The INKEY List vs L'Oreal Paris
The INKEY List and L'Oreal Paris are two distinct beauty lines, with the British brand offering targeted formulas built around glycerin while the French label features replenishing hyaluronic acid and glycerin. The INKEY List fits dry skin and dry sensitive skin best, whereas the latter suits oily acne-prone skin and combination skin best. Both offer thoughtful ranges of moisturizers, serums, and eye products, though they differ in their standout offerings for specific concerns like mature skin and dark spots.
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
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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
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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
Revitalift
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$38.14
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
Buy The INKEY List routine · S$253.28 · 96% fit
Buy L'Oreal Paris routine · S$227.98 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
The INKEY List vs L'Oreal Paris 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
-
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
Revitalift
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$38.14
-
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
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
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 L'Oreal Paris routine · S$461.60 · 93% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The INKEY List vs L'Oreal Paris 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
-
Moisturizer
Revitalift
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$38.14
-
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
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
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 L'Oreal Paris routine · S$357.50 · 94% 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 offer products on this page with high effectiveness, though The INKEY List tends to be better for sensitive and dry sensitive skin with a Superior Lovi fit level compared to L'Oreal Paris's High fit level.
What is the difference between The INKEY List and L'Oreal Paris?
The INKEY List offers fragrance-free products on this page and tends to be more affordable, whereas L'Oreal Paris features more options with fragrance and excels in skin smoothing and brightening. Lovi shows that routine fit levels are similar between the two brands for most skin types, though The INKEY List has a higher fit for sensitive and dry sensitive skin.
The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris for dry skin?
Both The INKEY List and L'Oreal Paris are well-suited for dry skin, as the routine fit for both brands on the products on this page is Superior. Reviewers note that both brands help deliver deep hydration and moisture with their formulas.
The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris: which moisturizer is better?
The INKEY List offers affordable, hydrating, and lightweight moisturizers, while L'Oreal Paris focuses on deep hydration, anti-aging, and luxurious textures. Reviewers note that the products on this page by The INKEY List tend to have no added fragrance, whereas several L'Oreal Paris moisturizers contain fragrance and may cause skin irritation for some users.
Which is more affordable, The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris?
The INKEY List is more affordable, as the products on this page offer budget-friendly pricing and value.
Which brand is better for dark spots and brightening, The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris?
For dark spots and brightening, L'Oreal Paris does better according to the review themes on this page. However, the products on this page for The INKEY List have a Superior fit for skin with dark spots, whereas L'Oreal Paris has a High fit.
Do The INKEY List products contain fragrance compared to L'Oreal Paris?
The products on this page from The INKEY List list no fragrance in their ingredients, whereas half of L'Oreal Paris products on this page list fragrance.
Which brand is founded earlier, The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris?
L'Oreal Paris is founded earlier than The INKEY List, having started in France in 1909 compared to The INKEY List being founded in the United Kingdom in 2018.
The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris for oily skin?
Both The INKEY List and L'Oreal Paris fit oily skin with a Superior routine level, so either brand helps depending on your specific preferences. The INKEY List offers fragrance-free options across the products on this page, whereas L'Oreal Paris features some fragranced formulas.
The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, The INKEY List is a better fit overall, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior while L'Oreal Paris is rated as High. Furthermore, every product on The INKEY List page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas half of L'Oreal Paris's products include fragrance.
The INKEY List or L'Oreal Paris for acne-prone skin?
Both The INKEY List and L'Oreal Paris offer a superior routine fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that niacinamide helps control skin aging and pigmentation.
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.
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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
-

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?
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