The INKEY List vs Biore
The INKEY List and Biore are skincare brands known for gentle, effective formulations that support a balanced and refreshed complexion. The British brand offers moisturizers, serums, toners, and eye products built around glycerin, suiting sensitive and combination skin best, while the Japanese brand is beloved for sunscreens, cleansers, masks, and makeup removers that suit sensitive and oily skin best. Both feature standout choices for acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin, yet they differ in their foundational approaches to targeted concerns.
The INKEY List is a British skincare brand founded in 2018 and owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited.
cosmeticsbusiness.comprnewswire.comtheinkeylist.comtracxn.com
Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.
This page compares some of the most popular The INKEY List and Biore products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The INKEY List vs Biore products
People Say
Lightweight Texture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “sits beautifully under makeup — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “Gel consistency — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “feels like applying straight up water to the skin — The INKEY List Omega Water Cream”
- “melts into skin — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Cleansing and Deep Clean Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “Face feels squeaky clean — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
- “Minimal effort required — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
General Performance and Efficacy Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “skin looks fresh and plump — The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum”
- “bags are gone — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “Skin feels softer — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
- “Leaves skin feeling clean — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
Makeup Compatibility and Removal Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “primer-like — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- “Removes waterproof mascara, eyeliner, foundation. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “Works in shower, effective on wet hands/face. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “Melts away makeup and impurities without drying — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
Affordable Price and Value Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “Good for the price — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “One of the best balms for quality and also price — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
- “unbeatable value — The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Super hydrating — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
- “intense nourishment — The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum”
- “Skin feels instantly hydrated, nourished and looks more glowing — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
- “feels like a moisturizer — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Skin Irritation and Dryness Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Leaves my skin a bit dry — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “feels very drying — The INKEY List 10% Azelaic Acid Serum”
- “felt tight after — The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “Made my skin peel — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
Lack of Results or Performance Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “didn't do anything for circles — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “did absolutely nothing — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “Doesn't get all blackheads — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “Doesn't shrink pores — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
Fragrance and Scent Issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Smells like BBQ/meat — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “Smells like chemicals — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
- “smells plasticky — The INKEY List ECTOIN HYDRO-BARRIER SERUM”
- “smells like alcohol — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
The INKEY List vs Biore routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 32.95
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 34.80
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
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Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 95.00
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 168.76
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 51.82
- Moisturizer Collagen Peptide Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 90.00
-
Cleansing Toner
PHA Toner
Evening
AED 81.68
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 57.31
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
Buy Biore routine · AED 483.12 · 83% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · AED 474.43 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The INKEY List vs Biore routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 49.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 95.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 168.76
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 51.82
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 48.00
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 90.00
-
Cleansing Toner
PHA Toner
Evening
AED 81.68
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 57.31
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy Biore routine · AED 822.19 · 89% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · AED 776.59 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The INKEY List vs Biore routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 51.82
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Polyglutamic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 55.05
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 90.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid Toner
Evening
AED 101.93
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 57.31
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 84.53
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 95.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 168.76
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
Buy The INKEY List routine · AED 725.13 · 89% fit
Buy Biore routine · AED 803.83 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
The INKEY List or Biore: which is better?
Both The INKEY List and Biore fit sensitive, combination, and oily acne-prone skin best, while Lovi rates both brands as having a High routine fit across all listed skin types on this page. Reviewers report that the products on this page for The INKEY List provide more affordable pricing, hydration, and lightweight textures, whereas Biore outperforms in cleansing and makeup removal.
What is the difference between The INKEY List and Biore?
The INKEY List offers a wide range of targeted serums, toners, and moisturizers with high Lovi fit levels for sensitive, combination, and oily acne-prone skin, whereas Biore focuses on cleansers, pore strips, and sunscreens that fit sensitive, oily, and combination skin. Reviewers indicate that the products on this page by The INKEY List perform better for lightweight texture, general performance, affordable price, and hydration, while Biore performs better for cleansing and makeup removal.
The INKEY List or Biore for dry skin?
For dry skin, both The INKEY List and Biore achieve a High routine fit on the products on this page. Reviewers note that The INKEY List offers hydrating moisturizers that help deliver moisture, while every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
The INKEY List or Biore: which cleanser is better?
When comparing cleansers, The INKEY List and Biore both offer options with an oily skin Lovi fit of High and Average respectively, but review themes show The INKEY List does better for general performance while Biore does better for deep cleaning.
Which is more affordable, The INKEY List or Biore?
The INKEY List is more affordable, as the products on this page offer better affordable price and value than Biore.
Where and when were The INKEY List and Biore founded, and who owns them?
The INKEY List was founded in 2018 in the United Kingdom and is owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited, while Biore was founded in 1980 in Japan and is owned by Kao Corporation.
Which brand performs better for lightweight texture and affordability according to reviewers?
The INKEY List performs better for lightweight texture and affordability according to reviewers.
How do the Lovi fit levels for dry skin compare between The INKEY List's Salicylic Acid Cleanser and Biore's Deep Cleansing Pore Strips?
For dry skin, Lovi rates The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser at a Caution fit level, while Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips also receive a Caution fit level.
The INKEY List or Biore for oily skin?
Both The INKEY List and Biore provide a High routine fit for oily skin.
The INKEY List or Biore for sensitive skin?
Both The INKEY List and Biore achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients, which helps minimize potential irritation.
The INKEY List or Biore for acne-prone skin?
Both The INKEY List and Biore achieve a High routine fit level for acne-prone skin on the products on this page.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
The moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Darutoside promotes skin wound healing via regulating macrophage polarization
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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