The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum: Is It Worth the Hype?
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In the modern skincare world, vitamin C has become the talk of the town.
It is, in fact, one of the most important products that every skincare regimen should have due to its several benefits, according to certified dermatologists.
Many users even claim that it’s one of their holy grails for healthier skin.
One of the most hyped up vitamin C serums today is from the Inkey List.
But is it really worth the hype?
Let’s find out together!
Here, we share our Inkey List Vitamin C review as honestly as possible and reveal everything you need to know about using the product to help you decide whether you should try this product or not.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is Vitamin C?
- 2 What Is the Inkey List Vitamin C Serum?
- 3 Inkey List Vitamin C Serum Ingredients
- 4 How to Use Inkey List Vitamin C Serum
- 5 Who Is This Inkey List Vitamin C Serum For?
- 6 The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum Pros
- 7 The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum Cons
- 8 Final Verdict: Is Inkey List Vitamin C Serum for You?
What Is Vitamin C?
Before we discuss the Inkey List Vitamin C Serum, we must first understand what vitamin C is to determine why this product is widely used in the modern skincare world.
So what is vitamin C?
Vitamin C — also known as ascorbic acid — is a powerful, multifunctional, water-soluble, skin-brightening antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals.
Free radicals are what cause skin damage, such as cigarettes, city smoke, pollution, and UV lights.
Vitamin C is found in several vegetables and fruits. It plays a vital role in the growth and repair of body tissues, including the skin.
Apart from that, this essential ingredient helps the skin’s regeneration process so the body can repair damaged skin cells more effectively and quickly.
Since vitamin C has a long list of benefits and works wonders for the skin, this ingredient has been prevalent in topical skincare.
What Is the Inkey List Vitamin C Serum?
Now that you know what vitamin C is and what its effects on the skin are, let’s move on to the Inkey List Vitamin C Serum review!
Formulated with 30% pure L-ascorbic acid, the Inkey List Vitamin C serum aids in targeting the appearance of fine lines, dullness, and hyperpigmentation.
Apart from that, this serum helps skin appear brighter, protects skin against free radicals, and promotes collagen production.
According to the Inkey List, this creamy, rich serum is best used in the AM as it gives you that instant smoothening effect, which makes it a good makeup base.
Inkey List Vitamin C Serum Ingredients
Inkey List is a skincare brand that aims to educate consumers about skin concerns and the best treatments for them by using tried-and-tested ingredients recommended by dermatologists.
They promote straightforward, simplified skin care backed by science.
Their values are well translated in their product’s ingredients list. The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum particularly consists of only four ingredients.
Yes, you read that right!
Here are the fantastic four behind their powerful serum.
Dimethicone
In skin care, dimethicone is a form of occlusive that makes the skin silky smooth, forming a protective barrier and creating a subtle gloss.
This ingredient works great for temporarily filling in wrinkles and fine lines and making your skin plump.
Ascorbic Acid
The star ingredient for this serum, ascorbic acid, widely known as vitamin C, is formulated at 30%.
This ingredient helps fade dark spots, soothes the skin, and contains a chock-full of antioxidants.
Thanks to vitamin C’s anti-pigmentary, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties, it is clinically proven to have an extensive clinical application range!
On top of that, this potent nutrient provides several skin benefits, such as these:
- Brighten skin complexion
- Diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Even skin tone
- Heal wounds and acne
- Maintain and repair damaged cartilage and skin
- Produce collagen to keep skin plump and youthful
- Prevent premature aging
- Reduce the appearance of dark spots
Polysilicone-11
Polysilicone-11 is one of those silicone types that help improve the feel of cosmetic and skincare formulations.
Aside from that, this ingredient forms a protective film to prevent moisture loss and it works well with most ingredients.
PEG-10 Dimethicone
PEG-10 Dimethicone is a silicone emulsifier that helps silicone oils and water to nicely mix together.
How to Use Inkey List Vitamin C Serum
First off, we encourage you to patch-test before adding this product to your skincare routine or even before just trying it out.
Also, use this serum in your AM skin regimen to get the most out of its antioxidant properties.
Now, let’s get to it!
According to the Inkey List website, here’s how you apply the Inkey List Vitamin C Serum:
- Cleanse your face with your favorite facial wash.
- Hydrate your skin with a hyaluronic acid serum.
- Get a pea-sized amount of the Inkey List 30% Vitamin C Serum.
