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The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum bottle
The INKEY List

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Hydrating Serum 30 ml
9.1OUT OF 10
Great formula

Formula has a high safety profile. Suitable for most skin types.

14
Safe
0
Caution
0
Higher risk

Score breakdown

Safety10/10
Barrier support10/10
Acne-safe9.3/10
Active treatment1.6/10

Our verdict

The INKEY List's take on a hyaluronic acid serum is a genuinely smart budget formula, and the small print explains why. It uses both sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid — different molecular weights working at different skin depths — alongside glycerin, propanediol and sodium lactate to build a well-rounded humectant base rather than relying on a single ingredient. Two additions raise it above the average drugstore HA serum: Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, a natural preservative-adjacent ingredient with mild antimicrobial benefits, and two Matrixyl-style peptides (palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl tripeptide-1) that add a gentle, gradual firmness angle on top of the hydration. It is fragrance-free and lightweight. As with any hyaluronic acid serum, it performs best applied to damp skin and sealed with a moisturizer — used on dry skin in dry air, humectants alone can occasionally pull moisture from deeper layers rather than adding it. For the price, it punches well above its weight.

At a glance

What it does
hydrationsoothingbarrier supportanti-aging
Best for
sensitive skinacne-prone skindry and dehydrated skinmost skin types
Not enough for
visible hyperpigmentation

Key ingredients

Sodium Hyaluronateintensely hydratesHyaluronic Acidintensely hydratesPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7supports skin firmnessPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1supports skin firmness

Full ingredient list (14)

Water/aqua/eauPropanediolSodium HyaluronateGlycerinButylene GlycolPhenoxyethanolAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp CopolymerLeuconostoc/radish Root Ferment FiltrateHyaluronic AcidCarbomerSodium LactatePolysorbate 20Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Colour indicates our safety assessment for each ingredient — green is well-tolerated, amber warrants caution, red is higher-risk. Tap any ingredient to read its full profile.

Frequently asked

Does this serum contain peptides as well as hyaluronic acid?
Yes — a small but meaningful addition. It includes palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl tripeptide-1, both associated with the well-known Matrixyl peptide complexes, which add a gentle, gradual firming benefit alongside the hydration. Don't expect dramatic results from peptides at this stage, but they're a genuine bonus over a plain HA serum.
How should I apply it for the best results?
Apply to slightly damp skin after cleansing, then follow immediately with a moisturizer to seal the hydration in. Hyaluronic acid draws water toward the surface, so sealing it is what actually locks the benefit in, especially in dry or air-conditioned environments.
Is it suitable for oily or acne-prone skin?
Yes. It's oil-free, lightweight and fragrance-free, so it suits oily and acne-prone skin well as a hydration step without adding heaviness or clogging risk.
What is the score based on?
The score comes from the same Pure Moonlight ingredient analyzer used across the whole site. It weighs safety, barrier support, acne and comedogenic risk, and active-ingredient strength, so this product's score is directly comparable to any ingredient page here.

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