The Inkey List Vitamin C Serums

The Inkey List does Vitamin C brilliantly. They started off with one formula however they understand that one size does not fit all and have since diversified their offering.

These formulas sit among some of the best and aren’t as basic as one might assume considering the price point.

Vitamin C is a skin brightening antioxidant that kickstarts collagen production, offers protection from environmental aggressors and encourages an even skintone.

Below you’ll find a breakdown of the range at The Inkey List to help you discover the difference between them and which may be more suited to your skintype.

You don’t need to use any more than one of these at a time. Pick one and stick to it to see results, you’ll know if you want to stick with the same one or try another.

If you’re using a Retinol, because none of these contain retinol use them in a seperate routine- do not mix them together yourself.

THE OG- Vitamin C

INCI: Dimethicone, Ascorbic Acid, Polysilicone-11, Peg-10 Dimethicone

The first of the range, this Vitamin C suspended in silicone offers the fastest results. It uses the gold standard of Vitamin C (L Ascorbic Acid) and can feel gritty when it goes on.

I would avoid if you are a first time user, but depending on who you talk to this will either be their least or most favourite from the brand. It is effective though. If you like the texture, can tolerate 30% Vitamin C and prefer using in the evening, go for it!

You may however find their newer Vitamin C’s are a better fit for you…

15% Vitamin C and EGF

INCI: Aqua (Water/Eau), Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Metabisulfite, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phytic Acid, Oligopeptide-1.

The 15% Vitamin C and EGF is much more to my preference, it’s a light gel texture that lends itself nicely to be used in the morning (which is when I prefer to use antioxidants) and uses a different form of Vitamin C (L-ascorbyl glucoside).

This is less potent than L- Ascorbic Acid but leaves less room for irritation so most skin types can use without any issues, The EGF is a perfect collagen boosting accompaniment to the Vitamin C.

L-R: The Inkey List Vitamin C and Vitamin C and EGF

C-50 Blemish Night Treatment

INCI:Aqua (Water/ Eau), Propanediol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Salicylic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Madecassoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Lecithin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Nymphaea Coerulea Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil.

The C-50 Night Treatment from The Inkey List is one of few Vitamin C products designed with blemish prone skin in mind. Sometimes Vitamin C can be tricky for skins that struggle with breakouts, I know I’ve often felt that I had to make the choice between blemish control and brightening.

Luckily this serum stage product is a medium weight jelly texture, contains a mixture of Vitamin C (5% Ascorbyl Phosphate) and 2% Salicylic Acid. Making it a beautiful, gentle yet intensive brightening product for all skin types, but especially for those of us who haven’t yet found one we can use without any irritation.

Alpha Arbutin

INCI: Water (Aqua/ Eau), Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Alpha-Arbutin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hyaluronic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Squalane, Phospholipids, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Carbomer, Polysorbate 60, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycolipids, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterol, Tetrapeptide -30

So I know what you’re thinking… Arbutin is not a Vitamin C, I know. But it does have brilliant brightening properties that those looking for Vitamin C may wish to consider using this as an option. I find this product to be incredibly effective at reducing dark spots and pigmentation to create even skin tone.

It’s another good option if you can’t tolerate or prefer not to use ascorbic acid and if you have a dryer skin because it contains squalane which helps create a smooth and hydrated base.

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.