This £20 Face Serum Rivals Every Injectable Skin Booster I've Ever Tried

I need you to forgive me, as I, too, hate it when people claim that a topical skincare product can deliver the same results as injectables. As a beauty director, I know all too well that skincare can't deliver the same results as in-clinic treatments. But then, around six weeks ago, I was introduced to a revolutionary new serum from my favourite affordable skincare brand, The Inkey List, and after just two weeks of use, I was questioning everything I thought I knew. Yes, the sell-out The Inkey List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex is as good as everyone is saying.

And look, don't get me wrong, this skincare product isn't going to deliver Botox- or filler-like results, but in my opinion, it does deliver the sort of glowing, plump and hydrated results of injectable skin boosters (like Profhilo or polynucleotides, for example) that work to stimulate collagen production within the skin. It's as fabulous a serum for mature skin as it is for my 30-year-old skin. How does it do it? Let's just get the scientific bit out of the way now—it's all down to a little something called Exosomes.

"Exosomes are tiny, naturally occurring nano-sized particles secreted by cells, particularly stem cells. They act as messengers, carrying important biological signals, like proteins, lipids, and genetic material, to other cells. In skincare and aesthetics, exosomes are used to deliver regenerative information directly to skin cells, stimulating healing, reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen production, leading to overall rejuvenation," says aesthetic doctor Dr Priya Verma.

And while exosomes have been used for years in in-clinic skin treatments, this new beauty product has been formulated to utilise the regenerative power of exosomes on the skin via a topical product. In fact, during clinical studies, The Inkey List Exosome Hydro-Glow proved to boost collagen production by 300%, reduce inflammation by 55% and improve skin repair by 63% in just eight hours. Along with cica exosomes, the new serum also contains prickly pear extract to help resurface, a tri-peptide to promote skin firmness and hyaluronic acid and ectoin to boost skin barrier health and hydration.

It is recommended that exosome products be applied directly to the skin immediately after cleansing for optimal absorption, and this particular serum directs both AM and PM application. Follow up with your moisturiser and/or SPF, and you're good to go.

Since its launch a few weeks ago, people have been impressed. It sold out at Sephora and has been permanently stationed on best seller lists ever since. The Inkey List promises a clinically-proven, visible glow boost, smoothed and renewed skin within just 14 days of use. And if it can do all of that in two weeks, what are the results after six weeks of use? So, can this impressive-sounding face serum deliver a post-facial glow without the appointment in two weeks? I've got you covered.

The Inkey List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex, Reviewed

How I Tested It

I've been using The Inkey List Exosome Hydro-Glow Serum in my simple skincare routine every single day, morning and night, for six weeks. I have used the same cleansers, treatments, moisturiser and facial SPF throughout. This way, I can be sure that any skin changes are a result of this serum and nothing else in my routine.

It is also worth noting here that I haven't had any skin treatments throughout the testing period. This is an almost unheard-of scenario in my job, but due to some medical issues (which, by the way, means my skin has looked even drabber than usual), I haven't had a single facial.

So I guess what I'm trying to say here is that any skin improvements I have seen over the past six weeks will more than likely be down to this product.

First Impressions

The first thing I look at before starting any new skincare product is the packaging. I'm a real product snob. I like luxury products that look good on the shelf, feel expensive in my hands and provide a high-end experience with every application. So let me caveat now that if you haven't used anything from The Inkey List before, you should know that the brand's products are not like that. They're affordable, basic-looking and no-frills.

But, with high-tech formulas and ingredients at the admirably affordable prices that The Inkey List is famed for, I will never complain. And considering the fact exosome serums really are groundbreaking and The Inkey List is leading the way with this formula, I really don't care about how it looks on the shelf.

The texture of the product itself feels truly stunning. It has a lightweight gel/lotion texture that feels silky and luxurious. It's the sort of product I immediately knew I was going to enjoy using. On application, the serum complex delivers immediate hydration and doesn't leave even a hint of greasiness or, to be honest, dewiness. It sort of glides over the skin and sinks in almost instantly, leaving a veil of soft hydration in its wake.

Any other skincare or makeup products also apply beautifully over the top—no pilling and no slippery film, just skin-like results.

After Two Weeks

At first, I thought it was in my head, but hindsight has proved that it wasn't—after three days of use, I could visibly see the difference in my skin. As mentioned, I had been unwell, and my skin looked beyond lacklustre. My acne scarring was more prominent than ever, my complexion looked sallow and my fine lines were fine-lining. But almost immediately, things started to improve.

After two weeks, my skin was looking plumper and more glowing and congestion had started to ease (a benefit of the prickly pear extract, I assume). I noticed that I was pulling back on the amount of concealer I was applying every day, and all in all, my skin was in a very good way.

I also noticed that I found myself looking forward to applying the complex every morning and night. Something about the silky texture makes the application process feel like a luxury experience. It immediately quenches skin without feeling like it's suffocating it, and adding moisturiser into the mix only makes skin feel even better.

After Six Weeks

Today, six weeks on from when I first started using The Inkey List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex, I can safely say my skin is the best it has looked in years. The texture is smooth, and it looks voluminous and plump. I haven't had a breakout of note in six weeks (which is unheard of for me). More than anything, though, I would say it's the glow and general appearance of healthiness that is impressing me most. I have a lit-from-within sort of radiance that no other skincare product has ever managed to achieve.

Just last week, I was having my makeup done, and the makeup artist commented on just how impressive the condition of my skin was. In fact, I've been getting more compliments on my clear, glowing skin than ever before.

My Verdict

I'd go as far as to say that, excluding seriously powerful active serums like retinol and acid resurfacers, this is the most impressive facial serum I have ever used. It is gentle enough for twice-daily application, is a general joy to use and it delivers results unlike anything else I have ever tried.

Sure, the general vibe of the packaging might not be in line with the £200 serums I'm used to using, but I really don't care. At £20, it's one of The Inkey List's most expensive products, but considering no other skincare brand out there is delivering this sort of technology for anything less than three figures, I'd say it is the best affordable skincare product out there right now.

Shop The Inkey List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex

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