Welcome to the INKEY Blog. Where we spread and share our skincare knowledge with you!

Rice toners – also known as milky toners – are quickly becoming a hydration essential, and it’s easy to see why. Powered by rice-derived ingredients, these lightweight formulas deliver deep hydration while supporting the skin barrier, all without heaviness or residue. In this guide, we break down the science behind rice milk toners, their key skin benefits, and how INKEY’s new Nourishing Rice Milk Hydrating Toner fits seamlessly into a complete barrier-supporting routine. Whether your skin is dehydrated, sensitised, or simply craving more moisture, rice milk toner offers an evidence-backed way to level up your hydration game.

Retinol has long been considered a no-go for sensitive skin—but modern skincare science tells a different story. With the right formulation and a gentle, strategic approach, retinol can deliver powerful anti-ageing benefits without irritation. The INKEY List Starter Retinol is designed specifically for reactive skin, helping you build tolerance safely while improving texture, tone, and radiance. This guide shows how sensitive skin can finally use retinol with confidence.

Retinol is one of the most effective ingredients for improving visible signs of ageing, but for rosacea-prone skin it’s often approached with caution. Increased sensitivity, persistent redness, and a weakened skin barrier can make traditional retinol formulas feel overwhelming.

The good news? Advances in formulation mean retinol is no longer a one-size-fits-all ingredient. With the right concentration, supportive ingredients, and a gradual introduction, rosacea-prone skin can benefit from retinol without compromising comfort. This guide breaks down what to know, what to avoid, and how to introduce retinol in a way that respects reactive skin.

Smart skinimalism is the 2026 skincare trend redefining results through simplicity. Backed by science, this approach prioritises skin barrier health and multi-functional ingredients over excessive layering. Discover why simplified routines can reduce irritation by up to 40% and how to build an effective, evidence-based 3-step routine for healthier, more resilient skin.

Starting your retinol journey but worried about irritation? Meet the Moisture Sandwich Method - a gentle, skin-barrier–friendly way to ease retinol into your routine. By layering moisturiser before and after your retinol serum, this technique helps minimise dryness and sensitivity while still delivering visible results. Ideal for first-time retinol users or anyone with sensitive skin, it’s the smart, stress-free way to unlock smoother, firmer-looking skin without the fear of irritation.

Think of the epidermis as your skin's suit of armour—its first line of defence. The condition of your skin’s barrier is closely tied to the overall health and appearance of your skin. When strong and healthy, your skin looks hydrated, plump, and glowing. When compromised or damaged, it may appear dull, uneven, or sagging, with visible fine lines and wrinkles. 

Is your skin feeling more dry, dull and dehydrated than usual? Are you suffering with increased sensitivity? Are you noticing your skin is breaking out? If so, you’re not the only one. Inconveniently, alongside the cosy nights and hot chocolate, winter brings the cold weather and lack of humidity which, for some people, can cause issues with their skin.

With so many options out there, it can be hard to know what products to use or what ingredients to look for. Let’s Make (sensitive) Skincare Simple, and start at the very beginning.

So many things can cause facial redness—genetics, skin type, the environment, stress, breakouts, etc. With the right skin care formulas, you can not only soothe dry, itchy skin but you can prevent redness from happening in the first place. 

If you are looking for an ingredient that has dual benefits of effectively moisturizing and exfoliating dead skin buildup simultaneously, look no further than Urea. At The INKEY List, we believe it is the next trend ingredient! For those with dry or rough skin texture or those that are prone to eczema or psoriasis, we have your Solution. 

Sensitive skin is a broad term to describe skin that has reduced tolerance and can be aggravated by products or external/lifestyle stressors. It can be the result of damage to the skin barrier or as an allergic/irritated reaction to certain ingredients that it comes into contact with. If you have sensitive skin, it can require an adjustment to your daily skincare routine, exploration of the cause and a consciousness around the ingredients you’re using. Find out which INKEY List products are best suited to those who have sensitive skin.