The Inkey List

The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

Name: Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
Brand: The Inkey List
Price: 10.5 USD
Availability: InStock

Serum·Budget-Friendly·$10.5 / 30ml — $0.35/ml

The Inkey List Sephora Ulta Amazon

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The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum$10.5 / 30ml — $0.35/ml

The Inkey List Sephora Ulta Amazon

Formulation Summary

A 10% niacinamide serum designed for beginners and all skin types, including sensitive skin. Unlike harsh blemish treatments, this formula regulates oil production gently while providing hydration through 1% hyaluronic acid.

This formula pairs 10% niacinamide with a roster of soothing and hydrating ingredients. Allantoin and panthenol calm potential irritation from the high niacinamide concentration. Plant-based squalane and phospholipids mimic skin lipids, while glycerin and hyaluronic acid provide layered hydration. The radish root ferment filtrate offers mild antimicrobial properties without harsh preservatives. It is notably free of zinc, which can be drying for some users.

Quick Facts

TextureLightweight gel that absorbs quickly; slightly tacky for a few seconds before drying down

ColorSlightly cloudy/milky white

Fragrance-free✓ Yes

Cruelty-free✓ Leaping Bunny

Vegan✗ No — Contains one egg-derived ingredient. The brand's 20% Niacinamide Solution is fully vegan.

ScentFragrance-free; faint earthy scent from ingredients

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

May Not Suit

•Very dry skin types may want additional hydration layered underneath
•Those preferring dropper packaging; squeeze bottle dispenses inconsistent amounts
•Users who find 10% niacinamide too high; consider starting with 3-5%
•Those who dislike slightly tacky textures during application

Key Ingredients

Ingredient	Concentration	Function
Niacinamide	10%brand-confirmed	Regulates oil production, reduces pore appearance, fades dark spots, and strengthens skin barrier
Hyaluronic Acid	1%brand-confirmed	Hydrates and plumps skin by drawing moisture into the upper layers
Allantoin	—	Soothes and calms skin; reduces potential irritation from active ingredients
Panthenol	—	Pro-vitamin B5 that hydrates and supports skin barrier repair
Squalane	—	Plant-derived lipid that moisturizes without clogging pores; derived from sustainable sugarcane

The Formulation Explained

10% niacinamide concentration

Niacinamide appears second on the INCI list. Research supports niacinamide at 4-10% for sebum regulation, pore appearance, and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies suggest 5% is effective for most concerns; 10% is at the higher end and may provide faster results for oilier skin types.

Hyaluronic acid for hydration

The formula includes 1% hyaluronic acid, a standard effective concentration for topical hydration. The brand describes it as multi-molecular for multi-depth hydration; specific molecular weights are not disclosed.

Soothing ingredients for sensitivity

Allantoin and panthenol calm potential irritation from the high niacinamide concentration. The formula is fragrance-free. However, 10% niacinamide is higher than the 2-5% typically recommended for sensitive skin. Individual tolerance varies.

Zinc-free formulation

Unlike many niacinamide serums, this one omits zinc. That makes it more hydrating and less drying for users who find zinc-based formulas too stripping.

Ingredients to Know

PhenoxyethanolComedogenicity: 0/5Irritancy: 1/5

Common preservative considered safe at cosmetic concentrations. Generally well-tolerated.

Butylene GlycolComedogenicity: 0/5Irritancy: 0/5

Solvent and humectant. Very rarely causes sensitivity in some individuals.

User Feedback Patterns

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.

Full INCI List

24 ingredients · Click "Show full list" to view

About The Inkey List

FoundedSeptember 2018

FounderColette Laxton and Mark Curry

LocationUnited Kingdom

CertificationsLeaping Bunny, B Corp, Carbon Net-Zero

All key ingredient concentrations disclosed on packaging and website. The brand offers 'askINKEY' live chat with skincare advisors for personalized guidance. Mark Curry is now CEO following Colette Laxton's earlier tenure.