Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol vs The INKEY List 360 Acne Clearing Serum with Dioic & Salicylic Acid
Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol scores 9.1/9.8 and The INKEY List 360 Acne Clearing Serum with Dioic & Salicylic Acid scores 8.8/9.8 — a near-tie where your skin type decides the winner.
Head to head
Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol
360 Acne Clearing Serum with Dioic & Salicylic Acid
Score comparison
These two are neck and neck — just 0.3 points apart.
Scores last verified: July 2026
Attribute battle
Hydration Efficacy
TIEIrritation Risk
TIEActive Ingredient Strength
Mother Science WINSIngredient Transparency
TIEFormulation Safety
TIEIngredient face-off
17% overlapOnly in Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol
24 unique
Only in The INKEY List 360 Acne Clearing Serum with Dioic & Salicylic Acid
22 unique
Why these two are neck and neck
These two serums take different paths to a similar destination. Both formulas include solid hydrating ingredients, and the overall scores reflect that — the gap here is genuinely slim.
Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol brings Retinol, Tocopherol, and Ceramide Np as actives, while the INKEY List 360 Acne Clearing Serum with Dioic & Salicylic Acid relies on Salicylic Acid, Zinc Pca, and Lactic Acid. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.
Best for your skin type
Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol is better if you have
- Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
- Dry or dehydrated skin that craves moisture, thanks to Dimethyl Isosorbide
- Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations
The INKEY List 360 Acne Clearing Serum with Dioic & Salicylic Acid 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 luxury pricing with a score of 9.1, Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol delivers strong value. The INKEY List 360 Acne Clearing Serum with Dioic & Salicylic Acid sits at the mid-range level with a 8.8 score — the extra cost doesn't translate to better scores here.
Our verdict
It's a close call — both products score within 0.3 points of each other. Your choice depends on your specific skin concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol or The INKEY List 360 Acne Clearing Serum with Dioic & Salicylic Acid?
Based on ingredient analysis, Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.
Do Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol and The INKEY List 360 Acne Clearing Serum with Dioic & Salicylic Acid share ingredients?
Yes, they share common ingredients. Check the ingredient face-off section above for a detailed comparison.
What's the main difference between Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol and The INKEY List 360 Acne Clearing Serum with Dioic & Salicylic Acid?
The key differences are in their active ingredients and formulation approach. Check the attribute battle above for a detailed breakdown.