What AI Thinks About The INKEY List | Pendium.ai
The INKEY List
15Invisible

Visibility

100Excellent

Sentiment

The INKEY List

The INKEY List is an affordable, science-backed skincare brand that launched in 2018 and quickly became a skincare staple

The INKEY List is an affordable, science-backed skincare brand that launched in 2018 and quickly became a skincare staple. They offer clinically proven, ingredient-focused products that deliver real results at accessible price points, with a commitment to transparency, sustainability, and cruelty-free formulations.

AI Perception Summary

The INKEY List maintains a low overall AI visibility score of 24/100, characterized by moderate performance on Gemini and ChatGPT but a total absence on Claude and poor rankings in AI Overviews. While the brand is recognized as a leader in budget-friendly eye care and general brand identity, it critically fails to reach the 'Analytical Actives Expert' persona and lacks visibility in high-intent categories like skin barrier repair and body care.

Platform Breakdown

Visibility scores across major AI platforms

ChatGPTChatGPT
33/100

42% mention rate

ClaudeClaude
0/100

0% mention rate

GeminiGemini
53/100

53% mention rate

AI OverviewsAI Overviews
11/100

16% mention rate

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Brand Voice & Style

How AI perceives The INKEY List's communication style and personality

The INKEY List communicates with an approachable, educational tone that demystifies skincare science. They speak directly to consumers as knowledgeable friends rather than intimidating experts, using clear language to explain complex ingredients. The brand balances scientific credibility with warmth and inclusivity, always emphasizing that effective skincare should be accessible to everyone. Their voice is confident but never condescending, celebrating real results from real people.

Core Tone Traits

Educational & Transparent

Explains ingredients and benefits clearly without jargon, empowering consumers to make informed choices

Approachable & Inclusive

Welcoming to skincare novices and enthusiasts alike, never intimidating or elitist

Results-Driven & Credible

Backs claims with clinical proof and real customer testimonials

Friendly & Supportive

Speaks like a knowledgeable friend helping you navigate your skincare journey

Key Insights

What AI visibility analysis reveals about this brand

StrengthTop-tier rankings (#1) on ChatGPT and Gemini for brand identity and 'vibe check' queries.
StrengthHigh visibility and strong positioning for eye care concerns, specifically dark circles and puffiness.
StrengthSolid performance within the 'Budget-Conscious Grad Student' persona, particularly for affordable serum alternatives.
GapComplete lack of visibility (0% mention rate) on Claude across all tested queries.
GapZero presence for the 'Analytical Actives Expert' persona, indicating a failure to capture technical or ingredient-heavy search intent.
GapSignificant missed opportunities in specific product categories including double cleansing, body acne, and skin barrier moisturizers where the brand was frequently 'NOT MENTIONED'.
OpportunityImprove technical content regarding ingredient layering and pH levels to capture the 'Analytical Actives' segment.
OpportunityExpand content clusters around 'double cleansing' and 'body care' to compete with The Ordinary and CeraVe, who currently dominate these mentions.
OpportunityOptimize product pages for AI Overviews where the brand currently lags with a low 16% mention rate and poor average position of 12.3.

Related Ecosystem

Related products and services that AI mentions in conversations alongside or instead of The INKEY List

1The INKEY List60 mentions
2The Ordinary32 mentions
3Amazon19 mentions
4CeraVe19 mentions
5Deciem17 mentions
6Ulta16 mentions
7Target13 mentions
8Good Molecules12 mentions
9Sephora11 mentions
10Paula’s Choice11 mentions
11YouTube10 mentions

Persona Analysis

How and when AI agents present this business to different types of people

The Sustainable Skincare Seeker
The Sustainable Skincare SeekerSustainability Program Manager
27
Goals

Reduce plastic waste in her daily beauty routine; Support brands that align with her ethical values

Pain Points

Greenwashing in skincare marketing; Excessive secondary packaging like boxes and leaflets

The Budget-Conscious Grad Student
The Budget-Conscious Grad StudentGraduate Research Assistant
37
Goals

Build a complete skincare routine for under $50; Clear up mild acne without expensive dermatologist visits

Pain Points

Overwhelmed by the number of different serums available; Fear of wasting money on products that don't work

The Analytical Actives Expert
The Analytical Actives ExpertIndependent Esthetician & Skincare Consultant
0
Goals

Find high-potency actives that don't break the bank; Validate the scientific efficacy of new product launches

Pain Points

Marketing fluff that obscures actual ingredient concentrations; High markup on basic ingredients like Niacinamide or Squalane

Cited Sources

Sources that AI agents learn from when researching this brand's products and services and competitors

AI Recommendations

How this brand could improve its AI visibility

1.Develop and publish technical ingredient deep-dives and layering guides.
2.Create targeted content addressing skin barrier repair and body-specific concerns (acne/rough skin).
3.Optimize site architecture and structured data for AI Overviews and Gemini visibility.
4.Implement a 'Dupe' comparison strategy in blog content to target 'affordable alternatives' queries.
Data generated by Pendium.ai AI visibility scanning. Last scanned February 17, 2026.

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