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

When it comes to haircare, layering is not just a styling thing. Just like skincare, layering your hair products is an effective way to maximise the results of your routine whilst also targeting multiple concerns. Whether it’s an itchy scalp or dull, lacklustre locks, build a recipe that works for you and your hair and scalp goals.

Our bestselling and award-winning Hyaluronic Acid Serum works across multiple layers of the skin, which also helps plump, smooth, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Now the only question is… what’s the best way to get the most out of this hydrating hero?

Our Polyglutamic Acid Serum is a powerful hydrator for the skin's surface, locking in moisture and helping the skin appear instantly smoother. In fact, it can hold 4x more moisture than Hyaluronic Acid—so it’s a must for dry skin, especially in the winter.

Meet, Real Results with INKEY. This is our dedicated series where we pass off the mic to our very own customers, who will share their reviews and recommendations on some of our products.

Introducing actives in your skin care routine can be confusing. When deciding what to incorporate into your routine, you should first make sure the actives you’re choosing, tackle any concerns you have or are providing a desired benefit. Secondly, you need to consider the % amount of active ingredient that is suitable for you and your needs. This brief guide has been put together to help you figure out which percentage is right for you.

Azelaic Acid is a multifaceted active ingredient with multiple benefits that can target several concerns, proven to be beneficial for blemish prone, rosacea prone and redness prone skin. Find out more about the benefits of Azelaic Acid, how to use it and what other ingredients you can use to help reduce redness in the skin

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. 

Have you ever been so excited to commit to a skincare routine and then left wondering when you will see results? We've been there and we'll explain what to look out for and what to expect when perfecting your skincare routine. 

Phytic Acid is an antioxidant Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) derived from micro-algae. It’s extracted from the natural environment first, then scaled up synthetically in bioreactors, which makes it a sustainable resource in the skincare industry.

Why does it seem like products become less effective over time? There are a few reasons why this might be the case. We’ll break down the most common reasons we get this question below.

While there’s no need to completely redo your entire routine, warmer weather and longer days can change what your skin needs this time of year. Here's our top summer skincare tips.

Collagen within skincare has been a talking point within the beauty industry as a whole. But what does collagen actually do, and how can you include it in your regimen?

Keeping your skin pH balanced and at a consistent level will help support healthy skin. The products you use in your skincare routine can have an impact on your pH levels, along with other factors, so it’s useful to understand what you can do to maintain a healthy balance.

For some, emulating the glowing, radiant look can feel impossible, especially if you experience dryness, dullness, or blemishes. However, at the core of glowing skin is a good, comprehensive skincare routine built around effective cleansing, suitable treatments, and comforting nourishment. 

The scalp is perhaps one of the most easily forgotten areas of the body – especially when it comes to self care and T.L.C. That said, many of us are beginning to come around to the fact that the scalp is just as important as the skin on the rest of the body, as well as the hair itself.

It’s fair to say that acne is usually associated with oily skin, or those with normal to combination skin who also experience excess oil. It is less common, but dry skin types can absolutely experience acne, and it can be a hard situation to address – particularly when deciding which skincare to use.

If you experience sensitivity in your skin but want the benefits of Retinol, the plant derived alternative Bakuchiol may be a good substitute. With antioxidant properties, Bakuchiol Serum embodies many of the properties of its Vitamin A counterpart and works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 and a highly effective skincare hero that targets a multitude of concerns. Best known for targeting redness, excess oil and enlarged pores, Niacinamide can also be an anti-inflammatory and reduce the appearance of blemishes. 

They may feel like a quick and efficient way to cleanse the skin but could face wipes actually be doing more harm than good?

As we age, our skin can change and natural cell production and regeneration begins to slow down which brings new concerns to the surface. This generally begins to take place from the age 25+ , which is when we recommend introducing and adjusting your regimen to support cell rejuvenation. 

Skin hyperpigmentation can appear in several different forms, and it can sometimes be difficult to know what has caused it and where it has come from. Read on to discover which type you may have, along with the best ingredients and products to target the condition.  

Acne is one of the most common (not to mention frustrating) skin concerns, but many people feel confused about what causes it and (most importantly) what you can do about it. With a consistent routine and effective ingredients, you can fight acne and maintain clear skin—all for under £15.

