The INKEY List vs L'Oreal Paris
The INKEY List and L'Oreal Paris are respected British and French skincare brands that offer thoughtful selections of moisturizers, serums, toners, eye products, and masks. The INKEY List is built around glycerin and suits combination and sensitive skin best, while L'Oreal Paris frequently incorporates hyaluronic acid and glycerin to suit oily and combination skin. They differ mainly in their targeted ingredient philosophies and specific standout products for acne, dark spots, and mature concerns.
The INKEY List is a British skincare brand founded in 2018 and owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited.
cosmeticsbusiness.comprnewswire.comtheinkeylist.comtracxn.com
L'Oreal Paris is a French skincare brand founded in 1909 and owned by L'Oréal S.A..
en.wikipedia.orgloreal.comloreal-paris.co.ukcosmeticsbusiness.com
This page compares some of the most popular The INKEY List and L'Oreal Paris products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The INKEY List vs L'Oreal Paris 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”
- “wake up with soft skin — L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream”
- “Leaves my face feeling plump and dewy all day. — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift”
Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing Texture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “sits beautifully under makeup — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “Gel consistency — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “Soaks right in, doesn't sit on top of skin. — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift”
- “Absorbs fast — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Night Cream”
Skin Smoothing and Texture Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “melts into skin — L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream”
- “glides on easily without residue — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream”
- “skin is a lot smoother — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Night Serum”
- “Skin feels softer — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
Affordable Price and Value Mostly MentionedSometimes 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”
Additional Benefits and Performance Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “bags are gone — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “Melts away makeup and impurities without drying — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
- “diminished fine lines, under-eye discoloration as well Crow's feet — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Cream”
- “fine lines around eyes less noticeable — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Night Serum”
Dark Spots and Brightening Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “skin looks luminous — L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright”
- “significant reduction in the appearance of dark spots — L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal 12% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum”
- “skin looks glowing — L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream”
- “Visibly reduces acne scars — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
Strong Fragrance and Scent 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”
- “The perfume smell is overwhelming and lingers. — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift”
Slow or Minimal Results Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “didn't do anything for circles — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “did absolutely nothing — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “didn't see a huge difference — The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum”
- “Used the whole jar but saw no change in wrinkles. — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift”
Other Issues and Miscellaneous Complaints Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Tube leaks liquified oil when opened — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
- “very runny serum — The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum”
- “Balls up when I try to apply foundation over it. — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift”
- “slight tingling the first few times — L'Oreal Paris Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel”
The INKEY List vs L'Oreal Paris routines for dry skin
-
Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
-
Moisturizer
Revitalift
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 37.88
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
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
-
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 L'Oreal Paris routine · SAR 912.66 · 89% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · SAR 1,013.85 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The INKEY List vs L'Oreal Paris routines for oily skin
-
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
Revitalift
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 37.88
-
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
-
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 L'Oreal Paris routine · SAR 1,092.95 · 95% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · SAR 1,267.37 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The INKEY List vs L'Oreal Paris routines for combination skin
-
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
Revitalift
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 37.88
-
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
-
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 L'Oreal Paris routine · SAR 1,079.76 · 95% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · SAR 1,056.73 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris: which is better?
Both The INKEY List and L'Oreal Paris fit dry skin with a High level. L'Oreal Paris provides skin smoothing and dark spot brightening better, while The INKEY List offers a more affordable price and value.
What is the difference between The INKEY List and L'Oreal Paris?
The INKEY List offers fragrance-free formulas and better affordability on the products on this page, while L'Oreal Paris excels in skin smoothing and dark spot brightening. Both brands achieve a High routine fit for dry skin.
The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris for dry skin?
For dry skin, both The INKEY List and L'Oreal Paris offer a High routine fit on the products on this page. Reviewers note that The INKEY List provides affordable and hydrating moisturizers, while L'Oreal Paris delivers deep hydration and moisturization with luxurious textures.
The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris: which moisturizer is better?
The products on this page for both The INKEY List and L'Oreal Paris offer hydrating moisturizers that help deliver deep moisture. The INKEY List provides budget-friendly options, while L'Oreal Paris features luxurious textures with added anti-aging and brightening effects.
Which is more affordable, The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris?
The INKEY List does better for affordable price and value across the products on this page. Reviewers note that its moisturizers and serums are affordable.
Which brand performs better for dark spots and brightening, The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris?
L'Oreal Paris performs better for dark spots and brightening compared to The INKEY List.
Do The INKEY List products contain fragrance compared to L'Oreal Paris?
Every product on The INKEY List page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas 5 of 10 products on the L'Oreal Paris page list fragrance. Reviewers note that strong or overpowering fragrances are an issue for L'Oreal Paris, making The INKEY List better for avoiding scents.
The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris for oily skin?
For oily skin, L'Oreal Paris fits better because the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit compared to The INKEY List at High. Both brands help provide hydration and moisture.
The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris for sensitive skin?
Both The INKEY List and L'Oreal Paris fit sensitive skin with a Superior routine level on this page. The INKEY List is a strong choice for sensitive skin because the products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients.
The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, L'Oreal Paris fits better with a Superior routine level, while the products on this page from The INKEY List reach a High fit level. Reviewers mention that L'Oreal Paris provides deep hydration alongside pleasant textures, whereas The INKEY List is noted for offering affordable serums and moisturizers.
The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris for mature skin?
For mature skin, L'Oreal Paris fits better with a Superior routine level, while The INKEY List reaches a High routine level. Both brands provide anti-aging and skin-smoothing products on their pages, but L'Oreal Paris includes ingredients like retinol that help stimulate collagen accumulation and improve naturally aged skin.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
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
Encapsulation and controlled release of retinol from silicone particles for topical delivery
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
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
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
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
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.



















































