The INKEY List vs Biore
The INKEY List and Biore are two distinct skincare lines offering targeted solutions for diverse complexions. The British brand focuses on moisturizers, serums, toners, and eye products built around glycerin, suiting dry and dry sensitive skin best. Meanwhile, the Japanese brand is beloved for its thoughtful range of sunscreens, cleansers, masks, and makeup removers, suiting sensitive and combination skin. While both deliver reliable daily care, they differ in their foundational ingredients and primary skin compatibility.
The INKEY List is a British skincare brand founded in 2018 and owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited.
cosmeticsbusiness.comprnewswire.comtheinkeylist.comtracxn.com
Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.
This page compares some of the most popular The INKEY List and Biore products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The INKEY List vs Biore products
People Say
Lightweight Texture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “melts into skin — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Cleansing and Deep Clean Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “Face feels squeaky clean — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
- “Minimal effort required — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
General Performance and Efficacy Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “skin looks fresh and plump — The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum”
- “bags are gone — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “Skin feels softer — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
- “Leaves skin feeling clean — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
Makeup Compatibility and Removal Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “primer-like — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- “Removes waterproof mascara, eyeliner, foundation. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “Works in shower, effective on wet hands/face. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “Melts away makeup and impurities without drying — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
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”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Super hydrating — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
- “intense nourishment — The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum”
- “Skin feels instantly hydrated, nourished and looks more glowing — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
- “feels like a moisturizer — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Skin Irritation and Dryness Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Leaves my skin a bit dry — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “feels very drying — The INKEY List 10% Azelaic Acid Serum”
- “felt tight after — The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “Made my skin peel — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
Lack of Results or Performance Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “didn't do anything for circles — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “did absolutely nothing — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “Doesn't get all blackheads — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “Doesn't shrink pores — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
Fragrance and Scent Issues 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”
- “smells like alcohol — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
The INKEY List vs Biore routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.06
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Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
- Moisturizer Collagen Peptide Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
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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
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.06
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
-
Moisturizer
d'Alba First Spray Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.94
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$60.11
-
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
Buy The INKEY List routine · S$253.28 · 96% fit
Buy Biore routine · S$278.56 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
The INKEY List vs Biore routines for oily skin
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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
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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
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
SKIN1004 Centella Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$33.87
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$60.11
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
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
Buy The INKEY List routine · S$520.95 · 94% fit
Buy Biore routine · S$481.95 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The INKEY List vs Biore routines for combination skin
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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
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
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$60.11
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
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
Buy The INKEY List routine · S$411.40 · 94% fit
Buy Biore routine · S$343.98 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The INKEY List or Biore: which is better?
The INKEY List is the better choice for most shoppers because Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior across all skin types, whereas Biore is rated High. Reviewers also note that The INKEY List does better for lightweight texture, general performance, affordable price, and hydration.
What is the difference between The INKEY List and Biore?
The INKEY List offers a wider range of affordable, hydrating products with a Superior Lovi fit across all skin types, whereas Biore focuses more on cleansing and targeted pore care with a High fit.
The INKEY List or Biore for dry skin?
The INKEY List is the better choice for dry skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Biore's High fit on this page.
The INKEY List or Biore: which cleanser is better?
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser and Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser are both featured on this page for cleansing, though reviewers note that Biore does better for cleansing and deep clean.
Which is more affordable, The INKEY List or Biore?
The INKEY List does better for affordable price and value, and reviewers often mention its affordable serums and affordable moisturizers on the products on this page.
What are the founding years and countries of origin for The INKEY List and Biore?
The INKEY List was founded in 2018 in the United Kingdom, while Biore was founded in 1980 in Japan.
Which brand performs better regarding lightweight texture and general efficacy?
The INKEY List performs better regarding lightweight texture and general efficacy compared to Biore.
Do products from The INKEY List and Biore contain any fragrance in their ingredients?
Every product on this page from both The INKEY List and Biore lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
The INKEY List or Biore for oily skin?
For oily skin, Lovi rates The INKEY List as having a Superior routine fit, while Biore achieves a High fit. Reviewers note that The INKEY List does better for lightweight texture, general performance, affordable price, and hydration.
The INKEY List or Biore for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, The INKEY List is the better choice because Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior, whereas Biore achieves a High fit.
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
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
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
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
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.
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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
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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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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