Dermalogica vs The INKEY List
Dermalogica and The INKEY List are well-regarded skincare brands designed to address diverse skin types and concerns. The American line offers targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and purifying masks formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid, while the British line features moisturizers, serums, toners, and eye products built around glycerin. Dermalogica suits oily skin and combination skin best, whereas The INKEY List fits sensitive skin and combination skin best. The two differ in their ingredient depth and formulation focus, as the former utilizes multi-active blends for balancing oil and moisture, while the latter centers on straightforward, hydration-focused solutions.
Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.
en.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.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 Dermalogica and The INKEY List products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dermalogica vs The INKEY List products
People Say
Deep Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “super hydrating — Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque”
- “skin feels hydrated — Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance”
- “Super hydrating — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing Texture Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Gel consistency — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “feels like applying straight up water to the skin — The INKEY List Omega Water Cream”
- “absorbs instantly — The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
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”
Soothing and Calming Properties Sometimes NotedOften 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”
- “calms redness instantly — The INKEY List 10% Azelaic Acid Serum”
- “helps calm and nourish my skin — Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream”
Oily Skin and Excess Oil Control Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “doesn't clog pores — Dermalogica Active Moist”
- “Clears sebaceous filaments — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “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”
Gentle Exfoliation and Texture Improvement Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “skin feels smooth as silk — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “Great for sensitive skin — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
- “Skin feels softer — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
High Price Point Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Unpleasant Scent or Fragrance Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “smells like puke — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “smells like medicine — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
- “Smells like BBQ/meat — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “Smells like chemicals — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
Packaging and Dispensing Issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Leaky pump — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “pump dispenses too much — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
- “spout is too big — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “Pump breaks easily — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
Dermalogica vs The INKEY List routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Special Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€48.00
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Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€18.55
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Moisturizer
Stabilizing Repair Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€27.00
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
€58.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
€56.00
-
Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
€45.00
-
Nourishing Mask
Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
Once a week
€19.00
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€6.50
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€18.55
-
Moisturizer
Polyglutamic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€33.00
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€12.98
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€13.80
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
€12.00
-
Nourishing Mask
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
€19.90
Dermalogica vs The INKEY List routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€45.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.99
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€87.94
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
€58.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
€56.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€29.29
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€99.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€6.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.99
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€10.00
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€34.30
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€13.80
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid Toner
Evening
€11.21
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
€12.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
Dermalogica vs The INKEY List routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€45.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€87.94
-
SPF
Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50
Morning
€89.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
€56.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€17.15
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€99.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€6.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Polyglutamic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€33.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€13.80
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid Toner
Evening
€11.21
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
€12.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
Questions and answers
Dermalogica or The INKEY List: which is better?
Both brands are great choices, but Dermalogica is superior for oily skin, oily acne-prone skin, and combination skin, while The INKEY List is superior for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that Dermalogica excels in deep hydration, whereas The INKEY List is known for being affordable and lightweight.
What is the difference between Dermalogica and The INKEY List?
Dermalogica generally offers a superior fit for oily and combination skin types, while The INKEY List is particularly noted for a superior fit on sensitive skin. Reviewers also highlight The INKEY List for its more affordable price point, whereas Dermalogica is often chosen for deep hydration.
Dermalogica or The INKEY List for dry skin?
Dermalogica or The INKEY List: which cleanser is better?
Both Dermalogica and The INKEY List offer well-liked cleansers, with Dermalogica standing out for its gentle, non-stripping cleansers while The INKEY List is known for options like its Salicylic Acid Cleanser. Reviewers highlight that Dermalogica cleansers generally fit a wide range of skin types with High to Superior levels, whereas The INKEY List provides budget-friendly alternatives.
Which is more affordable, Dermalogica or The INKEY List?
The INKEY List is more affordable than Dermalogica, as affordability and value are areas where The INKEY List does better. Reviewers frequently note Dermalogica's high price point.
Which brand has better texture and lightweight absorption?
The INKEY List does better for lightweight and fast-absorbing texture among the products on this page.
Dermalogica or The INKEY List for oily skin?
Dermalogica is the better fit for oily skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to The INKEY List which has a High routine fit.
Dermalogica or The INKEY List: which moisturizer is better?
Dermalogica provides deep hydration with moisturizers like Stabilizing Repair Cream, while The INKEY List offers lightweight, affordable options such as Omega Water Cream. For dry skin, the products on this page show that Dermalogica has a High fit level and The INKEY List has a High fit level.
Dermalogica or The INKEY List for sensitive skin?
The INKEY List is a superior fit for sensitive skin on Lovi, whereas Dermalogica has a high fit. Both brands offer products with no fragrance on the products on this page.
Dermalogica or The INKEY List for acne-prone skin?
Both Dermalogica and The INKEY List fit acne-prone skin well, with Dermalogica earning a High routine fit level on this page. Dermalogica features key ingredients like salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid across the products on this page.
Dermalogica or The INKEY List for mature skin?
Both Dermalogica and The INKEY List achieve a High fit for mature skin. Reviewers highlight Dermalogica for deep hydration, while The INKEY List stands out for affordability and lightweight texture.
Dermalogica or The INKEY List for combination skin?
Dermalogica is the better fit for combination skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to The INKEY List's High routine fit for the products on this page.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti-aging products
The moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
Efficacy of Oxybrasion in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Preliminary Report
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
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Well-aging: A new strategy for skin homeostasis under multi-stressed conditions
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
Starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films as active beauty masks with papain incorporation
Semi-solid functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers loading thymol for skin disorders
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim extract on crow's feet: A double-blind, split-face trial
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Skin barrier repair efficacy and safety evaluation of an extract from Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Darutoside promotes skin wound healing via regulating macrophage polarization
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
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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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