celimax vs The INKEY List
celimax and The INKEY List are skincare brands founded in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Korean brand is known for serums, moisturizers, toners, and makeup removers featuring targeted active ingredients, while the British brand focuses on moisturizers, serums, toners, and eye products built around glycerin. Both brands suit sensitive and acne-prone skin, though the former excels particularly for dark spots through soothing and brightening properties. They differ primarily in their formulation approaches and regional heritage, offering distinct solutions like heartleaf or azelaic acid.
celimax is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by ABSORBLAB Co., Ltd..
The INKEY List is a British skincare brand founded in 2018 and owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited.
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This page compares some of the most popular celimax and The INKEY List products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular celimax vs The INKEY List products
People Say
Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing Texture Often MentionedMostly 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”
- “absorbs incredibly fast — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Skin stays soft throughout the day — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “gives a very beautiful glow to your skin — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “Super hydrating — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
- “intense nourishment — The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum”
Soothing, Calming, and Barrier Repair Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “calms my face redness upon application — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “Helped restore skin after chemical peels — celimax Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream”
- “cleans deeply without stripping — celimax Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser”
- “Safe and gentle especially for my dry, sensitive skin — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
Affordable Price and Value Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “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”
Acne Clearing and Oil Control Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Free of active acne — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “Skin instantly looks less oily — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “great for oily skin but anyone can use it — The INKEY List Omega Water Cream”
- “effectively controls oil, leaving a matte finish without making the skin feel greasy — celimax Oil Control Light Sunscreen”
Texture Improvement and Exfoliation Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “glass-like smoothness — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “skin feels noticeably smoother — celimax Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad”
- “skin feels noticeably smoother — celimax Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad”
- “Great for sensitive skin — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
Packaging and Dispenser Issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “tiny — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “pump shoots out — celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil”
- “Pump breaks easily — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “Very difficult to squeeze out at first — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
Texture Problems and Inconsistencies Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “leaves a white cast this is not suitable for deeper skin tone — celimax Oil Control Light Sunscreen”
- “Felt a bit suffocating in summer — celimax Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream”
- “Pills if I apply foundation over it — celimax Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream”
- “Tube leaks liquified oil when opened — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
Sticky, Tacky, or Heavy Residue Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “slight yellow tint — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “tacky finish — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Pad”
- “slightly tacky finish — celimax Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad”
- “Feels tacky on skin — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
Lack of Results or Ineffectiveness Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “didn't notice pore reduction — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “results take time — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “didn't do anything for circles — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “did absolutely nothing — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
celimax vs The INKEY List routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$35.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
- Moisturizer Collagen Peptide Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$44.90
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning
A$26.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.90
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$27.45
-
Serum or Treatment
Noni Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
A$29.33
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
Buy The INKEY List routine · A$220.70 · 84% fit
Buy celimax routine · A$222.15 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
celimax vs The INKEY List routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$35.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$36.00
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
PHA Toner
Evening
A$43.80
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$44.90
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.90
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$27.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
A$28.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
A$29.87
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy The INKEY List routine · A$457.62 · 90% fit
Buy celimax routine · A$344.06 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
celimax vs The INKEY List routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$35.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$36.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid Toner
Evening
A$37.99
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$44.90
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$27.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
A$28.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
A$29.87
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy The INKEY List routine · A$381.72 · 90% fit
Buy celimax routine · A$316.07 · 76% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
celimax or The INKEY List: which is better?
The INKEY List is better for oily, combination, sensitive, acne-prone skin, and skin with dark spots, where Lovi fits it as Superior compared to celimax's High. Both brands provide an equal routine fit for dry, mature, and dry sensitive skin at a High level.
What is the difference between celimax and The INKEY List?
The INKEY List generally offers better value and superior routine fit for oily, combination, sensitive, acne-prone skin, and skin with dark spots, while celimax excels in soothing, barrier repair, and texture improvement. Both brands feature fragrance-free products on this page.
celimax or The INKEY List for dry skin?
Both celimax and The INKEY List fit dry skin at a High level. Reviewers mention that both brands offer hydrating moisturizers.
celimax or The INKEY List: which cleanser is better?
Both brands offer solid cleansers, but The INKEY List performs better for acne clearing and oil control. Shoppers note that The INKEY List provides affordable and lightweight formulas, while celimax excels particularly in soothing and barrier repair.
Which is more affordable, celimax or The INKEY List?
The INKEY List does better for affordable price and value. Reviewers mostly mention its affordable moisturizers and affordable serums.
Which brand is better for texture improvement and exfoliation, celimax or The INKEY List?
Celimax is better for texture improvement and exfoliation. Review themes show that celimax outperforms The INKEY List in texture improvement and exfoliation.
How do the founding countries and parent companies of celimax and The INKEY List compare?
celimax was founded in 2019 in South Korea and is owned by ABSORBLAB Co., Ltd.. In contrast, The INKEY List was founded in 2018 in the United Kingdom and is owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited.
Which brand performs better for soothing, calming, and barrier repair?
celimax performs better for soothing, calming, and barrier repair.
celimax or The INKEY List for oily skin?
For oily skin, The INKEY List is a Superior fit on Lovi, while celimax fits at a High level. Reviewers mention that The INKEY List delivers better acne clearing and oil control, along with a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture.
celimax or The INKEY List: which moisturizer is better?
The INKEY List offers a superior value for moisturizers with options like the Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer and Omega Water Cream, which reviewers note are lightweight, fast-absorbing, and affordable. For skin barrier restoration, celimax is often noted by reviewers for its soothing and calming moisturizers, with products like the Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream providing a Superior fit for dry skin.
celimax or The INKEY List for sensitive skin?
The INKEY List is a better fit for sensitive skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to celimax which has a High fit. The INKEY List also provides lightweight and fast-absorbing moisturizers, while celimax excels in soothing, calming, and barrier repair.
celimax or The INKEY List for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, both brands work well, but The INKEY List is rated as Superior while celimax has a High fit level on Lovi. Reviewers note that The INKEY List does better for acne clearing and oil control.
Research behind their key ingredients
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
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
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function
The moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
Protective effects of Camellia japonica flower extract against urban air pollutants
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
Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Rubiaceae) leaf extracts mitigate UVB-induced erythema
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
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.
-

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
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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