We don’t know who needs to hear this, but effective skin care doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re paying more than £15 for these five ingredients—you’re paying way too much. 

What if one product could totally transform your skin? Even better, what if it could do it in 30 days?  Meet the £6.99 best-selling Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

When we adjust and update our skincare routine regularly, it can mean some products get pushed to the back of the shelf. Whilst most products can last a number of years unopened, skincare products do also have a recommended use by date.

The wide range of acids available within skincare all come with a range of benefits that differentiate them from each other. Learn more about the use of acids in skincare, the differences between them and which acids are suitable for you.

Pilling refers to a residual build up on the surface of the skin from the application of cosmetic products, make up or skincare. It occurs when something is preventing a product being absorbed into the skin and leaving small blobs, gritty balls or flakes. Find out what can cause pilling and how to prevent it when applying your skincare routine.

The product and its stage in your routine can define the amount that we need to apply to the skin. We’ve created this handy sizing reference guide for each stage of your skin care routine of how much to apply.

Succinic acid is naturally anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, meaning it works well to curb acne symptoms, where skin suffers redness, irritation and inflammation. Learn more about the benefits Succinic Acid has and how to use it in your skincare routine

The term antioxidant appears everywhere, from our food to our face creams. Antioxidants are beneficial to our bodies because of the role they play in combating imbalance of free radicals and promoting good health - this includes on the skin. Learn about what INKEY list products contain antioxidant properties

There’s a plethora of things that can cause scalp itchiness and flakes including build up of product and dead skin cells, and excess sweating, which can clog pores and accelerate build up itself. Dandruff is also a very common cause of itching and flaking, caused by a high rate of shedding skin cells at the scalp, which is also often paired with excess oil production. Find out our tips on how to treat an itchy or flakey scalp here.

You may be familiar with the terms ‘clinically tested’ and ‘dermatologically tested’ associated with skincare which are two ways brands can deepen their testing of their products. But what do these mean? Find our more here

If you’ve been exfoliating more than usual or using several actives in one go (think acids, retinols etc), you may experience certain symptoms that will point to over-exfoliation.  The most obvious symptoms include redness and irritation at the skin’s surface, which may also manifest through burning and inflammation. Learn how to prevent over-exfoliation and how to take care of skin that has been over-exfoliated

Investing in skincare (whether it’s money or time) means putting your hope and faithtrust into products to really make a difference to skin. But how long should you give them to make a difference? Find our more in our latest blog

Whilst it’s typically seen as a condition that dominates the hormone charged teenage years, acne isn’t age discriminatory and can also appear in its adult form age 25+ and even into the 30s and 40s. Learn more about what causes acne and how to target and treat adult acne.

Introducing your new hyperpigmentation hero - Mandelic Acid. A member of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid family, we’ve formulated this gentle treatment to target marks and scarring caused by breakouts as well as pigmentation concerns. 

Hair shedding is a normal process of renewal and every day we lose 50-100 hairs from our head. As new hair grows through the follicle, old hair eventually falls out as part of the ‘exogen’ phase of hair growth. However, when this process is imbalanced, with less hair growing than falling out, it can make the hair feel thin, flat and lacklustre. Learn more about what caused shedding and what INKEY List treatments we recommend.

It can be tempting to reorganise your routine and incorporate your new additions straight away - BUT we have some important advice which your skin will thank us for. Learn more about why it's important to patch test before using new products and how is best to perform a patch test to avoid any risk of irritation.

Congestion in the skin can be a precursor to acne and breakouts. We often receive your concerns around blocked pores but let’s explore skin congestion, its causes and ways to prevent it.

Keeping pores clean and clear is a fundamental objective within most skincare routines - whether it’s to reduce breakouts, brighten the tone or even the texture. Whatever your reason, there are varying degrees of treatments and products available to serve this cause - including the classic pore strip. We explain how pore strips work, how they can cause damage to the skin and some INKEY alternatives you can use to unclog pores and get rid of blackheads

The hallmark of damaged hair, split ends are common but can also be an indicator that your routine needs a refresh to prevent and protect and keep locks looking luscious for longer. Find out more about split ends, what causes them and how to prevent them occurring.

It’s a common skincare myth to assume that moisturisers and oils will increase the shine on already oily skin types and add to acne breakouts. Before you skip this essential step, we explore how these products can work with your skin to actually balance oil production as opposed to adding to it.

However tempting it is, popping pimples can do more damage than good if extractions are not done professionally. Blemishes closer to the surface of our skin such as whiteheads and blackheads come with less risk factor than deeper rooted and inflamed breakouts but can still impact the healing process and spread bacteria. However tempting it is, popping pimples can do more damage than good if extractions are not done professionally.

Contrary to popular belief, SPF (sun protection factor) is not just for the summertime. While the Summer time is of course an important time of year to be extra diligent with sun cream application, you should really be applying yours year round, come rain or shine. Learn more about the benefits of sun protection here.

Rather than a skin concern like dehydration, ‘combination’ is a skin type, just as oily and dry are. It is characterized by oily, dry, and even some ‘normal’-feeling areas of the face, meaning it can often feel a little harder to treat as a whole. Find out how you can tell if you have combination skin, what causes it and the best INKEY List products to use in your skincare routine.

Whatever workout you’re about to take on, we’d recommend going into your session with a fresh, clean face and once done, helping your skin return to its' cleansed and balanced state. Find out what we recommend to use before and after a workout.

Toners are an excellent step to add into your routine as they work to deliver a range of benefits to skin and come in all different forms. Learn what a toner is, how to use one in your routine and more.

There are so many different ways to store skincare these days, but after you’ve decided the type of shelving unit or boxes you’d like to suit your aesthetic, there are certain rules to bear in mind when deciding where to house them. Find out more here.

Dark circles under the eyes tend to be a tell-tale sign of a lack of sleep and fatigue but can also be indicators of overall imbalance to your wellbeing. Located beneath the lower lid and accompanied puffiness, they can appear as a shadow from puffy eyelids or as a dull coloring and/or sunkenness beneath the eye. Find out which INKEY List eye creams are best suited to target dark circles here.

When we think of the microbiome, the word may draw us to the world of digestion and gut health, but what about the microbiome of your skin? Learn what a Microbiome is, what can cause disruption to your Microbiome and what you can do to support it to achieve your best skin.

Facial hairs and their follicles are a fundamental part of our skin’s structure. Connected to the sebaceous glands which produce oil, facial hair can create its own array of skin concerns requiring some adjustments and additions to our overall facial routine. Typically, it’s advisable to maintain your normal skincare regime through to the skin beneath the facial hair but there's some extra attention you can give these areas to keep skin beautiful beneath the beard in our latest blog.

When finding the resolution to your hair woes, the first focal point is identifying your individual hair type. As with skin, there are 4 dominant types of hair which are split into further categories (A-C) within each type which range in density of hair growth. Find out more about each hair type and the products we recommend to get the most out of your haircare routine

The skin on our neck often gets grouped in to our facial routine or receives a dose of our body care products but can often be neglected as an independent area of attention. Unfortunately, the neck is a key place that shows the signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture as well as hyperpigmentation and discoloration - so it can be worth isolating for tailored TLC. Find out what products can be used to target the delicate skin on your neck.

When building your routine, you’ll likely come across serums as a way to incorporate key active ingredients but what exactly are they and how can you use them? Find out more about The INKEY List serum collection and which one is suited to your skin goals. 

Salicylic Acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) and has the ability to penetrate deeper into the pores of the skin, making it an ideal targeted spot treatment ingredient. Learn more about the benefits of Salicylic Acid, how to use it in your skincare routine using INKEY List products.

It’s no doubt that pregnancy is life changing. Once the initial news has sunk in, there are adjustments to your day to day to ensure health and safety for parent and baby whilst embarking on this 9 month journey - including your skincare routine. Learn about which product we suggest you avoid during your pregnancy and what INKEY List products you can replace them with.

Robert & James Welsh share their 5-step routine to creating the perfect makeup base. They reveal their favourite INKEY products and give some insider tips for prepping your skin for makeup.

Celebrity hair stylist Bjorn Krischker, takes us through 3 simple hair styles that you can easily create at home, along with sharing some top tips on how to treat and hydrate your hair in the winter months. 

