Good Molecules vs The INKEY List
Good Molecules and The INKEY List are well-regarded skincare lines that offer thoughtful selections of serums, moisturizers, eye products, and more. The American brand is known for utilizing glycerin and hyaluronic acid, making it suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best, whereas the British brand centers its gentle formulations around glycerin to suit sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best. While both brands feature standout treatments tailored for acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin, they differ in their founding origins, parent companies, and specific active ingredient combinations.
Good Molecules is an American skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by Beautylish, Inc..
beautymatter.comgoodmolecules.compitchbook.compreqin.com
The INKEY List is a British skincare brand founded in 2018 and owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited.
cosmeticsbusiness.comprnewswire.comtheinkeylist.comtracxn.com
This page compares some of the most popular Good Molecules and The INKEY List products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Good Molecules vs The INKEY List products
People Say
Affordable Price and Great Value Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “best value for money — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “great value — Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum”
- “Good for the price — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
Lightweight and Non-Greasy Texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs quickly... zero irritation or tacky feeling — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “practically invisible on skin — Good Molecules PIMPLE PATCHES”
- “sits beautifully under makeup — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “Gel consistency — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
Gentle Formula and Sensitive Skin Care Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “no skin purging — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
- “Non-abrasive, suitable for sensitive skin, no stinging — Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder”
- “Safe and gentle especially for my dry, sensitive skin — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
- “calmed my menopausal redness — The INKEY List ECTOIN HYDRO-BARRIER SERUM”
Hydration, Plumping, and Moisture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “skin appears smooth and supple — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
Skin Texture Improvements and Pores Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Leaves skin "baby soft," "super smooth," "polished feel" — Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder”
- “softened fine lines — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
- “smoother skin — Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum”
- “Skin feels softer — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
Acne and Blemish Control Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Free of active acne — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “calms redness instantly — The INKEY List 10% Azelaic Acid Serum”
- “Skin instantly looks less oily — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “sucked out all the gunk — Good Molecules PIMPLE PATCHES”
Slow, No, or Insufficient Results Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “didn't really see a difference — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “dried my skin out — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “didn't do anything for circles — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “have dry skin but this doesn't feel hydrating at all — The INKEY List Omega Water Cream”
Packaging Issues and Design Flaws Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Metal tube cracks — Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel”
- “Hole is too big — Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder”
- “dropper... getting only a little bit is difficult — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “Pump breaks easily — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
Sticky or Tacky Residue and Texture Issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “sticky to the touch — Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner”
- “Balls up — Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder”
- “feels soapy when rubbed — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “Tube leaks liquified oil when opened — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
Good Molecules vs The INKEY List routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$21.06
-
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
Discoloration Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$54.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Once a week
A$47.76
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
-
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
Buy Good Molecules routine · A$253.72 · 93% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · A$220.70 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Good Molecules vs The INKEY List routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
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$21.06
-
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
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Once a week
A$47.76
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
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
Buy Good Molecules routine · A$440.09 · 91% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · A$457.62 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Good Molecules 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
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
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$21.06
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Once a week
A$47.76
-
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 Good Molecules routine · A$383.57 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Good Molecules or The INKEY List: which is better?
Both brands are great, but Good Molecules is superior for dry skin and dry sensitive skin, while The INKEY List is superior for combination skin. Reviewers often mention that Good Molecules helps improve skin texture and fades dark spots effectively, whereas The INKEY List is known for providing hydrating and plumping moisturizers.
What is the difference between Good Molecules and The INKEY List?
Both Good Molecules and The INKEY List offer affordable skincare, but they differ in their strengths across various skin concerns and routines. For dry skin and dry sensitive skin, Good Molecules has a Superior routine fit, whereas The INKEY List achieves a High fit level. For combination skin, The INKEY List reaches a Superior routine fit while Good Molecules has a High fit level.
Good Molecules or The INKEY List for dry skin?
For dry skin, Good Molecules has a Superior routine fit, whereas The INKEY List has a High routine fit. Reviewers often mention that Good Molecules offers affordable and hydrating moisturizers, and the products on this page help improve skin hydration.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Good Molecules or The INKEY List: which cleanser is better?
Both brands offer solid cleansers, but Good Molecules fits dry and sensitive skin with a High Lovi level using its Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel, while The INKEY List features the Salicylic Acid Cleanser which holds High Lovi levels for oily and combination skin types. Reviewers find that The INKEY List delivers better results for acne control, whereas Good Molecules is noted for being gentle.
Which is more affordable, Good Molecules or The INKEY List?
Good Molecules does better for affordable price and great value among the products on this page. Reviewers note that Good Molecules offers affordable and great value serums and moisturizers.
Which brand has better options for addressing skin texture improvements and pores, Good Molecules or The INKEY List?
Good Molecules does better for skin texture improvements and pores. Reviewers note that its products help fade dark spots and improve skin texture.
Between Good Molecules and The INKEY List, which brand offers better results for hydration, plumping, and moisture?
When it comes to hydration, plumping, and moisture, The INKEY List does better than Good Molecules. Reviewers mostly mention that The INKEY List offers hydrating, plumping, and firming moisturizers, and the brand helps deliver strong hydration benefits across its products.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
How do the founding years and countries of origin compare between Good Molecules and The INKEY List?
Good Molecules was founded in the United States in 2019, whereas The INKEY List was founded in the United Kingdom a year earlier in 2018.
Good Molecules or The INKEY List for oily skin?
For oily skin, both Good Molecules and The INKEY List achieve a Superior routine fit level on this page. Reviewers report that both brands offer lightweight and non-greasy textures.
Good Molecules or The INKEY List: which moisturizer is better?
The INKEY List is better for hydration, plumping, and moisture among the products on this page, while Good Molecules is noted for being affordable and great value for moisturizers. Both brands offer fragrance-free options, but reviewers highlight The INKEY List for hydration and plumping.
Good Molecules or The INKEY List for sensitive skin?
Both Good Molecules and The INKEY List reach a Superior routine fit level for sensitive skin. Reviewers indicate that both brands offer equally gentle formulas for sensitive skin care.
Good Molecules or The INKEY List for acne-prone skin?
Both brands achieve a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin, meaning they are well-suited for breakouts. Good Molecules does better for skin texture improvements and pores, while The INKEY List does better for acne and blemish control.
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
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
The moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Preparation and evaluation of anti-wrinkle cream containing saffron extract and avocado oil
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Hippophae rhamnoides oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion improves barrier function in healthy human subjects
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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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