Review: The Inkey List Collagen Booster

Where to purchase: There are numerous sites, an example is from Cult Beauty HERE

Price: £8.99

Volume: 30ml

Description: The skin’s firmness and elasticity depletes as one ages. So this serum which has Matrixyl 3000 (like the ordinary’s Matrixyl serum – however that serum balls up and pills under me, this doesn’t), helps with the skin’s firmness and elasticity by mimicking the effect of the body’s collagen.

What is it?: Collagen – a protein existing in the skin which helps support the skin’s firmness and elasticity – reduces as one ages. So therefore this collagen serum contains Matrixyl 3000 and Syn Tacks which mimic collagen’s effect and help make the skin look plump and smoother. This formula aims to boost collagen production and therefore reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and sagging. Not made to replace retinol, but a good add-on, supplement. Or for those too young for retinol and want a good preventative, since this is hydrating too, it’s just a nice add-on.

Good for: an add-on to a reliable anti-ageing routine (i.e. if you already use retinol, this is a nice add-on). Also nice for those who are young and just want some prevention. Also good for oily skin (as this is so light/watery) and dehydrated skin. For those also who have dry skin but want to mix this product in with a cream.

Directions: Use in the AM and the PM / On cleansed skin apply a pea-sized amount to face and neck. Use the tips of the fingers to gently tap the serum into the skin

(Can be used alongside other serums and moisturisers as desired).

How I use it: I use this in the PM. I actually mixed this in with my Niacinamide serum from Good Molecules (I think they worked together/mixed well together). I apply it last with the Niacinamide serum as I find that they form a good occlusive barrier on top of my skin.

Texture: I find this very similar in texture to the Hyalmide SubQ Skin

• It’s a lightweight gel-type texture. It spreads easily and dries down in good time. I think it’s hydrating.

Good under makeup?: Yes it is fine because it’s light! also good under SPF.

Key Ingredients: Matrixyl 3000 and Syn Tacks – mimic collagen.

Ingredients list: Water (Aqua / Eau), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium Edta, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Carbomer, Hyaluronic Acid, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminohydroxybutyrate, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

NOTE: Skincharisma have a product list breakdown HERE

How long have I been using this?: Until I finished the bottle – it took me a month because it’s quite small and I used it everyday.

The Effect: Hydrated skin. I’m using this as a preventative, not as a cure. So I like using it and hoping it’s helping! I love peptide serums, so I don’t have qualms using this.

What I like:

• Thin! I love thin textured products. This is light and not sticky/gloopy
• Layers well under makeup
• No fragrance
• No essential oils
• Hydrating
• I like peptides in my serum and I’m glad this has Matrixyl 3000 – in a better feeling textured formula than the Ordinary.

What I don’t like:

• Can’t tell the effect – because this is more of a preventative than a cure in my opinion, so no ageing results, BUT hydration results are there.
• Probably should come in a bigger size as one may run out quickly.

Overall Rating and Conclusion: 3.9/5 – it’s not proven that peptides reduce ageing apart from plumping up the skin due to their humectant effects (water-drawing), but I like the idea of peptides and so I like to keep them in my routine AS AN ADD ON (please use SPF first for anti-ageing). I think it’s great as a preventative and I love that this isn’t fragrance. Because it’s not too expensive, I can use a good amount every night and my skin feels well hydrated.

Compared to Hylamide SubQ Skin?: This is cheaper BUT I LIKE THEM BOTH! I think both have had a good effect on my skin and I like the texture of the both. Hylamide does have a longer list of skin-beneficial ingredients so perhaps that wins as it does more ‘stuff’ to the skin. I have repurchased SubQ skin so will be using that once this booster finishes.

Would I purchase?: Yes I would – if I found the SubQ skin too pricey in the moment, I would get the collagen booster.

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.