The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Versus The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
Updated on March 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 11 ingredients
The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum 24 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 11 ingredients
The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Phytate
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Glycolipids
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Glycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingWater, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phospholipids, Squalane, Xanthan Gum, Glycine Soja Oil, Allantoin, Sodium Phytate, Polysorbate 60, Panthenol, Glycolipids, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glycine Soja Sterols, Citric Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidHydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.
This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.
Learn more about HydroxyethylcellulosePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 11 ingredients
The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 11 ingredients
The BHA didnt remove my acne, the clogged pores, and the sebaceous filaments. I've been using it for 4 months, and my acne condition is still the same.
The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum 24 ingredients
SUPER GOOD
I had redness on my cheeks and this product got rid of it! It’s super cheap and it’s seems small but it lasted me like 3 months. It’s very lightweight but it has a little bit tacky finish but after you layer it with moisturizer it feels good. Did such a great job. Recommend!
Did not irritate my rather sensitive skin, and I like that it also has hyaluronic acid. However, I hate the bottle, it feels like I bought it at the dollar store.
