The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum.

Serums

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About this product

A lightweight serum containing 2% salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid) designed to unclog pores, reduce blackheads, and help with acne-prone and oily skin.

Full ingredients

Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc Pca, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Guru Score

84%

Yay

Early verdict · Few reviews so far

2Gurus

2Yay

0Mixed

0Nay

What they liked

Lightweight, absorbs instantly without pilling
Works under makeup
Inexpensive

What they flagged

Nothing. None of the experts who reviewed it raised a problem.

What the gurus are saying

This serum earns consistent praise for being lightweight, affordable, and effective at breaking down blackheads and unclogging pores without pilling under makeup. Gurus note it's oil-soluble so it works well for acne-prone skin, and the formula is simple enough that people can layer it with other actives like an AHA if they want, or wear it twice daily. At under ten dollars, it's a standout value pick for everyday use.

Synthesized from 2 expert reviews · most recent take November 2023

Best for

Oily skin Acne-prone skin

Type

SerumsDrops & dropper

Key actives

Hyaluronic acid Salicylic acid (BHA)

Formula notes

Fragrance-freeNo drying alcohol

Where to buy

Sephora → Ulta → Amazon → Google →

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What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored

Cassandra Bankson

2.46M subs

✓Yay

"BHA is also known as your salicylic acid beta hydroxy acid, it's oil soluble so it dives deep into pores using your skin's natural oil. What's great about BHA is that it's an exfoliant but it's great for acne. If you have blackheads and whiteheads, this can actually kill acne bacteria, but the exfoliation can also help renew the skin. If you're oily, your skin will love this. You can mix it in with other moisturizers, you can use it alone as a serum. I love this."

All 3 takes from Cassandra Bankson

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"This is the beta hydroxy acid from the inky list. This is a great one, it's inexpensive, it works. I like this one. This is perfect for under makeup and everyday, or if you have mature skin and need a little bit of lifting."

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"This right here is from The Inky List, it's the beta hydroxy acid and this is wonderful. This is simple, it's under ten dollars, it is oil soluble so it's great for those with acne. Yes, it helps to break down blackheads, sebaceous filaments, et cetera. That means that once we can kind of get that gunk out it can allow the skin to heal up a little bit more evenly."

The Budget Dermatologist

724k subs

✓Yay

"My top choice [...] is the Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum, which contains two percent salicylic acid. You can use this in the morning, [...] at night, or even twice a day. This one is very lightweight, it is a serum that [...] rubs in almost instantly and is very lightweight. You can wear makeup or other skincare products right over it without any pilling or clumping up on the skin. It is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, and it is going to help unclog your pores."

What the evidence says.

Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid dissolves in oil, so it can get into a pore rather than just working on the surface. That is why it has long-standing evidence for blackheads and milder acne.

Source: DermNet

Humectants and emollients

Ingredients like these draw water into the surface layers and slow how fast it leaves. The evidence is for comfort, softness and hydration rather than for changing the structure of the skin.

Source: DermNet

Frequently asked.

What is The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum?

A lightweight serum containing 2% salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid) designed to unclog pores, reduce blackheads, and help with acne-prone and oily skin.

Is The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum worth it?

Yes. All 2 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 84%.

What is The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum's Guru Score?

The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum holds a Guru Score of 84%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 2 expert reviewers we have collected.