I've tested nearly every product from The Inkey List — these 17 are my absolute favourites

If you prefer gel-like moisturisers as opposed to thick creams, the Omega Water Cream is where it's at. Even with a silky and weightless consistency, the formula is packed with omega fatty acids, ceramides, niacinamide to flood the skin with hydration without feeling claggy. It's a great summer option or if you simply enjoy the feeling of lighter moisturisers.

Key ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, omega fatty acids, glycerin and betaine

I've always been sceptical of a pimple patch's ability to heal a breakout, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well these worked. They suck out gunk and pus while calming redness and protecting your spot from your own worst enemy (ahem, your fingers).

They’re truly invisible so you can wear one during the day without anyone noticing. And if you decide to wear one at night, your breakout will be basically gone in the morning.

Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid, succinic acid, salicylic acid, ectoin

Hyaluronic acid is the Beyoncé of hydrating ingredients (yes, it’s that iconic). It keeps your skin smooth and dewy. This hyaluronic acid serum in particular is lightweight, sinks in fast and doesn’t leave any sticky, tacky residue behind. I use it right after cleansing and my skin instantly feels more plump and juicy.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides

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. 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

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

Vitamin C is an essential in every good skincare routine, and this one is quickly becoming one of my favourites. The 15 per cent vitamin C works overtime to brighten my skin and fade pesky dark spots, while the presence of peptides 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 moisturiser 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 had a facial.

Key ingredients: Ascorbyl Glucoside (vitamin C), peptides

You know those big, ugly “I’m here to ruin your day” spots? Well this 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

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 appear fuller and more defined, as if I had spent hours perfecting my pout.

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 me feel like a glam queen.

Key ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid

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 minimising oil production, but it’s not at all drying in my experience. After a week of using it morning and night, my skin looks 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 the skin or leaving it dry and tight.

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, allantoin, zinc compound

After a long day of running around, 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 without making me tug at my skin. The oat kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal are so soothing too. My skin feels clean but not stripped and so soft that I can almost skip my moisturiser post-cleanse.

Key ingredients: Oat kernel oil, colloidal oatmeal

This hyperpigmentation treatment is chef's kiss for anyone dealing with those stubborn dark spots and discolouration. It's filled with tranexamic acid (a derm-favourite 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

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. You swipe it on (like a giant lip balm for your body if you will) and then the AHAs and BHAs exfoliate away dead skin and help to 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

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 stinging 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

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 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

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 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