Anua vs The INKEY List
Anua and The INKEY List are distinct skincare brands offering diverse moisturizers, serums, toners, and cleansers built around soothing and hydrating ingredients. The Korean brand features heartleaf, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to best suit oily, acne-prone skin and skin with dark spots, while the British brand relies on glycerin to suit dry and dry sensitive skin. Both houses differ primarily in their origin, key formulations, and targeted complexions.
Anua is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by The Founders Inc..
prnewswire.comkedglobal.comtracxn.comv.daum.net
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 Anua and The INKEY List products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Anua vs The INKEY List products
-
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
S$21.83
-
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
S$26.97
-
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
S$19.06
-
PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
S$30.50
- Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
-
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
S$22.92
- PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM
-
Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
S$14.13
People Say
Texture and Consistency Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Skin feels super smooth — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
- “melts into skin — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
- “Gel consistency — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “feels like applying straight up water to the skin — The INKEY List Omega Water Cream”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “complexion feels so plump — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “leaves skin plump — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “Super hydrating — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
- “intense nourishment — The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum”
Soothing and Calming Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Calms my redness instantly — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
- “calmed my red spots — Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad”
- “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”
Packaging and Value Rarely 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”
- “love the included tweezers — Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad”
Brightening and Glow Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Significant reduction in hyperpigmentation from acne scarring. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “glass-like glow — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “Gives a nice healthy glow — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
- “Visibly reduces acne scars — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
Makeup Compatibility Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “sits beautifully under makeup — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “Melts away makeup and impurities without drying — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
- “no pilling under makeup — The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “makeup applies so smoothly — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
Breakouts and Acne Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “did cause major breakouts — The INKEY List Omega Water Cream”
- “New formula breaks me out — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “Caused cystic acne — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
- “Wrecked my skin barrier — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
Anua vs The INKEY List routines for dry skin
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.06
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
- Moisturizer Collagen Peptide Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
-
Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$17.98
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning
S$22.92
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$19.26
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
S$16.57
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$21.83
-
Serum or Treatment
Green Lemon Vita C Blemish Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$28.55
-
Nourishing Mask
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
S$3.35
Buy The INKEY List routine · S$253.28 · 96% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Anua vs The INKEY List routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.40
-
Hydrating Toner
TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$168.51
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$44.35
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
PHA Toner
Evening · Once a week
S$26.18
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
- Cleanser Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Hydrating Toner
Peach 77 Niacin Essence Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$20.55
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$19.26
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
S$16.57
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$21.83
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening · Once a week
S$26.97
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$19.06
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy The INKEY List routine · S$520.95 · 94% fit
Buy Anua routine · S$89.14 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Anua vs The INKEY List routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich
Morning · Once a week
S$64.81
-
Moisturizer
Polyglutamic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$34.59
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid Toner
Evening · Once a week
S$30.49
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
- Cleanser Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$22.92
-
Moisturizer
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$21.23
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
S$16.57
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$21.83
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening · Once a week
S$26.97
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$19.06
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy The INKEY List routine · S$411.40 · 94% fit
Buy Anua routine · S$89.14 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Anua or The INKEY List: which is better?
The INKEY List generally fits routines better across skin types on this page, while Anua does better specifically for brightening and glow. Both brands list no fragrance in their products.
What is the difference between Anua and The INKEY List?
Anua focuses on brightening and glow with ingredients like niacinamide and heartleaf across the products on this page, while The INKEY List offers superior routine fit across all skin types with affordable moisturizers and serums. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and melanosome transfer, supporting brightening effects.
Anua or The INKEY List for dry skin?
Both brands offer solid routines for dry skin, with Anua achieving a High fit and The INKEY List reaching a Superior fit for the products on this page. Shoppers often mention The INKEY List for its affordable, hydrating, and lightweight moisturizers, while Anua is noted for its nourishing sheet masks and soothing creams.
Anua or The INKEY List: which cleanser is better?
Both Anua and The INKEY List feature top-performing cleansers, with Anua offering popular options like the Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil and The INKEY List providing well-liked formulas such as the Salicylic Acid Cleanser and Oat Cleansing Balm. The products on this page help target different concerns, with Anua focusing on soothing heartleaf and gentle daily cleansing, while The INKEY List emphasizes blemish control and affordable makeup removal.
Which is more affordable, Anua or The INKEY List?
The INKEY List does better for packaging and value, and reviewers mention that its moisturizers and serums are affordable.
Between Anua and The INKEY List, which brand is better for brightening and glow?
Anua does better for brightening and glow among the products on this page. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer, supporting the brightening effects found in Anua's serums and toners.
How do the country of origin and parent company differ between Anua and The INKEY List?
Anua was founded in 2019 in South Korea and is owned by The Founders Inc., whereas The INKEY List was founded in 2018 in the United Kingdom and is owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited.
Which brand performs better in terms of packaging and value according to reviewers?
The INKEY List performs better in terms of packaging and value according to reviewers.
Anua or The INKEY List for oily skin?
The INKEY List is rated as a Superior routine fit for oily skin, while Anua has a High fit level for oily skin. Both brands offer products with a High fit for oily skin, but The INKEY List leads overall for this skin type.
Anua or The INKEY List: which moisturizer is better?
The INKEY List is a better choice because its routine fit for dry skin is Superior, whereas Anua is High. Reviewers also note that the products on this page by The INKEY List feature hydrating, lightweight, fast-absorbing, and plumping and firming moisturizers that are affordable.
Anua or The INKEY List for sensitive skin?
Both Anua and The INKEY List fit sensitive skin well, with routine fits ranging from High to Superior depending on the specific products on this page. Niacinamide, found in the products on this page, helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and manage skin aging.
Research behind their key ingredients
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
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
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
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
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Emulgels powered by coco-glucoside: A stable and effective synbiotics delivery system for skin care
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.


























































