The INKEY List vs Allies of Skin
The INKEY List and Allies of Skin are distinct skincare options featuring targeted moisturizers, serums, toners, and eye treatments built around glycerin and niacinamide. The British brand founded in 2018 suits combination and sensitive skin best through barrier-restoring glycerin, while the latter label excels with luxurious, congestion-respecting formulas ideal for acne-prone and oily skin. Both lines address specific concerns like dark spots and maturity, yet they differ in price tier and sensory complexity.
The INKEY List is a British skincare brand founded in 2018 and owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited.
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This page compares some of the most popular The INKEY List and Allies of Skin products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The INKEY List vs Allies of Skin products
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Super hydrating — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
- “intense nourishment — The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum”
- “nourished and hydrated — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “more like a spray serum — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
Skin Smoothing and Texture Improvement Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Woke up looking well-rested — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
- “Absorbs instantly without sticky feeling — Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment”
- “Pores appear to be tighter — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “Skin feels softer — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
Gentle and Soothing Formula 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”
- “Best retinol for sensitive skin — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
- “feels super soothing, doesn't trigger redness — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing Texture Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “sits beautifully under makeup — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “Gel consistency — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “feels like applying straight up water to the skin — The INKEY List Omega Water Cream”
- “sinks easily into damp skin — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening 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”
Acne and Blemish Control Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Free of active acne — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “calms redness instantly — The INKEY List 10% Azelaic Acid Serum”
- “Dramatic impact on acne — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
- “reduces appearance of redness — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
High Price Point Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “Pricey — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
Packaging and Dispensing Issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “pump head is fixed — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “bad spritz mechanism — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
- “Hate the pump — Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment”
- “Pump breaks easily — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
Slow or Lack of Results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “didn't do anything for circles — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “did absolutely nothing — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “still not impressed with the results — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “Have not noticed improved skin quality yet — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
Breakouts and Skin Reactions Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “did cause major breakouts — The INKEY List Omega Water Cream”
- “New formula breaks me out — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “Slightly irritating... when I first started — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “rashes popped up on my neck — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
The INKEY List vs Allies of Skin routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
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Moisturizer
Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 417.78
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 448.77
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 63.82
- Moisturizer Collagen Peptide Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 129.00
-
Cleansing Toner
PHA Toner
Evening
SAR 232.00
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy Allies of Skin routine · SAR 1,741.33 · 94% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · SAR 1,013.85 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The INKEY List vs Allies of Skin routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 285.48
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 448.77
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 63.82
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 107.76
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 129.00
-
Cleansing Toner
PHA Toner
Evening
SAR 232.00
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy Allies of Skin routine · SAR 1,789.32 · 94% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · SAR 1,267.37 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The INKEY List vs Allies of Skin routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 191.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 285.48
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 448.77
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 63.82
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Polyglutamic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 86.24
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 129.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid Toner
Evening
SAR 88.54
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
Buy Allies of Skin routine · SAR 1,776.13 · 94% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · SAR 1,056.73 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The INKEY List or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Allies of Skin is better for overall routine fit, achieving a Superior level across almost all skin types compared to The INKEY List. However, The INKEY List is the better choice for shoppers seeking affordable moisturizers and serums with a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture.
What is the difference between The INKEY List and Allies of Skin?
The INKEY List offers more affordable pricing and lightweight textures, whereas Allies of Skin delivers superior results for anti-aging and skin smoothing. Reviewers note that Allies of Skin comes at a higher price point, while The INKEY List is known for its budget-friendly moisturizers and serums.
The INKEY List or Allies of Skin for dry skin?
For dry skin, Allies of Skin is rated Superior by Lovi, whereas The INKEY List is rated High.
The INKEY List or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
The INKEY List offers more affordable moisturizers that are well-liked for being lightweight and fast-absorbing, whereas Allies of Skin provides more premium moisturizers that deliver superior routine fits for dry skin.
Which is more affordable, The INKEY List or Allies of Skin?
The INKEY List is more affordable, as reviewers on the products on this page mostly mention its affordable serums and affordable moisturizers, whereas Allies of Skin has a high price point.
Which brand performs better for skin smoothing and texture improvement, The INKEY List or Allies of Skin?
Allies of Skin performs better for skin smoothing and texture improvement.
How do the routine fit levels compare between The INKEY List and Allies of Skin for mature skin?
For mature skin, Allies of Skin achieves a Superior routine fit, whereas The INKEY List reaches a High fit on this page.
What key ingredients are found across the products of The INKEY List versus Allies of Skin?
The INKEY List features Glycerin as a key ingredient across the products on this page, whereas Allies of Skin focuses on Niacinamide across its range.
The INKEY List or Allies of Skin for oily skin?
Allies of Skin is a superior fit for oily skin compared to The INKEY List, which offers an average to high fit depending on the products on this page.
The INKEY List or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, both The INKEY List and Allies of Skin achieve a Superior routine fit level on Lovi. Reviewers note that both brands offer gentle and soothing formulas equally well.
The INKEY List or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?
Allies of Skin is a better fit for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit 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
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP)
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
Effects of a Greek Yoghurt-based Complex on the Human Facial Skin Microbiome
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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