The Inkey List is one of my favorite skincare brands - affordable and effective. It is the best bet for a skincare beginner trying to experiment with different actives.
They have amazing formulations for all their products and I can't help but reach out for their hyaluronic acid and retinol serum. If you are looking for a good oil-based cleanser you could also opt for their oat cleansing balm which is a gentle cleanser ideal to remove makeup and dirt from your skin without stripping it dry.
I recently went ahead and bought their Succinic Acid Acne Treatment which claims to help act as a spot treatment and help clear blemishes. I was a little apprehensive at first as I had not heard of this ingredient before but after a little research on it, I learned quite a lot.
What is Succinic Acid?
Succinic acid is a naturally occurring chemical compound that has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties which are key characteristics in most acne treatment skincare products. In comparison to salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, succinic acid happens to be more gentle on your skin's natural barrier. It also does not dry your skin out upon application.
The Inkey List isn't the first to incorporate this acid into their products but the skincare community does not highlight this ingredient as much due to the lack of proof with regard to it being able to treat or prevent acne.
However, upon being combined with other actives it could potentially have a synergistic effect towards helping with acne and blemishes.
Does It Really Work?
This acne treatment product is formulated with 2% succinic acid, 2% sulfur, 1% salicylic acid, and 0.4% hyaluronic acid. The sulfur powder component helps in absorbing excess oils and unclogs pores while the salicylic acid helps in exfoliation.
After trying it for just a week, I was pleasantly surprised by the efficacy of the product. It definitely works as an overnight spot treatment and helps lighten blemishes and acne scars. It is a lightweight green-tinted cream that needs to be applied directly on the blemish after cleansing your skin. This ingredient is not as harsh on your skin and can be used up to three times a day based on your need.
Personally, it helped calm irritation and inflammation. It significantly reduced redness and did not leave a dry patch like most benzoyl peroxide products that I have used in the past.
Unlike most spot treatment products, this one blends smoothly into your skin and layers well with other products. It can also be worn under makeup.
It might not be a unique product as there are many other alternatives for this but it is a good option for sure. The Inkey List themselves have a similar post-acne scar treatment product with mandelic acid. However, at this price point, it is a product worth trying.
It might work differently for different skin types but it definitely does what it claims.
It would also be worth mentioning that if you suffer from serious acne and scarring - this product will not be ideal. It works best for more isolated blemished and pigmentation. It can not replace more potent and targeted formulations.
Overall this is definitely a product that I would keep on hand to use as a spot treatment during acne flare-ups.
Are you planning to try this product out for yourself?
Do let me know what you think and drop in the comments your experience with the same.
Love,
Rae
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Graphics - Rae
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