Compare Products: Niacinamide Oil Control Serum vs Just Breathe Clarifying Serum
Ingredient Analysis
The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum is a barrier-focused hydrating serum with phospholipids, squalane, and hyaluronic acid. Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum targets oily or acne-prone skin with salicylic acid, zinc, and willow bark. The better pick depends entirely on your skin concern.
The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum contains phospholipids, squalane, glycolipids, and hyaluronic acid. This combination actively rebuilds and seals the skin barrier.
Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum pairs salicylic acid with zinc gluconate and willow bark. These ingredients address clogged pores and excess sebum directly.
The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum avoids exfoliating acids entirely. Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum contains salicylic acid, which can irritate sensitive or compromised skin.
Both contain niacinamide and panthenol. The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum adds allantoin; Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum adds ammonium glycyrrhizate and horse chestnut.
Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum stacks more targeted actives for a specific concern. The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum is broader and more supportive than corrective.
- •Salicylic acid concentration in Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum is undisclosed. Efficacy for exfoliation typically requires at least 0.5%, but this cannot be confirmed.
- •Niacinamide appears second in The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum and third in Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum, suggesting higher concentration in The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum, but exact amounts are unknown for both.
- •Willow bark extract provides salicylates but their bioavailability and potency differ from pure salicylic acid. Both are present in Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum, stacking the effect.
- •Biotin in Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum has limited evidence for topical skin benefit. It is likely included at a low, cosmetic level.
- •Phospholipid and glycolipid concentrations in The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum are undisclosed. Barrier benefit depends heavily on the actual amount used.
- •Hyaluronic acid in The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum appears late in the list, suggesting a relatively low concentration. Sodium hyaluronate in Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum is positioned similarly.
Analysis generated from both INCI lists using Claude. Ingredient order indicates relative concentration; exact percentages are usually undisclosed.
Who It's Designed For
- 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
- 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
Niacinamide (10%), Hyaluronic Acid (1%)
Niacinamide, Willow Bark Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Salicylic Acid
Product Composition
30% similarity (11 ingredients in common)
Only in The Inkey List (13)▾
Only in Versed (13)▾
User Feedback Patterns
Multiple users note this formula does not ball up under other products or makeup, unlike some competing niacinamide serums.
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.
The squeeze bottle with press-down cap makes it difficult to control how much product dispenses. Some users report buildup around the opening.
Consistent feedback about reduced pore appearance within 2-4 weeks of daily use.
Users with oily skin frequently report reduced shine and fewer breakouts with consistent use.
Many users note calmer, less blotchy skin. Popular among those with rosacea-adjacent concerns.
Praised for watery, fast-absorbing texture. Some note it dries slightly tacky.
Some users see clearing; others report breakouts or no change. Individual response varies significantly.
Some sensitive skin users report irritation or breakouts, possibly from salicylic acid or willow bark.
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