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The Inkey List

Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser

£19.00

The Inkey List

Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick

£15.00

The Inkey List

Starter Retinol Serum

£12.00

The Inkey List

Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum

£15.00

The Inkey List

Exosome Glow Serum

£20.00

The Inkey List

Caffeine Eye Cream

£10.00

The Inkey List

Oat Cleansing Balm

£12.00

The Inkey List

Omega Water Cream

£11.00

The Inkey List

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

£9.00

The Inkey List

Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30

£15.00

The Inkey List

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

£16.00

The Inkey List

Supersize Salicylic Acid Cleanser

£18.00

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) derived from willow bark, with a chemical structure related to aspirin. Unlike water-soluble AHAs, it is lipid-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores and dissolve the oil and debris that cause blackheads and breakouts. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm redness associated with acne.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) that is synthetically manufactured for cosmetic use. It works through multiple mechanisms: suppressing melanin transfer to skin cells to reduce hyperpigmentation, stimulating ceramide and fatty acid synthesis to strengthen the skin barrier, regulating sebum production, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. It is one of the most well-researched and versatile active ingredients in skincare.

Squalane

Squalane is a saturated hydrocarbon (C30H62) naturally found in human sebum and derived from plant sources such as sugarcane, olives, and amaranth seed. It functions as a highly effective emollient and skin-identical ingredient, mimicking the skin's own oils to soften and smooth the skin barrier without heaviness or greasiness.

Ectoin

Ectoin is a naturally occurring extremolyte — a protective compound first discovered in 1985 in extremophilic bacteria (Halomonas elongata) inhabiting harsh environments such as salt lakes. It works by binding water molecules to form stabilising hydration shells around biomolecules, which shields skin cells from environmental stressors including UV radiation, pollution, temperature extremes, and blue light. In skincare, it functions as an antioxidant, humectant, and barrier-strengthening agent.

Glycerin

Glycerin (also known as glycerol) is a naturally occurring polyhydric alcohol found in the outermost layer of human skin. It works as a powerful humectant by drawing water from the environment and deeper skin layers into the stratum corneum, and also helps maintain healthy cell membranes and intracellular lipids. It has been used safely in cosmetics for over 50 years.

Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A and one of the most well-researched anti-ageing skincare ingredients. It is a cell-communicating ingredient that must be converted in the skin through two enzymatic steps (retinol → retinaldehyde → retinoic acid) before it becomes biologically active. It is approximately 10–20 times less potent than prescription tretinoin, making it more tolerable for OTC use.

Tasmanian Pepperberry Extract

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract is derived from the fruit and leaves of Tasmanian pepperberry (Tasmannia lanceolata, Winteraceae), a shrub native to southeastern Australia. It contains polygodial (anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial), anthocyanins (antioxidants reportedly 3x more potent than blueberries), and rutin (strengthens capillaries). It is valued for its soothing and anti-irritant properties.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found throughout the human body, particularly in skin, joints, and connective tissue. It acts as a powerful water-binding agent, capable of holding up to 1000 times its own weight in water. High-molecular-weight forms sit on the skin surface to hydrate and support barrier function, while lower-molecular-weight variants penetrate slightly deeper into the epidermis.

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer is a cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid in which standard HA molecules are chemically bonded to create a mesh-like structure. This cross-linking gives it a remarkable water-binding capacity approximately five times greater than standard hyaluronic acid, forming a water-filled gel that delivers sustained, long-term hydration and a smooth film on the skin surface.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), derived from sugarcane. It works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed more easily and revealing fresher skin beneath. With regular use it also stimulates collagen synthesis, increasing skin thickness and firmness over time.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a methylxanthine alkaloid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that penetrates skin well due to its small, water-soluble molecular structure. Topically, it acts as a vasoconstrictor and phosphodiesterase inhibitor, improving microcirculation, reducing puffiness, and helping protect skin against UV-induced free radical damage. It is widely used in eye creams, anti-cellulite formulas, and antioxidant serums.

Succinic Acid

Succinic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid (chemical name: butanedioic acid) originally found in fossil amber and today produced via fermentation or chemical synthesis. It works by gently loosening dead skin cells to promote exfoliation, inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes), and helping to regulate sebum production. It also has antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe blemish-prone skin.