The INKEY List vs ISDIN
The INKEY List and ISDIN are accessible European skincare lines that offer targeted daily remedies for diverse complexions. The British brand focuses on glycerin-based moisturizers, serums, toners, and eye treatments that suit combination and sensitive skin best, while the Spanish counterpart features elegant moisturizers, advanced sunscreens, restorative serums, and targeted eye products tailored primarily for dry and sensitive skin. Both lines address specific concerns through standout options like specialized treatments for acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin. Ultimately, the brands differ in their foundational ingredients and regional origins, offering distinct approaches to maintaining a balanced complexion.
The INKEY List is a British skincare brand founded in 2018 and owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited.
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ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
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This page compares some of the most popular The INKEY List and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The INKEY List vs ISDIN products
People Say
Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing Texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “sits beautifully under makeup — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “skin looks smooth and healthy — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “Super hydrating — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
Gentle on Skin and Sensitive Formulations Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
Skin Smoothing and Anti-Aging Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin looks fresh and plump — The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum”
- “Great for sensitive skin — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
- “My hyperpigmentation has lightened and skin looks more even, even shines more. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
- “skin was much smoother — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
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”
Makeup Compatibility Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “no pilling under makeup — The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “Brilliant makeup base — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
- “acts like a primer — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “Great under makeup — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
Unpleasant Scent or Strong Fragrance 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”
- “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Packaging and Quality Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Pump stopped working — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “I like the actual product, but the packaging is awful, I've already lost three bottles the applicator pops off. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
- “Pump breaks easily — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
High Price Point Not notedOften Mentioned
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
The INKEY List vs ISDIN routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$19.99
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Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
$16.99
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$22.00
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
$38.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
$21.70
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
$115.00
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
$22.00
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
$16.99
- Moisturizer Collagen Peptide Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
$15.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
$17.00
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
$20.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
$22.00
Buy ISDIN routine · $255.68 · 94% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · $106.98 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
The INKEY List vs ISDIN routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.97
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
$15.60
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.99
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
$46.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
$28.42
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
$115.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
$15.60
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$13.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
$17.00
-
Cleansing Toner
PHA Toner
Evening
$18.00
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
$20.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
Buy ISDIN routine · $437.98 · 93% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · $261.57 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit
The INKEY List vs ISDIN routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$28.08
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
$25.60
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.99
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
$46.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
$18.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
$115.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
$25.60
-
Moisturizer
Polyglutamic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$17.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
$17.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid Toner
Evening
$18.00
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
$20.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
Buy ISDIN routine · $429.57 · 93% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · $254.57 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The INKEY List or ISDIN: which is better?
ISDIN is better suited across most skin types, offering superior routine fit for dry skin, acne-prone skin, mature skin, skin with dark spots, dry sensitive skin, and oily acne-prone skin.
What is the difference between The INKEY List and ISDIN?
The INKEY List offers an affordable price and value for its products on this page, while ISDIN provides a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture and better hydration and moisture. Reviewers note that every product on The INKEY List page lists no fragrance, whereas 5 of 8 products on the ISDIN page list fragrance.
The INKEY List or ISDIN for dry skin?
ISDIN is the better choice for dry skin because Lovi rates its routine as Superior, compared to High for The INKEY List.
The INKEY List or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
Both The INKEY List and ISDIN offer popular moisturizers, but ISDIN generally delivers better hydration and lightweight textures according to reviewer feedback. The INKEY List is known for providing more affordable moisturizing options.
Which is more affordable, The INKEY List or ISDIN?
The INKEY List is more affordable than ISDIN. Reviewers on this page frequently mention The INKEY List for providing affordable moisturizers and affordable serums, whereas ISDIN is often noted for having a high price point.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, The INKEY List or ISDIN?
The INKEY List has more fragrance-free products, as every product on its page lists no fragrance, whereas only 3 of 8 products on the ISDIN page do.
Which brand is better for skin with dark spots, The INKEY List or ISDIN?
ISDIN is better for skin with dark spots because Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior, compared to High for The INKEY List.
When was The INKEY List founded compared to ISDIN?
The INKEY List was founded in 2018 in the United Kingdom, while ISDIN was founded earlier in 1975 in Spain.
The INKEY List or ISDIN for oily skin?
ISDIN is a better fit for oily skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to High for The INKEY List. Reviewers also note that ISDIN does better for lightweight and fast-absorbing texture as well as hydration and moisture.
The INKEY List or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Both brands fit sensitive skin well, as Lovi rates The INKEY List as Superior and ISDIN as Superior. The products on this page for The INKEY List list no fragrance.
The INKEY List or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
ISDIN fits acne-prone skin better than The INKEY List, earning a Superior routine fit compared to The INKEY List's High level.
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
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
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Darutoside promotes skin wound healing via regulating macrophage polarization
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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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