Inkey List Sneak peak! Products to come in Feb 2020!

Hi all!

I attended an Inkey List event where they were showcasing their upcoming and current products. I swatched the new products for your viewing pleasure and also some of their current products.

I recorded live video swatches in this Youtube Video and discuss my thoughts about the products. If you would like to see video swatches of the products, I have recorded them in this Youtube Video where I show you my day in London and attending the Inkey List event!

And here are the details of the new and upcoming products:

These products will be released February 17th.

I think the Inkey List overall have some good products and the new products are an upgrade (in my opinion) to their current lineup – so I await great things from the company! I personally find some of their products a hit and a miss – I.e I’m not a fan of their 20% Vitamin C, I found their Ceramide Night Treatment too sticky (but a great hand cream), and I found their Brighten-i Eye Cream a bit messy to use. But then I’ve been really pleasantly surprised by all the products (new and current) I swatched at the event! I think they’re innovative and really remind me of the time when The Ordinary were developing and releasing new products fast.

• I assumed their serums would be sticky like the Ordinary’s serums, but actually found them thinner (thinner than Good Molecules serums too) – which I much prefer because it means they are layerable under makeup andSPF.

For instance, at this event, when I was playing around with their Niacinamide serum, Hyaluronic acid serum and even their Polyglutamic acid, I was impressed to see that the products weren’t sticky! (FYI – swatches are in the youtube video!)

The New Items are:

1. Retinol Eye Cream – £9.99 (15ml)

Available on Cultbeauty HERE

Purpose: To help reduce fine lines and wrinkles

Can be used: PM – Use a moisturiser after this has soaked in.

A gentle (so probably not too high a %) but highly effective DAILY eye treatment that delivers all the benefits of Retinol without any of the irritation. From this description, I’m guessing the product is a retinol derivative, so a granactive retinoid etc, if it can be easily used everyday. BUT I’M NOT MAD AT THAT. I like the idea of going slow, steady and gently! especially when it comes to the eyes! I think this would be a lovely preventative, especially if used consistently.

Description: A rich yet lightweight cream featuring retinol. Promotes skin renewal, collagen production and helps plump the eye area. Can also be used around the mouth for fine lines and wrinkles!

I’m just hoping it wouldn’t irritate one’s eyes. (Also – surprised to see no % disclosure of the concentration).

Description: ‘This daily eye cream uses the INKEY list’s renowned low-irritation Retinol in a time-release formula to deliver all the transformative effects of this Vitamin A derivative over a sustained period of time.

• Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – including crow’s feet – and encourage cell turnover for a smoother, evenly toned eye area.

• Delivers effective hydration to smooth the under eye area.

TEXTURE: I tried this on my hand – first of all the applicator I MUCH PREFER to the Brighten-i Eye Cream (has that metal tip) – this is far less messy and more controllable. The texture of this product is simple, it’s a cream! but thankfully it wasn’t sticky (like the Mad Hippie Eye Cream).

(Swatch is on the Youtube video!)

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water/Eau), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Cetearyl Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Propanediol, Glycogen, Sodium Gluconate, Retinol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citric Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Humulus Lupulus Extract.

Serum:

2. 15% Vitamin C and EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) – £12.99 (30ml)

Where to purchase: Available on Cult Beauty HERE

What does it do?: Helps to even, intensively brighten and regenerate the skin.

Can be used: AM / PM – Use like you would a serum.

What it is: Skin brightener helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and brighten the skin.

• This is supposed to hydrate and plump the skin while stimulating the production of new skin cells and therefore reducing the appearance of lines and ‘dramatically’ boosting hydration levels.

Description: Blend of HA, Vitamin C and EGF (a peptide) – helps brighten and speed up skin regeneration. Also hydrates the skin.

Key Ingredients: Contains 1% Epitensive (a plant-derived Epidermal Growth Factor System) plus 15% Ascorbyl glucoside (Vitamin C derivative), and Hyaluronic Acid.

Ascorbyl glucose —> Ascorbic acid (gets converted into). Apparently this should stimulate cell renewal for brighter, rejuvenated skin in both the long and short term.

Full Ingredients List:

Aqua (Water), Ascorbyl Glucoside (So not pure vitamin C), Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Metabisulfite, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phytic Acid, Oligopeptide-1.

My Thoughts: Very intrigued as EGF usually cost a fortune in ‘medical’ brand ranges. I think this will be a hit, as I would love to use it too! I think 15% is fine for a vitamin C and with the addition of EGF – I’m intrigued! And because of the texture, it’s so quick and easy to use/apply, I wouldn’t feel discouraged from trying it! I do have some concerns regarding the pH i.e. will the product still be effective at a higher pH. I didn’t feel any stinging when applying.

TEXTURE: THIS IS SILICONE-FREE. I don’t mind silicone at all BUT – sometimes it can make products either not layer well under makeup/SPF OR just have that near-grease feeling (like what’s in the Inkey List’s 20% Vitamin C cream). So evidently the texture of this is lush – very watery and light.

I tried this on my hand, it is like water! extremely light and watery, falling down the hand. Similar in texture to the Timeless C E Ferulic. So obviously I loved the texture as it was very easy to spread over the skin and absorbed well.

