Gracie

innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ vs The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ scores 9.6/9.8 vs The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum at 7.1/9.8. innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ wins for active ingredients.

Head to head

innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​
innisfree

Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​

serummid-range
9.6
VS
The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
The INKEY List

Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

serumbudget
7.1

Score comparison

innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ takes this one, winning 2 of 5 attributes.

2
3
innisfree wins 2
Tied 3
The INKEY List wins 0
9.6innisfree
+2.5vs
7.1The INKEY List

Scores last verified: July 2026

Attribute battle

Hydration Efficacy

innisfree WINS
9.8
7.2
innisfree
The INKEY List

Irritation Risk

TIE
9.5
9.5
innisfree
The INKEY List

Active Ingredient Strength

innisfree WINS
6.4
3.7
innisfree
The INKEY List

Ingredient Transparency

TIE
8.5
8.5
innisfree
The INKEY List

Formulation Safety

TIE
9.0
9.0
innisfree
The INKEY List

Why innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ comes out ahead

Where innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ really shines is active ingredient strength, scoring 6.4 compared to The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum's 3.7. Its formula features Niacinamide, Allantoin, and Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate in high positions, signalling meaningful concentrations.

Hydration Efficacy is another area of separation. innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ scores 9.8 here versus 7.2 for The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum. That difference comes down to how each formula is built — the ingredient list tells the story.

innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ brings Niacinamide, Allantoin, and Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate as actives, while the INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum relies on Niacinamide and Allantoin. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.

Best for your skin type

innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ is better if you have

  • Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
  • Dry or dehydrated skin that craves moisture, thanks to Glycerin
  • Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations

The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum is better if you have

  • Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
  • Dry or dehydrated skin that craves moisture, thanks to Glycerin
  • Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations

Value comparison

At mid-range pricing with a score of 9.6, innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ delivers strong value. The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum sits at the budget level with a 7.1 score — the extra cost doesn't translate to better scores here.

Our verdict

✶ Our verdict
+2.5 lead

innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ wins this comparison with a meaningfully stronger ingredient profile and overall score.

9.6innisfree
vs
7.1The INKEY List

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ or The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum?

Based on ingredient analysis, innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.

Do innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ and The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum share ingredients?

Yes, they share common ingredients. Check the ingredient face-off section above for a detailed comparison.

What's the main difference between innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ and The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum?

The key differences are in their active ingredients and formulation approach. Check the attribute battle above for a detailed breakdown.