The Inkey List

The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum

Name: SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum
Brand: The Inkey List
Price: 17.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Serum·Budget-Friendly·$17.99 / 30ml — $0.60/ml

The Inkey List Sephora Ulta Amazon

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The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum$17.99 / 30ml — $0.60/ml

The Inkey List Sephora Ulta Amazon

Formulation Summary

The highest concentration niacinamide serum in The Inkey List range. At 20%, this is the maximum stable inclusion of niacinamide and matches prestige products like Paula's Choice Clinical at a fraction of the price. Developed with dermatologists. Contains 0.5% zinc PCA for oil control and 3% squalane to protect the barrier while fighting excess oil.

This formula represents the upper limit of niacinamide concentration. The 20% niacinamide provides oil control, pore minimization, and exfoliating effects beyond what lower concentrations deliver. Zinc PCA at 0.5% adds additional sebum regulation without the dryness of higher zinc levels. Squalane at 3% is a thoughtful addition; it prevents the potential dryness that can accompany maximum-strength niacinamide while remaining lightweight. The gel texture absorbs quickly and layers well. Only 15 ingredients total.

Quick Facts

TextureLightweight gel serum; non-sticky; absorbs quickly

ColorClear

Fragrance-free✓ Yes

Cruelty-free✓ Leaping Bunny; B Corp Certified

Vegan✓ Yes — Certified by The Vegan Society

ScentFragrance-free; no detectable scent

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)

May Not Suit

•Sensitive skin; start with 10% and work up before trying 20%
•First-time niacinamide users; patch test required
•Dry skin types without adequate hydration in routine
•Users who experience flushing from niacinamide (rare but possible at high concentrations)

Key Ingredients

Ingredient	Concentration	Function
Niacinamide	20%brand-confirmed	Maximum concentration for oil control, pore minimization, and skin texture improvement. At 20%, niacinamide also provides mild exfoliating effects that help smooth surface roughness. This is the highest percentage the brand uses.
Zinc PCA	0.5%brand-confirmed	Oil-control compound that targets sebum buildup and bumps/texture. Lower concentration than some formulas (COSRX uses 1%) but still effective, especially paired with 20% niacinamide.
Squalane	3%brand-confirmed	Lightweight plant-derived oil that protects the skin barrier. Prevents the dryness that can occur with high-strength niacinamide while remaining non-comedogenic.

The Formulation Explained

Maximum 20% niacinamide

At 20%, this is the highest stable concentration of niacinamide. The combination with 0.5% zinc PCA targets oil production effectively. Niacinamide has immediate and long-term effects on sebum regulation. Individual results vary based on baseline oil production and environment.

3% squalane for barrier support

Squalane prevents the dryness that can accompany maximum-strength niacinamide. It remains lightweight and non-comedogenic. The gel texture absorbs quickly and layers well.

Clinical testing

Independent clinical study of 20 people showed oil control for up to 8 hours. A 4-week consumer trial of 50 people reported texture improvement. The 20% niacinamide provides mild exfoliation that smooths surface roughness. Consumer studies measure perception, not clinical endpoints.

Application note

Some users report a white film if they apply too much. Use less product and follow immediately with moisturizer to avoid this.

Ingredients to Know

Benzyl AlcoholComedogenicity: 0/5Irritancy: 1/5

Preservative with some concerns about sensitivity in certain individuals. Used at low concentrations for product stability.

PhenoxyethanolComedogenicity: 0/5Irritancy: 1/5

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

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerComedogenicity: 0/5Irritancy: 0/5

Texture-forming polymer that creates the gel consistency. Helps the product spread smoothly and absorb quickly.

User Feedback Patterns

Serious oil control: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.

Strong but not irritating:Despite the 20% concentration, most users report no irritation. However, patch testing is frequently mentioned as important for first-time users.

Better than The Ordinary:Users who found The Ordinary's 10% niacinamide too weak or pilling-prone often prefer this. The gel texture absorbs cleanly.

Can leave white cast if overused:Some users report a white film if they apply too much. The brand addresses this: use less product and follow immediately with moisturizer.

Full INCI List

15 ingredients · Click "Show full list" to view

About The Inkey List

Founded2018

FounderColette Laxton and Mark Curry

LocationNottingham, UK (headquarters); registered in Dublin

CertificationsB Corp, Leaping Bunny, The Vegan Society, Carbon Net-Zero

All products are named by key ingredient. The brand publishes percentage concentrations for active ingredients. Extensive educational content on website and packaging. Dermatologist involvement in SuperSolutions range development. 100% recyclable packaging.