I think I would use this once my Timeless Vitamin C serum runs out, and use this as a vitamin C serum.

Moisturisers

2. Vitamin B, C and E Moisturiser – £4.99 (50ml)

Can use: In the AM and PM

Where to purchase: On Cult Beauty HERE

Now this aims to keep the skin healthy – this simply aims to deliver a cocktail of vitamins for comfortable, healthy and radiant skin. The addition of these vitamins to me seems like the Inkey List have made an upgraded version of the ordinary’s HA moisturiser. I love having simple hydrating/moisturising products with added beneficial ingredients, so this seems right up my alley.

Description: To maintain the skins barrier, certain vitamins should be used. This moisturiser does it all, containing Vitamin B3 aka NIACINAMIDE (WOOH!), to balance the skin’s oil levels, Hyaluronic acid and B5 (Pantothenic Acid) to help with hydration. Phytrox and Vitamin C bring antioxidant benefits to the skin and also help brighten. Vitamin E – skin soothing active and anti-inflammatory (and works well with vitamin C). Can use in the AM and PM.

• I think this would be great for those who are figuring out their skincare routine and want a product that ‘does it all’ in terms of helping your skin out with hydration and making it look good.

What it does:

• Maintains the skin’s barrier
• Boosts moisture, brightens dullness and soothes sensitivity.

Texture: LOVE. It’s so light. I love light creams, I love how well this glided and absorbed into my skin. it wasn’t sticky, it wasn’t tacky – it just rubbed right in and didn’t irritate my hand. I thought perhaps this would feel too greasy, but it wasn’t! it was closer to a gel than a heavy cream. (BTW – video swatch is in the Youtube video!)

My Thoughts: Boy do I like the sound of Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E altogether. I can imagine this cutting down a routine in half if you need to quickly get out the door i.e. just slap this on before an SPF and go! Really sounds like this could help your skin barrier and just keep your skin looking good WHILE providing benefits and reducing pores etc. I Like the idea a lot. I must say – I would have liked the inclusion of the vitamin C % added.

Full Ingredients list:

Aqua (Water/Eau), Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Lecithin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil.

Note: I wonder if Coconut oil might not suit everyone – so be warned that this product contains it.

3. Peptide Moisturiser – £14.99 (‘m guessing the higher price of this is due to the packaging) – 50ml

I will say this now – this evidently is a dupe to the Drunk Elephant Protini Cream AND I’m NOT MAD AS THAT IS EXTORTIONATE IN PRICE AND I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY IT!

Can be used: AM / PM

Where to purchase: From Cult Beauty HERE

How to use: Use AM and PM. Apply a pea-sized amount to cleansed face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Use after serums and before moisturiser.

Packaging: Exactly the same as DE – I wish ALL moisturisers came in this packaging, it’s my favourite. Absolutely love the way it looks, so easy to get product out and of course reduces air contact.

What is it: A moisturiser that helps to reduce wrinkles

‘An effective moisturising treatment that helps to delay the signs of ageing while boosting hydration and ‘radiance’.

Description: ”Daily Moisturiser – helps to maintain hydration in the skin and also delay the signs of ageing i.e. loss of radiance, lines and loss of firmness. This is done through the blend of peptides including the 2% new to market Royal Epigem P5TM and 1% hydrating peptide solution – these work to create an even skin tone, balance hydration and delay the ageing of the skin while boosting collagen, to maintain the skin’s barrier.”

It’s a ‘multitasking moisturiser’ great for any anti-ageing routine.

Key Ingredients: 2% royal epigen which may help to increase the speed of skin renewal for smoother and more even skin in a month. Hexapeptide helps to hydrate, strengthen the barrier and increase collagen production. 

Full Ingredients List:

Aqua (Water/Eau), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Gluconate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-37, Maltodextrin, Pentapeptide-48.

Packaging:

Texture: this feels exactly like the DE protini cream. also very similar to the Etude House Soon Jung Barrier cream. For anyone who doesn’t like a thick moisturiser, or doesn’t like moisturisers in general, you would love this. For hot and humid weather, for oily skin – yes please.

My thoughts: Becuase of the texture of this alone, I would have purchased this cream as an AM and PM moisturiser. But the addition of the anti-ageing ingredients makes this very tantalising for me. I like that it’s not saying that it STOPS ageing, but slows it down. I’m intruiged.

PEEL (Exfoliation):

4. Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peel – £14.99 (30ml)

Where to purchase: From Cult Beauty HERE

Can be used: AM or PM. Intruiged to see it can be used in the AM (I was thinking about sunlight exposure?)

How to use: Use in the PM once to twice a week. Apply a thin layer to dampened cleansed skin. Leave on for 10 minutes max. Rinse off using warm water. Pat face dry and follow with preferred serums and moisturiser.

Description: An exfoliating treatment using 2% apple cider vinegar, 10% glycolic acid and a 5% multi-fruit blend to ”help protect, clear and brighten skin.”

NOTE: ”This isn’t just for your face, apply this as a targeted treatment to blemish-prone areas of concern such as your back or chest for visible results too.”

