Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum with 9.8% Glycolic Acid vs The Inkey List 10% Azelaic Acid Serum for Redness Relief

Kiehl's

The Inkey List

A serum built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for hydration and barrier repair.

A serum built around Azelaic acid, for pollution defence and hydration.

Serum

7 ingredients

17 ingredients

Brand price

INR 3200.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 20.00 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

At a Glance

They come out differently on Alcohol-free, Fungal-acne-safe and Cruelty-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid
Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate

Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 60
Azelaic acid1
Works on acne, redness and pigmentation at once.
Azelaic Acid

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair1
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin
Anti-Aging1
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Glycolic Acid
Smoothing1
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Glycolic Acid

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Propanediol
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Glycerin
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin
Redness Reducing2
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Allantoin, Azelaic Acid

May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Eczema1
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Rosacea1
Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Dryness1
Can strip moisture and worsen dryness.
Alcohol Denat.

May Trigger Acne1
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Sorbitan Isostearate
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Sorbitan Isostearate

Show highlights for:

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Alcohol Denat.
Fragrance
0 / —
- Denatured alcohol
- May Worsen Dryness
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Rosacea
Sodium Hydroxide (in both products)
Buffering
0 / —
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
0 / 0
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hydrating
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Light Stabilizer
0-1 / —

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
- Azelaic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Redness Reducing
Propanediol
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
0 / —
Acacia Senegal Gum
Fragrance
Xanthan Gum
Cleansing
0-1 / —
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Reduces Irritation
- Smoothing
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Aqua
Solvent
Water
Learn more about Aqua →
Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →