Compare Products: Vitamin Illuminating Serum vs Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

Who It's Designed For

EQQUALBERRY
  • Those looking to address uneven skin tone and dark spots
  • Users who want vitamin C benefits without L-ascorbic acid irritation
  • Sensitive skin types seeking a fragrance-free brightening serum
  • People who prefer lightweight, non-sticky serum textures
  • Those interested in barrier support alongside brightening actives
  • K-beauty enthusiasts looking for a multi-functional serum
The Inkey List
  • Oily and combination skin seeking oil control
  • Acne-prone skin wanting to reduce blemishes
  • Enlarged pores and uneven texture
  • Those sensitive to zinc who want a niacinamide serum
  • Niacinamide beginners looking for a gentle entry point

Key Ingredients

EQQUALBERRY

40% Acerola Fruit Water, 4% Niacinamide, 2% Arbutin, 5 types of Ceramides, 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid

The Inkey List

Niacinamide (10%), Hyaluronic Acid (1%)

Product Composition

31% similarity (17 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
malpighia glabra (acerola) fruit waterwaterbutylene glycolglycerinniacinamidehydroxyethyl ureasqualanepanthenolxanthan gumallantoinethylhexylglycerindisodium edtasodium hyaluronatesodium carboxymethyl beta-glucanhydrolyzed hyaluronic acidhydrolyzed sodium hyaluronatehyaluronic acid
Only in EQQUALBERRY (28)
cetyl ethylhexanoate12-hexanediolarbutinhydrogenated lecithinpentaerythrityl tetrabehenatediethoxyethyl succinatebetaineceramide npcaprylic/capric triglyceridemelia azadirachta leaf extractcetearyl alcoholmelia azadirachta flower extractcurcuma longa (turmeric) root extracttocopherolcarbomerbutyrospermum parkii (shea) buttertromethamine23-butanediolocimum sanctum leaf extractcorallina officinalis extractmalpighia glabra (acerola) fruit extractglyceryl stearatehydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronatepotassium hyaluronaterubus fruticosus (blackberry) fruit extractvaccinium angustifolium (blueberry) fruit extract
Only in The Inkey List (10)
propanediolphenoxyethanolphospholipidsglycine soja (soybean) oilpolysorbate 60glycolipidsleuconostoc/radish root ferment filtratesorbitan isostearateglycine soja (soybean) sterolscitric acid

User Feedback Patterns

EQQUALBERRY
Lightweight, non-sticky texture

Users consistently praise the serum for being lightweight and non-sticky. Several reviewers specifically note it absorbs quickly, unlike typical vitamin C serums.

Visible brightening within weeks

Many users report improved skin tone and reduced dark spots within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use. The brand cites an Intertek study showing 57.49% melanin area reduction in one week, though the full study methodology is not publicly available.

Small bottle size

At 30ml, several users note the bottle runs out quickly, especially with daily use on face, neck, and body as suggested by the brand.

Results vary by skin type

Some users report minimal visible change after several weeks. Most negative reviews cite underwhelming brightening results rather than irritation or breakouts.

The Inkey List
No pilling

Multiple users note this formula does not ball up under other products or makeup, unlike some competing niacinamide serums.

More hydrating than expected

Users with dry or combination skin report this feels more hydrating than pure niacinamide serums with zinc, likely due to the squalane, HA, and lack of zinc.

Packaging frustrations

The squeeze bottle with press-down cap makes it difficult to control how much product dispenses. Some users report buildup around the opening.

Visible pore improvement

Consistent feedback about reduced pore appearance within 2-4 weeks of daily use.

Which Should You Buy?

The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum offers great value at a lower price point. EQQUALBERRY Vitamin Illuminating Serum may be worth the premium if you want 40% Acerola Fruit Water.

View Full Product Details

Related Comparisons