Cassandra Bankson & Dr Kemi share some amazing tips to help better treat your skin in the winter months and walk us through a step by step routine that you can try at home! 

Dr Zion and askINKEY’s Tom walked through a 5-step routine sharing their top tips on how to best treat your acne.

When it comes to anti-ageing, peptides are a powerful ingredient that you may have heard of, but what are they? Peptides, also known as polypeptides, are amino acids which form proteins in the skin. Find out more about Peptides, how they can be beneficial in your skincare routine and what INKEY List products contain this super ingredient.

Stressed out skin can manifest in many ways, unfortunately. As stress can impact the skin’s natural protective barrier, there can be signs of dryness and dehydration, as well as inflammation and itchiness. You might also notice everything from pigmentation to dullness, and of course, there is the chance breakouts may appear. Learn what you can do to target stressed skin and what INKEY product are best suited to calming stressed skin.

Dehydration is incredibly common, but many find it hard to distinguish and thus to treat effectively. Our simple guide explains everything you need to know about dehydrated skin, in easy-to-understand, bite size pieces of information. 

We’ve teamed up with celebrity hair stylist Bjorn Krischker, who has shared his insight on how to style different hair types. With an illustrious career working on photoshoots, events and with celebrity clients, Bjorn truly embodies INKEY’s ethos of ‘Knowledge Powers Change’. Read on for his top tips for curl definition, volume and repairing damaged hair….

We have heard the research surrounding the impact of blue light on our sleep health, wellbeing, attention span and eyesight but how can the light from our devices and screens be impacting the health of our skin? Find out what blue light is and the key INKEY LIst ingredients that can help protect and repair against blue light effects on the skin.

The texture of our skin can be a primary concern and range from bumpiness to dry patches or pitting. Out of balance skin texture can appear dull, dry, patchy and uneven. Learn about the approaches to help even the texture of the skin by incorporating various tips and INKEY List products in your skincare routine.

Shiny, strong, healthy locks have always been desirable; that much goes without saying. But how do you achieve this ultimate hair goal? That can feel impossible, especially with so much conflicting information out there, and an overwhelming amount of different products available these days. These five simple tips will help you to get there without overcomplicating things. 

Vitamin C has become one of the most popular ingredients in modern skincare, with a whole host of brilliant benefits and capabilities. But it can often be a slightly misunderstood ingredient, thanks to its several forms and certain stipulations that are important to follow when using it. Here, we lay out everything you need to know about using Vitamin C in your skincare, from how to choose the right one to the rules to abide by if you’re new to it.

Reading a beauty product label can feel like a major challenge, particularly if you’re not familiar with certain ingredient names. An initial glance at an INCI List is enough to send many of us into confusion and understandably. Learn what an INCI List is and how to read one, from de-coding intimidating ingredient names to understanding those scary-looking symbols on the packaging. 

It’s a term often connected to ingredients like collagen and peptides but what is ‘plump’ skin and why do we want it? Plump skin can be regarded as well-hydrated, firm with a natural fullness, roundness and bounciness. Its decline can be considered a sign of ageing and can also affect the brightness, texture and tone. Learn more about how to get plump skin, the best INKEY List products to support the production of elastin and collagen whilst giving hydration and other tips to help plump your skin.

Finished another bottle or tube of your favourite INKEY product? Well, you’ll need to know how to recycle it correctly then. 

Dull skin can be caused by many factors, one of which is not cleansing the skin properly. A buildup of dead cells can make the skin's surface rough, and cause skin to absorb light rather than reflect making skin look dull. Our NEW ingredient, Fulvic Acid is the perfect first step in your skincare regimen to achieve that bright, enviable glow!

Having a bright, healthy complexion is a skincare goal many people share, in fact it's a top question on #askINKEY! We are passionate about knowledge, so we are here to give you the 101 on why we get dull skin and ingredients that help brighten so you can achieve YOUR brightest skin.  

Beta Hydroxy Acids are oil soluble chemical exfoliators and a great choice for oily and breakout prone skin. They work deeper in the skin than Alpha Hydroxy Acids, and can help unclog pores and target blackheads.