Compare Products: Niacinamide Oil Control Serum vs Just Breathe Clarifying Serum

The Inkey List

Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

Budget10%
$10.5 / 30ml — $0.35/ml
Versed

Just Breathe Clarifying Serum

Budget~4-5%
$20 / 30ml — $0.67/ml

Who It's Designed For

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
Versed
  • Oily and acne-prone skin seeking pore decongestion
  • Those wanting clean beauty at drugstore prices
  • Users looking for gentler BHA delivery via willow bark
  • People who want oil control without high niacinamide concentrations
  • Skincare beginners seeking an accessible clarifying serum

Key Ingredients

The Inkey List

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

Versed

Niacinamide, Willow Bark Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Salicylic Acid

Product Composition

30% similarity (11 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
water (aqua / eau)niacinamideglycerinbutylene glycolphenoxyethanolhydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerhydroxyethylcellulosesodium phytatepanthenoldisodium phosphatesodium phosphate
Only in The Inkey List (13)
propanediolphospholipidssqualanexanthan gumglycine soja (soybean) oilallantoinpolysorbate 60glycolipidsleuconostoc/radish root ferment filtratesorbitan isostearateglycine soja (soybean) sterolscitric acidhyaluronic acid
Only in Versed (13)
salix nigra (willow) bark extractzinc gluconatesalicylic acidaesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) seed extract12-hexanediolpeg-40 hydrogenated castor oilyeast extractglyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerammonium glycyrrhizatebiotinpropylene glycolcaffeine

User Feedback Patterns

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.

Versed
Oil control success

Users with oily skin frequently report reduced shine and fewer breakouts with consistent use.

Redness reduction

Many users note calmer, less blotchy skin. Popular among those with rosacea-adjacent concerns.

Lightweight texture

Praised for watery, fast-absorbing texture. Some note it dries slightly tacky.

Mixed acne results

Some users see clearing; others report breakouts or no change. Individual response varies significantly.

Sensitive skin reactions

Some sensitive skin users report irritation or breakouts, possibly from salicylic acid or willow bark.

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