(I like that this can be used for other areas).

• Helps to even skin tone and texture

• Contains a combination of exfoliators: a non-irritating weekly treatment. This removes dead skin, smoothes uneven texture and restores radiance.

This is an at-home peel which apparently is in a non-irritating formula.

For: congested and acne-prone skin

Naturally contains (already in apple cider vinegar) – Acetic, Citric, Lactic and Succinic acid.

Apple Cider Vinegar helps to eliminate P.acnes (acne causing bacteria) and reduce the appearance of post-acne scarring.

• Contains a blend of 10% glycolic Acid, 5% Fruit Acids and 5% Cranberry Enzymes – to remove dead skin cells while promoting cell turnover. Therefore promotes the appearance of radiant skin that is smooth.

-Targets breakouts and post-acne scarring with 2% Apple Cider Vinegar

-Refines Texture and boosts radiance with an innovative combination of acids.

Texture: This is quite thick – it has a silicone-ish texture (it came out as a thick ball on my hand, but then of course rubbed out fine). Probably my least favourite texture from the new products, but that’s because I prefer extremely light and watery textures.

Full Ingredients: Aqua (Water/Eau), Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Polysorbate 20, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract, Acetum (Apple Vinegar/Vinaigre), Sodium Hydroxide, Propanediol, Xanthan Gum, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Lactobacillus/Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Phenoxyethanol, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Fruit Oil, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Maltodextrin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Citronellyl Methylcrotonate, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Phytic Acid, Agastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract.

My Thoughts: When I applied this, I was scared that it would sting/itch/burn instantly and it didn’t. I can tell though that it is acidic – it has that acidic smell and I feel like if I left it on my hand for a while, I would have felt perhaps some tingling.

This seems quite strong so I wouldn’t say it’s great for everyday use, but I think as a once in a while treatment for acneic skin, or skin that feels really congested. This could be good. For some reason it’s giving me Kale-la-Lula vibes, so I could see this also being used on dry elbows, or knees and also for those pesky bumps on the back of one’s arms (KP).

I could see people going overboard with this, so I hope people take it easy. It seems quite potent so I think absolutely, with the cocktail of acids and anzymes – this packs a punch! so I could see it being effective.

CLEANSER:

Oat Cleansing Balm – £9.99 (150ml)

Where to purchase: From Cult Beauty HERE

Can be used: AM and PM

How to use: Use AM and PM. Gently massage a small amount onto a dampened face and neck. Rinse thoroughly with water. Follow with preferred serums and moisturiser.

P.S – you can also apply this as a nourishing face mask by leaving it on to ”work its magic” for 10 minutes.

What is it?: A cleansing balm (in a bottle) to remove makeup and CLEANSE SENSITIVE SKIN

• Soothes sensitivity and reduces redness with Colloidal oatmeal (we know oatmeal is calming to the skin)
• Removes makeup and grime without stripping the skin

”Gentle yet highly effective cleansing balm that leaves sensitive skin feeling comfortably clean.”

Good for: Sensitive skin

Helps maintain skin moisture levels as well as helping to smooth and reduce blackheads while 1% oat powder helps to reduce redness and irritation. Simply massage onto damp skin to soothe and balance skin.

Key ingredients: 3% Oat Kernel Oil, ceramides.

• Maintains moisture levels while strengthening the skin with ceramides.

• Oatmeal – reduces redness and irritation experience while cleansing.

Full Ingredients List: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Candelilla Cera (Cire de candelilla), Silica, Sorbitan Stearate, Tribehenin, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Aqua (Water/Eau), Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil.

Texture: In one word – YUM. This reminds me of the Drunk Elephant Moringa Cleansing balm (in terms of texture). I thought it was going to be gritty, but it’s actually quite smooth. It comes out easy and as a ‘solid’ blob that then melts instantly into the skin as soon as you rub it in. So it’s a balm that basically becomes an oil. FYI – WATCH THE Youtube VIDEO TO SEE THE SWATCH!

My Thoughts: I absolutely want to try this. This is basically a cleansing balm but in bottle. I don’t like cleansing balms because I find them fiddly, unhygienic and annoying to use – but if it’s in a squeezy tube, absolutely I’ll try it. Because it is a balm in a tube – I had a thought that perhaps in cooler weather, this wouldn’t be easy to squeeze out (perhaps harden in the tube) – but we’ll have to see. Also – I can believe that this wouldn’t be stripping or damaging to the skin so that’s also why I’d really like to try it. I don’t like harsh cleansers and I don’t think this would be one.

• Of course my worry is that this will be very stripping and I wont like it because of that – so we’ll just have to see!

In Conclusion: These new products look very intruiging! I like the ingenuity the Inkey List has, and I like the introduction of new to market ingredients and thinking of things that are outside of the box. I am most excited for the oat cleansing balm as I love the texture of cleansing balms but really don’t like the packaging. If this isn’t stripping, I could really enjoy it! I also like the protein moisturiser and love the packaging. I can’t wait to purchase and review 🙂

Where to Purchase:

The Inkey List is available on Lookfantastic , Cultbeauty Boots.co.uk

Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.