SKIN1004 vs The INKEY List
SKIN1004 and The INKEY List are distinct skincare brands designed to address diverse complexions with targeted formulations. The Korean house focuses on centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide through toners, moisturizers, sunscreens, and masks that suit oily and combination skin best. Conversely, the British house centers its moisturizers, serums, toners, and eye products around glycerin to accommodate combination and sensitive skin. While both collections feature specific standouts for acne-prone, dark spot, and mature concerns, they differ fundamentally in their signature botanicals, foundational humectants, and regional origins.
SKIN1004 is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2012 and owned by Goodai Global Inc. since 2024.
mk.co.krpitchbook.comtracxn.comgoodai-global.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 SKIN1004 and The INKEY List products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular SKIN1004 vs The INKEY List products
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Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
CA$49.86
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Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
CA$22.99
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Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
CA$28.00
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Madagascar Centella Poremizing Light Gel Cream
CA$21.99
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Madagascar Centella Quick Calming Pad
CA$25.60
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Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask
CA$25.99
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Hyalu-Cica Moisture Cream
CA$23.99
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Zombie Pack
CA$32.99
People Say
Lightweight texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “sunk in like a dream — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum”
- “Texture is on the thinner side... surprisingly lightweight. — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil”
- “absorbs like water — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner”
- “sits beautifully under makeup — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
Hydration and soothing Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “calmed my angry skin — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner”
- “Gives my dehydrated skin a moisture surge — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask”
- “Eliminated redness on my easily irritated skin — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask”
- “calmed my menopausal redness — The INKEY List ECTOIN HYDRO-BARRIER SERUM”
Value and pricing Rarely 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”
- “huge bottle — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner”
Acne-safe and blemish clearing Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Free of active acne — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “calms redness instantly — The INKEY List 10% Azelaic Acid Serum”
- “Visibly reduces acne scars — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “didn't cause new breakouts — SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Moisture Cream”
Oily skin benefits Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “My T-zone was excessively oily... observed a subtle reduction in sebum. — The INKEY List Niacinamide Serum”
- “perfect for oily skin — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Light Gel Cream”
Exfoliation and skin smoothing Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “skin feels super soft — SKIN1004 Zombie Pack”
- “gentle enough for daily use — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner”
- “Great for sensitive skin — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
- “Skin feels softer — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
Finish drawbacks Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “milky sweat when running — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum”
- “looked greasy by midday — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum”
- “Feels tacky on skin — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
- “Leaves a greasy film on face after washing — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
Scent and fragrance complaints Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “smells like wet dog — SKIN1004 Zombie Pack”
- “Has a strong herbal/citrus scent I didn't enjoy. — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil”
- “Smells like BBQ/meat — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “Smells like chemicals — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
Packaging and pump issues Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “takes 4-5 pumps for face — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum”
- “The pump shoots the oil out too aggressively. — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil”
- “Pump breaks easily — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
SKIN1004 vs The INKEY List routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$49.86
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Hydrating Toner
Probio-Cica Essence Toner
Morning
CA$24.99
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Pre-Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.99
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Nourishing Mask
Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask
Once a week
CA$25.99
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.00
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
- Moisturizer Collagen Peptide Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
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SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
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Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.85
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$27.00
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy SKIN1004 routine · CA$123.83 · 86% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · CA$118.83 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
SKIN1004 vs The INKEY List routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Cleansing Gel Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$22.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Probio-Cica Essence Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$24.99
-
Moisturizer
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$49.86
-
Pre-Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Purifying Toner
Evening
CA$26.97
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
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Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.00
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Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
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Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$38.08
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SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.85
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid Toner
Evening
CA$24.50
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$27.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
Buy SKIN1004 routine · CA$272.21 · 87% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · CA$258.98 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
SKIN1004 vs The INKEY List routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Polyglutamic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$45.39
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.85
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid Toner
Evening
CA$24.50
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$27.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
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Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Cleansing Gel Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$22.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$28.00
-
Moisturizer
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$49.86
-
Pre-Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Purifying Toner
Evening
CA$26.97
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
Buy The INKEY List routine · CA$206.30 · 90% fit
Buy SKIN1004 routine · CA$230.22 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
SKIN1004 or The INKEY List: which is better?
Both brands are great choices depending on your skin goals, with SKIN1004 leading in lightweight texture and soothing care, while The INKEY List excels in affordability, acne safety, and benefits for oily skin. Both brands offer high routine fit levels across most skin types on the products on this page.
What is the difference between SKIN1004 and The INKEY List?
SKIN1004 delivers superior lightweight texture, hydration, and soothing benefits, whereas The INKEY List excels in value and pricing, acne-safe care, and oily skin benefits.
SKIN1004 or The INKEY List for dry skin?
Both SKIN1004 and The INKEY List achieve a High Lovi fit level for dry skin, though SKIN1004 stands out for its hydrating and soothing textures while The INKEY List is noted for its affordability.
SKIN1004 or The INKEY List: which cleanser is better?
When comparing cleansers, SKIN1004 products on this page achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for dry and oily acne-prone skin, whereas The INKEY List cleansers are rated Caution for dry and dry sensitive skin. Both brands list no fragrance in their cleanser ingredients.
Which is more affordable, SKIN1004 or The INKEY List?
The INKEY List does better for value and pricing, offering affordable moisturizers and serums across the products on this page.
Between SKIN1004 and The INKEY List, which brand offers better lightweight texture and soothing properties?
Between SKIN1004 and The INKEY List, SKIN1004 offers better lightweight texture and soothing properties according to shopper reviews on this page.
How do the founding years and home countries of SKIN1004 and The INKEY List compare?
SKIN1004 was founded in South Korea in 2012, whereas The INKEY List was established later in the United Kingdom in 2018.
Which brand performs better for exfoliation and skin smoothing when comparing SKIN1004 and The INKEY List?
When comparing SKIN1004 and The INKEY List, both brands perform equally well for exfoliation and skin smoothing based on the products on this page.
SKIN1004 or The INKEY List for oily skin?
Both SKIN1004 and The INKEY List fit oily skin at a High level on this page. Reviewers report that The INKEY List provides better oily skin benefits, while SKIN1004 delivers superior lightweight textures.
SKIN1004 or The INKEY List: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing the moisturizers on this page, SKIN1004 is better for lightweight texture and soothing hydration, while The INKEY List offers more affordable options and strong benefits for oily skin.
SKIN1004 or The INKEY List for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, Lovi finds that The INKEY List has a Superior routine fit, whereas SKIN1004 has a High routine fit.
SKIN1004 or The INKEY List for acne-prone skin?
Both SKIN1004 and The INKEY List achieve a High fit level for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. SKIN1004 is particularly recognized for its lightweight textures and soothing properties, while The INKEY List stands out for its acne-safe and blemish-clearing benefits.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Bifidobacterium longum lysate, a new ingredient for reactive skin
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
Self-Assembled Cubic Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles for Transdermal Delivery of Paeonol
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Phyllanthus emblica L. (amla) branch: A safe and effective ingredient against skin aging
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediols
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skin
Starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films as active beauty masks with papain incorporation
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Moisturizing effect of alcohol-based hand rub containing okra polysaccharide
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Liposomal formulation of a vitamin C derivative: a promising strategy to increase skin permeability
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
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
-

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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