I've Tested Nearly Every Product from The Inkey List—These 14 Are My Absolute Favorites

I've had more than my fair share of bad experiences with chalky, ghost-like sunscreens, but the second I tried this I knew it was different. It goes on clear—no white cast in sight—and leaves my skin with the most gorgeous, dewy glow. Literally like I just stepped out of a skincare ad. The polyglutamic acid is the real MVP here, giving my skin an extra hydration boost while locking in moisture all day. I love that it doesn’t just protect from UV rays; it’s also a multitasking skincare product that keeps my skin plump and smooth.

• Key ingredients: Polyglutamic acid, squalane

Glowing customer review: "I didn’t expect to even really like this sunscreen, but it’s honestly one of the best I’ve ever used! My skin drinks this stuff up, and it really does prime it well for makeup. If you’re a dry skin girlie, I definitely recommend it!”

Mandelic acid is one of the most underrated exfoliating ingredients IMO. It’s an AHA, but it’s way less aggressive than glycolic acid, which means it eliminates dulling dead skin cells without irritating my skin. I dab a little on after cleansing at night, and it goes to work on those stubborn dark spots and uneven patches like a pro.

• Key ingredients: Mandelic acid, glycerin, retinol

Glowing customer review: "I've always loved mandelic acid for my acne prone skin. Normally, around the time of my period, I get a lot of cystic acne but for the first time in a while I haven't had anything! It has genuinely helped the appearance of my acne and large pores.”

Vitamin C is an essential in every skincare routine, and this one from The Inkey List is quickly becoming one of my favorites. The 15 percent vitamin C works overtime to brighten my skin and fade pesky dark spots, while the presence of peptides help give my skin that smooth, baby-soft texture I crave. What I love most is how lightweight it feels—it absorbs so quickly that I can layer it under moisturizer and sunscreen and not feel like I’m wearing a ton of stuff on my face. After just a few weeks of use, my skin was popping off with this healthy, radiant glow that made me feel like I just got a facial.

• Key ingredients: Ascorbyl Glucoside (vitamin C), peptides

Glowing customer review: "I wanted it to fade my hyperpigmentation and I noticed results after 2 weeks use. I personally did not have any skin reaction to it and there is no tingly feeling. I’ve seen more apparent results than many other bug brands and will definitely be repurchasing.”

You know those big, ugly “I’m here to ruin your day” pimples? Well this spot treatment uses three key ingredients to tackle them head-on. The combo of succinic acid, salicylic acid, and sulfur powder work together to reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and gently exfoliate skin. And unlike many acne spot treatments I've tried over the years, this doesn't leave my skin a dry, flaky mess.

• Key ingredients: Succinic acid, sulfur powder, salicylic acid

Glowing customer review: "I apply this product as a spot treatment before bed when I get the occasional pimple, and I see noticeable improvements even just overnight!!! This product works great and lasts forever - about to buy my second tube!”

This lip balm is my latest obsession. It seriously smooths and plumps my lips and the hydration it provides is next-level. After just a few swipes, my lips instantly appeared fuller and more defined, as if I had spent hours perfecting my pout (but I just grabbed this from my bag). The subtle sheen enhances my lips, making them stand out even without lipstick. The best part? There’s no stinging or burning—just a gentle, nourishing plump that makes you feel like a glam queen.

• Key ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid

Glowing customer review: "Upon first application, I noticed a drastic difference in the way my lips looked! The outer lines were much fuller and filled in, and my lips were so plumped up!”

I have stubborn blackheads on my nose and cheeks and this cleanser has made them soooo much less noticeable. It’s got 2 percent salicylic acid for unclogging pores and minimizing oil production, but it’s not at all drying in my experience. After a week of using it morning and night, my skin looked so much clearer and smoother—it’s like I hit the reset button on my face. It gives you that satisfying “clean” feeling without stripping your skin or leaving it dry and tight.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, allantoin, zinc compound

Glowing customer review: "I've used many cleansers, and this is the best one by far. I use it twice a day, in the am and pm and even when I wake up in the morning I feel like my skin still feels clean from the night before and usually less red too.”

