The Inkey List Exfoliating Serums
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The Inkey List has a range of three brilliant exfoliating serums, these are designed to target specific skin concerns in creating the perfect base of a effective skincare routine.
When using a exfoliating serum, skip exfoliating acid toner (and vice versa) and follow up with the rest of your leave on skincare. Remember to use SPF daily, particularly when using these chemical exfoliants as they can increase sun sensitivity too.
Lactic Acid

INCI: Aqua (Water), Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Agastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
The Inkey List Lactic Acid is the most gentle & lightweight of the exfoliating serums range. Best for daily gentle chemical exfoliation & increasing hydration. Almost waterlike in texture you’ll want to get this on quick, and don’t be tempted to waste it on a cotton pad! This is the first step of your leave on skincare, skip an exfoliating toner when you’re using this and follow up with the rest of your routine.
This is my most used of this category from the brand, If you’ve been put off using budget lactic acid from other brands- this is so much better!
Use this if you want gentle exfoliation, increased clarity and for the rest of your routine to work better!
Alpha Hydroxy Acid

INCI: Water (Aqua / Eau), Propanediol, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Allantoin, Sodium Levulinate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Anisate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Think of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid as a graduation from Lactic, This runny gel serum uses a blend of fruit acids to encourage a brighter complexion.
These AHAs work on the surface of the skin which tends to bring results a little quicker.
Use this if you want quicker results and a focus on smoother skin texture and hyperpigmentation.
Beta Hydroxy Acid

INCI: Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
I always have The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid on hand in my routine. BHA (Salicylic Acid) is renowned for reducing inflammation and clarifying the skin as it is able to work both on the surface, and inside of the pores making it great for blemish prone skins.
I find that BHAs by their very nature can increase dryness in the skin but I’ve never heard of this causing an issue thanks to the addition of Hyaluronic Acid.
It has the thickest gel texture of the exfoliating serums range which lends itself nicely to not only being used as a serum but as a spot treatment too because it stays exactly where you apply it.
Use this is breakouts and blackheads are a concern for you and you want to keep them at bay- it’s brilliant.

There really is a exfoliating serum for everyone at The Inkey List and I hope this helped you determine which might be best for you, and if you’re looking for exfoliation in another step of your routine it might be worth looking at their exfoliating toners.
The Inkey List is Cruelty Free and available at Selfridges, Cult Beauty, Boots, Sephora US and Shoppers Drug Mart Canada, in addition to their own website where you can AskINKEY for specific product related support.
If you have any questions or want to get in touch, you can find me on Instagram here.