The INKEY List vs ISDIN
The INKEY List and ISDIN are accessible European skincare lines centered on gentle daily formulas, where the British brand emphasizes targeted single-ingredient serums built around glycerin, and the Spanish house focuses on advanced sunscreens and moisturizers. Both brands suit sensitive skin and combination or acne-prone skin best, yet they differ in their specific standout offerings and parent companies, with the former providing options like its PHA toner, azelaic acid serum, and ceramide moisturizer, and the latter offering solutions such as its Fusion Water, Eryfotona Actinica, and K-Ox Eyes.
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
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€7.50
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€18.55
-
Moisturizer
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€76.29
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
€19.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€16.10
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
€47.00
-
Nourishing Mask
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
€19.90
-
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
The INKEY List vs ISDIN routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.35
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.99
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.47
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
€22.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€29.29
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
€47.00
-
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
-
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
The INKEY List vs ISDIN routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Paula's Choice Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€32.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.47
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
€22.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€17.15
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
€47.00
-
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
-
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
The INKEY List or ISDIN: which is better?
The INKEY List offers better affordability and value, whereas ISDIN stands out for its lightweight hydration and ultralight sunscreens. Lovi routines show that ISDIN achieves a Superior fit level for dry skin, whereas The INKEY List reaches a High fit level.
What is the difference between The INKEY List and ISDIN?
The INKEY List stands out for its affordable price and value, whereas ISDIN is known for its ultralight sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers. Reviewers note that every product on The INKEY List page lists no fragrance, while some ISDIN products feature a strong fragrance.
The INKEY List or ISDIN for dry skin?
For dry skin, Lovi rates The INKEY List High and ISDIN Superior. ISDIN delivers better hydration and moisture, while The INKEY List offers a more affordable price and value.
The INKEY List or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, ISDIN is generally preferred for its lightweight textures and intense hydration, whereas The INKEY List is favored for offering budget-friendly options that deliver solid everyday moisture.
Which is more affordable, The INKEY List or ISDIN?
The INKEY List is more affordable than ISDIN, as the products on this page offer a budget-friendly option for shoppers.
Which brand offers better fragrance-free options between The INKEY List and ISDIN?
The INKEY List offers better fragrance-free options on this page, as every product lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
How do the founding countries and parent companies of The INKEY List and ISDIN compare?
The INKEY List was founded in 2018 in the United Kingdom and is owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited, whereas ISDIN was founded in 1975 in Spain and is owned by Puig.
Which brand performs better for sun protection and lightweight sunscreens?
ISDIN performs better for sun protection and lightweight sunscreens, with review themes noting its ultralight sunscreens and makeup-friendly sunscreens as a standout feature.
The INKEY List or ISDIN for oily skin?
For oily skin, both The INKEY List and ISDIN fit well, but ISDIN is the better choice because Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior compared to High for The INKEY List.
The INKEY List or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Both The INKEY List and ISDIN achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for sensitive skin. Reviewers find that both brands do equally well for being gentle on skin and sensitive formulations.
The INKEY List or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
ISDIN is the better choice for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to High for The INKEY List.
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
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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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
How does it fit your skin?
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