- Gently pat it on your face and neck.
- Lastly, follow with moisturizer and apply your preferred SPF to minimize sensitivity.
Inkey tip: Remember that this product can result in increased skin sensitivity.
If you have a sensitive skin type or are new to using vitamin C, we suggest mixing and diluting it with other serums, like a hyaluronic acid serum, to help improve your skin tolerance and reduce that slight tingling sensation.
You can check out this Inkey List bundle here on Amazon and get their 30% Vitamin C Serum and Hyaluronic Acid Serum in one purchase.
Also, if you’re using a vitamin C serum, avoid using retinol, a niacinamide PHA toner, BHAs, or AHAs to prevent skin irritation.
Who Is This Inkey List Vitamin C Serum For?
Similar to other skincare products, particular skin types work best for certain skincare products.
The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum is best suited for all skin types except those with highly sensitive skin.
Since it is formulated with a whopping 30% ascorbic acid, people with very sensitive skin types may have skin reactions and irritations, as this product can be too harsh even when mixed with your moisturizer or other serums.
If you think you have skin that’s way more sensitive than the usual sensitive skin type, we highly recommend you try the gentler formula of 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum by Inkey List.
This serum is perfect if you are just introducing your skin to vitamin C.
If you want to know more about this product, you may have to look for a good Inkey List vitamin C + EGF review to help you decide if you should get it.
However, if your skin is already used to vitamin C, buy the Inkey List Vitamin C Serum!
Overall, this vitamin C product is perfect for those looking for an affordable and effective serum in their routine.
The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum Pros
Affordable High Vitamin C Concentration
At an affordable price, you get 30% vitamin C, one of the highest vitamin C concentrations available in the beauty market!
Good for Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, the Inkey List Vitamin C Serum is suitable since it instantly mattifies your skin thanks to its three silicone ingredients.
As a result, it leaves a poreless, mattified, and powdery finish, making it a good makeup base.
Many Skin Benefits in One
Using this vitamin C serum is a great way to step up your skincare game since it has several benefits: it targets wrinkles and fine lines, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and dull skin.
The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum Cons
Tends to Pill or Look Uneven
Since this serum is formulated with various silicone ingredients, it tends to pill.
Skin pilling happens when a product, mostly serums or moisturizers, doesn’t properly get absorbed into your skin.
Rather, it creates tiny particles on the surface of your skin and transfers back onto your fingers.
As a result, it may look uneven, especially if you top it off with a foundation.
So take note that putting makeup on when you have this serum in your routine requires a bit of finesse.
Can Be Sensitive to the Skin
Since it is formulated with 30% vitamin C, you may feel a slight tingle on your skin while applying it.
Remember that this product can also increase skin sensitivity, so if you already have naturally sensitive skin, you might want to skip the 30% formulation.
Instead, opt for the Inkey List 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum for a gentler ascorbic acid formula on your skin, which is also ideal for beginners.
Tends to Oxidize
As a potent antioxidant, this product’s active Vitamin C tends to oxidize easily when exposed to air and sun.
Hence, you should never forget to top this serum off with sunscreen.
Might Clog Your Skin
Aside from ascorbic acid, this serum is composed of three silicone derivatives.
On certain skin types, the occlusive properties of silicones can cause the skin to be dehydrated and eventually clog pores.
Although the Inkey List claimed that the silicone derivatives used in this product are non-comedogenic, it’s still not guaranteed that it won’t cause acne in everyone because even non-comedogenic products can clog pores in certain people.
So once you notice more whiteheads, blackheads, and bumps after using this product, you might need to stop using it and see if your acne breakouts improve.
Final Verdict: Is Inkey List Vitamin C Serum for You?
Inkey List Vitamin C Serum is a skincare star for a reason!
The best thing about this serum is that it can both correct and prevent signs of damage.
Moreover, it helps minimize the impact of skin stressors, which causes pigmentation, skin dullness, and accelerated signs of aging.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly topical ascorbic acid to add to your skincare routine, then Inkey List is a must-have!
However, all good things come with some downsides.
If you have highly sensitive skin, you should skip buying this Inkey List product because it may cause stinging due to its high ascorbic acid concentration.
Regardless, this product is the best to achieve healthy and young-looking skin.
Considering all things, we give this product an 8/10!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our Inkey List Vitamin C Cream review!
Let us know your thoughts, and leave us a comment to tell us which product we should review next!