Compare Products: Lipid Gold vs SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum
Ingredient Analysis
Stratia Lipid Gold offers a richer, multi-layered formula with ceramides, fatty oils, and barrier lipids. The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum is a leaner niacinamide serum with Zinc PCA for oil control. The better pick depends on your skin concerns and type.
Stratia Lipid Gold contains a full ceramide complex with cholesterol and phytosphingosine. The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum has no barrier lipids.
The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum adds Zinc PCA alongside niacinamide, a stronger combination for sebum regulation.
Stratia Lipid Gold contains parabens and diazolidinyl urea, which are more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
Stratia Lipid Gold layers sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, panthenol, and multiple emollient oils for deeper hydration.
The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum's short ingredient list suggests a serum texture. Stratia Lipid Gold's oils and cetyl alcohol make it heavier.
- •Niacinamide concentration is undisclosed in both products, so potency cannot be compared directly.
- •Stratia Lipid Gold's sea buckthorn oils can tint or scent the formula in ways not obvious from the INCI list.
- •Diazolidinyl urea in Stratia Lipid Gold is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, which may concern sensitive users.
- •Zinc PCA concentration in The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum is unknown, limiting how strongly its oil-control effect can be assessed.
- •Ethoxydiglycol in Stratia Lipid Gold acts as a penetration enhancer, which could increase delivery of both actives and irritants.
Analysis generated from both INCI lists using Claude. Ingredient order indicates relative concentration; exact percentages are usually undisclosed.
Who It's Designed For
- Dehydrated or over-exfoliated skin
- Retinoid users seeking barrier support
- Oily-dehydrated combination skin
- Rosacea or perioral dermatitis (noted in brand communications)
- Very oily skin seeking maximum oil control
- Stubborn enlarged pores unresponsive to lower niacinamide concentrations
- Users who have tolerated 10-15% niacinamide and want to increase strength
- Budget-conscious users wanting clinical-strength actives
- Those seeking exfoliating effects (20% niacinamide has mild exfoliating properties)
Key Ingredients
Niacinamide (4%), Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Rosehip Oil
Niacinamide (20%), Zinc PCA (0.5%), Squalane (3%)
Product Composition
16% similarity (6 ingredients in common)
Only in Stratia (23)▾
Only in The Inkey List (8)▾
User Feedback Patterns
Some users report initial success followed by breakouts after 2+ weeks of daily use. A subset found success by reducing frequency.
Users who report reactions to Dr. Jart Ceramidin or products with olive-derived squalane sometimes report similar issues with Lipid Gold.
Some individuals react to ingredients well-tolerated by most. Cetyl Alcohol or other ingredients may be factors.
Users with very oily skin consistently report this as one of the most effective oil-control products they have tried. Many note all-day mattifying effect.
Despite the 20% concentration, most users report no irritation. However, patch testing is frequently mentioned as important for first-time users.
Users who found The Ordinary's 10% niacinamide too weak or pilling-prone often prefer this. The gel texture absorbs cleanly.
Some users report a white film if they apply too much. The brand addresses this: use less product and follow immediately with moisturizer.
Which Should You Buy?
The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum offers great value at a lower price point. Stratia Lipid Gold may be worth the premium if you want Niacinamide (4%).
View Full Product Details
Comparing something else?
Paste any two ingredient lists, or photograph the labels, and get the same side-by-side breakdown for products we do not carry.
Open the comparison tool