After a long day of running around the city, my skin always feels like it’s wearing a gross mask full of makeup, sweat, and pollution. Luckily this cleansing balm exists to remove it all. The rich texture melts away every last bit of makeup and grime—including my waterproof mascara—without making me tug at my skin. The oat kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal are so soothing on my skin too. My skin feels clean but not stripped, and so soft that I can almost skip my moisturizer post-cleanse.

• Key ingredients: Oat kernel oil, colloidal oatmeal

Glowing customer review: "My holy Grail! I use this every night, and follow up with either the La Roche Posay Cleanser, or the Youth to the People Cleanser. My skin always feels so clean and refreshed.”

This hyperpigmentation treatment is chef's kiss for anyone dealing with those stubborn dark spots and discoloration. It's filled with tranexamic acid (a derm-favorite ingredient for fading hyperpigmentation and preventing new hyperpigmentation from forming) plus antioxidants like vitamin C for an extra brightening boost. After several weeks of consistently using this serum, my normally uneven skin tone started to look more uniform.

• Key ingredients: Tranexamic acid, acai berry extract, vitamin C

Glowing customer review: "I've never had success with any other product that claims to fade age spots (hyperpigmentation), but this one actually does the trick. I've been using it every other night for months now and the dark patches across the tops of my cheeks have been fading away gradually. It's like turning the clock back a couple of decades."

I can be a lazy about my bodycare routine, but this stick couldn't be easier to use if you're after smooth, glowy skin. First of all, it’s a stick—yes! You swipe it on (like a giant chapstick for your body if you will) and then the AHAs and BHAs exfoliate away dead skin and to help reduce ingrown hairs, uneven texture, and any random rough patches. It’s a total game-changer for areas like elbows, knees, and the back of your arms (you know, the spots we all forget about).

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, shea butter

Glowing customer review: “I've always struggled with chub rub and the breakouts it causes between my legs. Since I started using this product, it has cleared up the breakouts and lightened the dark areas between my legs. It's been a game-changer for me!”

I never thought I could love a body lotion this much, but here we are. First, it’s packed with PHAs, which are like the gentler, more chill cousin of AHAs and BHAs. Translation? You’re getting smooth, exfoliated skin without any sting or dryness. Second, it’s lightweight and fast-absorbing but creates a ridiculously soft feeling—like, I can’t stop touching my skin.

• Key ingredients: Gluconolactone, jojoba, rice bran

Glowing customer review: “Okay, let’s talk body care that feels like a spa in a tube. This lightweight water cream is a dream! The PHA gently exfoliates while hydrating, so your skin feels soft, not sticky.”

I was initially a little nervous to try this product because retinol has such an intimidating reputation, but this serum is so gentle and beginner-friendly—my skin didn’t freak out one bit. I’ve been using it every other night for a month, and my complexion looks smoother, brighter, and more even as a result. Truly, it's the best retinol for anyone who is concerned about early signs of aging but isn't willing to deal with dryness or flaking as potential side effects.

• Key ingredients: Granactive retinoid, retinyl acetate, squalane

Glowing customer review: "I've been using this serum for a while now and I don't think I will ever stop! Felt the retinol working the first week as my skin got used to it, and it soaks into the skin well while being lightweight. The price is a steal for the quality of the product!”

I know my chronic under eye puffiness isn't a big deal in the scheme of things, but it still bothers me. So I started using this best-selling eye cream from The Inkey List in hopes of giving my eyes a wide-awake look. Well folks, I'm happy to report this little tube is nothing short of magic. Caffeine works to quickly de-puff, while peptides give my eyes a little firming love—it’s like a double shot of espresso! What I love most is how easy it is to fit into my morning routine. I use just a tiny dab (seriously, a little goes a looooong way) after cleansing, and it gives me this subtle, refreshed look that makes me feel like I’ve had my eight hours of sleep—even when I'm running on four.

• Key ingredients: Matrixyl peptide, caffeine

Glowing customer review: “This eye cream is a game-changer! It instantly reduces puffiness and makes me look more awake. After consistent use, I’ve noticed my under-eye area feels smoother and more hydrated. It’s affordable yet so effective—definitely a must-have in my skincare routine!”