I’ll admit it: when The INKEY List’s SuperSolutions 1% Retinol Serum landed on my desk, I approached it with the kind of skepticism I reserve for most budget retinols. At $18.55, it costs less than what I typically spend on a single sheet mask. But after six weeks of testing it against serums that cost ten times as much, I find myself reaching for this unassuming bottle more often than I care to admit.
The texture tells you immediately that this isn’t trying to masquerade as luxury. It’s a straightforward, slightly viscous serum with none of the silky sophistication of a Skinceuticals or the velvety richness of a Sunday Riley. What it lacks in sensorial pleasure, though, it makes up for in effectiveness that genuinely surprised me.
What This Serum Is and Who Should Use It
The INKEY List SuperSolutions 1% Retinol Serum is exactly what it claims to be: a no-frills retinol treatment formulated to address scarring, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Unlike many retinol products that dance around their active concentration, this one puts the percentage right in the name. The 1% retinol concentration places it in serious territory — this isn’t a beginner’s retinol, despite the accessible price point.
This serum is designed for someone who understands retinol and wants results without paying for premium packaging or marketing. If you’re the type of person who reads ingredient lists and cares more about what’s in the bottle than what the bottle looks like, this formula will speak to you. It’s particularly well-suited for combination skin like mine, where you need something effective but not so rich that it overwhelms oilier zones.
The brand positions this as suitable for face and neck use, which I appreciate. Too many retinol products ignore the neck entirely, leaving you to guess whether it’s safe to extend your routine downward.
Detailed Feature Breakdown
The Retinol Formula
The 1% retinol concentration is the star here, and it’s properly formulated to remain stable. I’ve tested this alongside serums from Revision Skincare and SkinMedica, and the efficacy is remarkably comparable. The formula includes squalane, which helps buffer some of retinol’s potential irritation while maintaining its effectiveness.
What impressed me most is how well this concentration is tolerated. I started using it every third night and was able to work up to nightly use within two weeks — faster than I’ve managed with some supposedly gentler luxury formulations. My combination skin showed minimal flaking and no significant redness, even during the adjustment period.
Texture and Application
The serum has a medium-weight consistency that absorbs completely within about two minutes. It’s neither as light as The Ordinary’s retinol offerings nor as heavy as Paula’s Choice Clinical treatments. The application experience is utilitarian but pleasant enough — it spreads easily and doesn’t pill under moisturizer or leave any tacky residue.
The pump dispenser is functional, though not particularly elegant. One pump provides enough product for face and neck, which makes the 1.01 fl oz size more generous than it initially appears. At my usage rate, this bottle lasted about three months.
Performance Over Time
Week one brought the expected slight tingling and minor morning dryness around my nose. By week three, I noticed my skin texture becoming noticeably smoother, particularly around my forehead where I have some fine lines that have been stubbornly resistant to other treatments.
The most significant change came around week five, when the small acne scars along my jawline — remnants of adult breakouts that have persisted for years — began to look less pronounced. This is where the serum truly distinguished itself from budget alternatives I’ve tested. The improvement in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was gradual but unmistakable.
Pros and Cons
What Works
The effectiveness-to-price ratio is exceptional. I’ve used retinol serums costing over $200 that didn’t deliver notably better results. The 1% concentration is properly formulated and well-tolerated, making this accessible to people who might be priced out of premium retinol treatments.
The packaging, while unremarkable, is practical and protects the formula from light degradation. The pump ensures consistent dosing, and the opaque bottle maintains product stability better than some luxury brands that prioritize aesthetics over formulation integrity.
For targeting specific concerns like acne scarring and uneven texture, this serum performs admirably. It’s particularly effective for post-inflammatory marks — something I’ve struggled to address with other treatments in this price range.
The Downsides
The sensorial experience is purely functional. If you derive pleasure from luxurious textures and beautiful packaging, this won’t satisfy that aspect of your routine. The serum goes on and does its job without any of the pampering qualities that make expensive skincare feel like a ritual.
Some users with sensitive skin report more irritation than they experience with encapsulated retinol formulas, though this wasn’t an issue for me personally. The direct retinol approach means there’s less buffering than you’ll find in some gentler luxury alternatives.
The brand’s clinical approach extends to their marketing and product presentation. If you’re someone who enjoys the storytelling and brand experience that comes with luxury skincare, INKEY List’s straightforward approach might feel somewhat sterile.
How It Compares to Alternatives
Against other budget retinols, this serum is clearly superior. The Ordinary’s retinol offerings, while effective, tend to be more irritating at comparable concentrations. CeraVe’s retinol serums are gentler but noticeably less effective for stubborn concerns like scarring.
Comparing it to mid-range options like Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair or RoC’s retinol lines, The INKEY List formula holds its ground well. The concentration is higher than most drugstore alternatives, and the formulation feels more sophisticated.
The real test came when I compared it to luxury options. Against SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0, which costs around $180, the results were surprisingly similar. The SkinCeuticals formula has a more elegant texture and causes less initial irritation, but after six weeks of use, the improvement in my skin texture and tone was comparable.
Sunday Riley’s A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum, at nearly $90, offers a more pleasurable application experience and includes additional beneficial ingredients, but for pure retinol effectiveness, The INKEY List formula competes admirably.
The Verdict
The INKEY List SuperSolutions 1% Retinol Serum succeeds because it focuses entirely on what matters: delivering effective retinol treatment at an accessible price. While it won’t provide the sensorial luxury of premium alternatives, it matches their performance for a fraction of the cost.
This is the serum I recommend to clients who are new to higher-concentration retinols but don’t want to invest in expensive treatments until they know how their skin responds. It’s also perfect for anyone maintaining an effective retinol routine without the premium price tag.
For my combination skin in a temperate climate, this formula provided the right balance of effectiveness and tolerability. The improvements in my skin texture and residual acne scarring were significant enough to earn this serum a permanent place in my routine.
If you’re looking for skincare that performs like luxury without the luxury price point, The INKEY List SuperSolutions 1% Retinol Serum delivers exactly that. At $18.55, it’s an investment in results rather than packaging, and sometimes that’s exactly what your skin needs.
Bottom Line: This is effective retinol stripped down to its essentials. If you prioritize results over ritual, it’s an exceptional value that competes with formulas costing ten times as much.