Compare Products: SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum vs Just Breathe Clarifying Serum
Ingredient Analysis
Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum brings more targeted actives for oily or blemish-prone skin, including salicylic acid and caffeine. The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum is simpler and better suited to sensitive or dry skin that needs barrier support without exfoliation. The right pick depends on your skin concern.
Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum combines salicylic acid, willow bark extract, and zinc gluconate. That trio targets excess sebum and clogged pores more aggressively than niacinamide and zinc PCA alone.
The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum has a short, minimal ingredient list with no chemical exfoliants. Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum contains salicylic acid and willow bark, which may irritate sensitive or dry skin.
Sodium hyaluronate and panthenol in product Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum add meaningful moisture support. The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum relies mainly on glycerin and squalane, which is lighter but less layered.
Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum stacks caffeine, biotin, horse chestnut, yeast extract, and licorice root alongside niacinamide. The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum is intentionally minimal with two core actives.
Fewer ingredients mean fewer potential reactions. The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum is designed for those who want a clean, low-risk niacinamide formula.
- •Niacinamide concentration is unstated in both products. Efficacy depends heavily on percentage, typically 5 to 10 percent in studies.
- •Salicylic acid concentration in product Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum is unknown. Below 0.5 percent it offers little exfoliation; above 2 percent it may irritate.
- •Willow bark extract provides salicylate compounds but their conversion to active salicylic acid on skin is debated.
- •Biotin has limited evidence for topical benefit; most research covers oral supplementation.
- •The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum is tentatively identified as The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% based on formula match, but this is not confirmed.
Analysis generated from both INCI lists using Claude. Ingredient order indicates relative concentration; exact percentages are usually undisclosed.
Who It's Designed For
- 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)
- 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 (20%), Zinc PCA (0.5%), Squalane (3%)
Niacinamide, Willow Bark Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Salicylic Acid
Product Composition
37% similarity (10 ingredients in common)
Only in The Inkey List (5)▾
Only in Versed (12)▾
User Feedback Patterns
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.
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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