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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of The INKEY List Omega Water Cream versus The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Hydrating Serum .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on January 03, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils or parabens

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

General Moisturizer British Brand United Kingdom
Serum British Brand United Kingdom

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Shop

Buy Omega Water Cream

Starts at $9.60
Shop

Buy Polyglutamic Acid Hydrating Serum

Starts at $15.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Niacinamide

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

The INKEY List Omega Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.

The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

The INKEY List Omega Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 3.

The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

3
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.

It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

The INKEY List Omega Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.

The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.

4
What it does: Masking, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.

Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.

Sodium Benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.

Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.

We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate

The INKEY List Omega Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 12.

The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.

5
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate

The INKEY List Omega Water Cream contains this as ingredient number 15.

The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

47% are loved or liked
0% have mixed ratings
47% are disliked or very disliked
6% have no rating yet
28% are loved or liked
20% have mixed ratings
44% are disliked or very disliked
8% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The INKEY List Omega Water Cream 17 ingredients

3.4 /5
from 10 ratings
Doesn't Work (2) Light (2) Hydrating (1) No Scent (1) Works Well (1)
TijanaIvanovic's avatar

TijanaIvanovic

4 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

its super light weight almost as if it does nothing, after i apply it i feel like my skin needs more moisture

faulmag's avatar

faulmag

4 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

Leaves my skin feeling hydrated, and I like the niacinamide! Extremely glowy, possibly crossing the line, which some people may not like.

The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Hydrating Serum 25 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Hydrating (1) Light Scent (1) Pilling (1) Works Well (1)
Lapaki's avatar

Lapaki

2 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

I've been checking out products with Polyglutamic Acid, since it can hold up to four times more moisture than Hyaluronic Acid. The serum smells...

I've been checking out products with Polyglutamic Acid, since it can hold up to four times more moisture than Hyaluronic Acid. The serum smells slightly chemical like many INKEY List products. It is quite good and leaves my dry skin very hydrated and moisturized. Would probably buy it again, if it weren't for the pilling. [Updated: Rating]

eileenfunny's avatar

eileenfunny

11 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

I must have after Hyaluronic Acid serum. Just locks everything in. Also a great primer before makeup.

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