The Inkey List Retinol Serum

The ingredient list:

Water (Aqua / Eau), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone, Retinol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Phospholipids, Caprylic/capric Glycerides, Squalane, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Ascorbate, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 60, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycolipids, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Phenoxyethanol

Price: $9,9 or between Rp 250.000 – Rp 345.000 (price may vary depending on where you purchase it)

Packaging :

It is come in 30 ml of product, in a plastic tube.

Texture:

The texture is gel-like, light, and non-sticky.

The application:

Apply after double cleansing – first essence – toner –   Serum – sheet mask – moisturizer- the Inkey list retinol serum

Shelf Life: Only 6 months

The claim:

Also known as ‘Your Beauty Translator’, THE INKEY LIST’s aim is simple: breakthrough beauty jargon to deliver a straightforward take on skin care’s most-wanted ingredients (at astoundingly reasonable, ‘give-it-a-go’ prices). A superstar ingredient for a reason, retinol helps to promote skin renewal and enhance collagen production, leaving skin brighter, smoother, and more youthful-looking. This slow-release formula minimizes irritation and maximizes results, leaving fine lines and wrinkles minimized and skin tone more even than ever.

My Review:

I like using the anti-aging ingredients in my skincare routine. My number 1 favorite antiaging ingredient is vitamin C. The next one would be retinol. But the thing with retinol is a little bit tricky to use on my skin. I love the result but I cannot use it too often. I like Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, the result of this product is pretty potent as you can read in my review here Expensive Products That Deserve Its Price Tag. However, I can only use it once or twice a week. With my other exfoliating products such as vitamin C serum and BHA, I find it hard to incorporate Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment in my routine without making my skin over-exfoliate. I end up using it once every 2 weeks and within 6 months of shelf-life upon product opening, I was not able to finish up the product. Such a waste, considering its hefty price tag. So, I am searching for a more affordable option for a retinol serum.

I have tried the ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, and it broke me out. I am not really a fan of the product texture, and it irritates my skin. I stop using it after the third times’ application. Months after that I come across the Inkey list retinol serum. After reading some reviews and watching some youtube videos, I decide to purchase it. Compare to Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, the Inkey list retinol serum is much more affordable. Of course, there is no fancy packaging of sleek pump bottles as the Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment. As long as the product works, I have no problem with it.

It has gel consistency while Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment has lotion texture. It has the same yellow tint formula with a similar smell too. These products are not duped for each other. The two product has a different ingredient list, in terms of retinol, the Inkey list retinol serum contains Stabilised Retinol 1% and Granactive Retinoid 0.5% also Squalane. While Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment contains High-strength 1% retinol concentration. The Inkey list retinol serum is a slow-release formula to minimize irritation. It is a milder version of retinol compared to Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment. You won’t see an immediate result upon using the product in 1 week.

Since The Inkey list retinol serum is mild, I can use it every 2 days and it does not cause any irritation or break out on my face. After a month of using it, I notice a difference in my skin. The small bump around my forehead is diminished, my skin looks even-toned, and my complexion looks brighter, smoother, and more youthful. My fine lines are less visible and I also notice it help reduce surfacing acne.

With Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, I use it straight after double cleansing on dry skin. But with  The Inkey list retinol serum, I use it after I am done with my skincare routine, and put it 30 minutes after I put on moisturizer. This is to minimize irritation, so your skin is already well moisturized before you put on the retinol serum. Because retinol can make your skin dry.

Additional tip: after I applied The Inkey list retinol serum on my entire face and neck, I use the remaining serum on my fingertip on my dark circle area. I must use a moisturizing eye cream beforehand. Use it in a thin layer, to help reduce fine lines around my eye.

I really enjoy using this The Inkey list retinol serum, it works well on my skin and the price is inexpensive. I am on my way to the second tube of The Inkey list retinol serum. If you want a more potent result, you can choose the Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment. For those of you who are just starting to introduce retinol in your skincare routine, The Inkey list retinol serum is a great product, to begin with. You can slowly build up your tolerance of retinol, then, later on, you can change into a stronger percentage of retinol.