Some By Mi vs The INKEY List
Some By Mi and The INKEY List are a 2016 South Korean line and a 2018 British counterpart, respectively. The brand from Korea offers serums, cleansers, toners, and moisturizers built around niacinamide, centella asiatica, and salicylic acid for dry and dry sensitive skin, whereas the British brand provides moisturizers, serums, toners, and eye products built around glycerin for combination and sensitive skin. Both lines feature specialized top-rated formulas for acne-prone, dark spot, and mature concerns, but differ through their signature active ingredients.
Some By Mi is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by JKL Partners since 2021.
kedglobal.compreqin.comtracxn.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 Some By Mi and The INKEY List products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Some By Mi vs The INKEY List products
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AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
CA$65.99
- Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
- AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam
-
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
CA$39.99
- Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream
-
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
CA$27.50
- Beta Panthenol Repair Cream
- Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
People Say
Hydration and Moisturizing 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”
- “Lasts 100 hours as claimed — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum”
- “Gel consistency — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “feels like applying straight up water to the skin — The INKEY List Omega Water Cream”
Acne and Blemish Control Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Reduces pimples — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “cleared my cystic acne — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam”
- “Free of active acne — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “Redness has lessened and the cluster of whiteheads... cleared. — The INKEY List Niacinamide Serum”
Gentle Formula Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Zero irritation or redness — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum”
- “doesn't strip dry my skin — Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask”
- “Safe and gentle especially for my dry, sensitive skin — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
- “Never tight or stripped — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
Skin Texture Improvement Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Skin became smoother — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “Surprisingly gentle — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “Skin feels baby soft — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum”
- “Great for sensitive skin — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
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”
Scent and Fragrance Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “overwhelming citrus fragrance — Some By Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen”
Dryness and Irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Skin felt tight — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “left my skin tight — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam”
- “have dry skin but this doesn't feel hydrating at all — The INKEY List Omega Water Cream”
- “leaves under eye dry — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
Sticky or Tacky Finish Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “leaves sticky film — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
- “Not a miracle — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “Leaves sticky residue — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “Feels tacky on skin — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
Some By Mi vs The INKEY List routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$24.83
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$162.00
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$32.93
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
- Moisturizer Collagen Peptide Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
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
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy Some By Mi routine · CA$333.73 · 96% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · CA$118.83 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Some By Mi vs The INKEY List routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$24.83
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.98
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
CA$65.99
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$39.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$27.50
-
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
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$38.08
-
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 Some By Mi routine · CA$315.33 · 89% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · CA$258.98 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Some By Mi vs The INKEY List routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$24.83
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.98
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
CA$65.99
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$39.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$27.50
-
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
Buy Some By Mi routine · CA$300.34 · 91% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · CA$206.30 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Some By Mi or The INKEY List: which is better?
Some By Mi is better for skin texture improvement, while The INKEY List is better for hydration and moisturizing and offers better price and value.
What is the difference between Some By Mi and The INKEY List?
Some By Mi delivers a Superior routine fit for dry skin, mature skin, skin with dark spots, and dry sensitive skin, whereas The INKEY List offers a High fit for those skin types. Reviewers note that The INKEY List provides better hydration and value, while Some By Mi excels at improving skin texture.
Some By Mi or The INKEY List for dry skin?
For dry skin, Some By Mi has a Superior Lovi routine fit while The INKEY List has a High fit.
Some By Mi or The INKEY List: which cleanser is better?
Some By Mi delivers deep pore cleansing cleansers that help achieve clear skin, while The INKEY List offers affordable cleansers with good everyday performance. For dry skin, Lovi rates Some By Mi cleansers as High and The INKEY List cleansers as Caution.
Which is more affordable, Some By Mi or The INKEY List?
The INKEY List does better for price and value among the products on this page.
Between Some By Mi and The INKEY List, which brand is better for improving skin texture?
Some By Mi does better for skin texture improvement compared to The INKEY List.
How do the origins and ownership of Some By Mi and The INKEY List compare?
Some By Mi was founded in South Korea in 2016 and is owned by JKL Partners, whereas The INKEY List was founded in the United Kingdom in 2018 and is owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited.
Which brand performs better for hydration and moisturizing according to reviewers?
The INKEY List performs better for hydration and moisturizing according to reviewers.
Some By Mi or The INKEY List for oily skin?
Both Some By Mi and The INKEY List fit oily skin well, with Lovi rating each brand's routine as High. Reviewers note that both brands offer lightweight and fast-absorbing products.
Some By Mi or The INKEY List: which moisturizer is better?
When it comes to moisturizers, The INKEY List is generally better for hydration, value, and a lightweight feel, while Some By Mi excels in brightening and barrier repair for the products on this page.
Some By Mi or The INKEY List for sensitive skin?
Both brands offer a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin. However, reviewers note that Some By Mi products on this page sometimes risk drying or stripping effects, while The INKEY List is frequently praised for its affordable and hydrating moisturizers.
Some By Mi or The INKEY List for acne-prone skin?
Both Some By Mi and The INKEY List fit acne-prone skin well, with Lovi rating both brands High.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Topical menthol--a human model for cold pain by activation and sensitization of C nociceptors
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
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
HelixComplex snail mucus as a potential technology against O3 induced skin damage
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Ethosomes of Phenylethyl Resorcinol as Vesicular Delivery System for Skin Lightening Applications
The use of green tea extract in cosmetic formulations: not only an antioxidant active ingredient
The moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Allergy to oxidized limonene and linalool is frequent in the U.K
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
Darutoside promotes skin wound healing via regulating macrophage polarization
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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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