life-changing.

Multi-Biotic

This product confused me because it comes in the typical The Inkey List serum packaging, but it is a moisturiser. I was debating on writing a review on this. I don’t particularly like nor dislike it. The main goal of this product is to restore the natural skin microbiome which in turn promotes healthier skin with a strong skin barrier. It is rich in prebiotics as well as postbiotics. It’s especially recommended for a damaged skin barrier after over-exfoliating, or for blemish-prone skin. But they do market it for everyone.

  • 5% Yogurtene
  • 2% Brightenyl
  • 2% Squalane

Personally, I have found it to be too light for my dry skin, but I love layering it under another moisturiser. I haven’t noticed any radical changes but like the idea of tending to my microbiome. I love taking care of my gut health but don’t pay enough attention to my skin beneficial bacteria. As I said, I’m indifferent to this product, and if I had to choose to repurchase this or the polyglutamic acid, I will be more inclined to buy the latter.

Symbright Moisturizer

The spotlight of this The Inkey List review – the newest Symbright moisturizer. This one is packed with new and interesting ingredients.

Just like the cleanser, it contains Kakadu plum extract which is packed with antioxidants. Along with that, it has an ingredient called Symbright, obtained from the fermentation of the plant Clary Sage. It promotes an even skin tone and also moisturizes the skin. In addition to that, the red algae complex provides essential minerals to the skin and further increases hydration levels. The goal – an even and hydrated complexion.

  • 0.5% symbright produced from the fermentation of clary sage
  • 2% kakadu plum extract
  • 1% red algae complex

The moisturizer has a very pleasant texture with a pearly white sheen. It is neither too light nor too heavy on my dry skin. I really enjoy it as a morning moisturizer but I won’t lie, sometimes I have to layer on another one because midday I can feel my skin starting to get rough. I didn’t have any bad reactions to these new ingredients and really look further to the results – even complexion here I come.


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