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The INKEY List
The INKEY List
Visibility17
Vibe100
Businesses/Beauty & Personal Care/The INKEY List
The INKEY List
AI Visibility & Sentiment

The INKEY List

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.

Active Monitoring
theinkeylist.com
Beauty & Personal Care
AI Visibility Score
17/100

Invisible

Sentiment Score
100/100
Score by Priority

How often this business is recommended to users across different types of conversations — from direct product queries to broader open-ended conversations where AI could recommend this company's products and services

core
17
adjacent
0
OverviewLandscapeInsights & ActionsContent IdeasConversationsCitationsBrand Voice

Is this your business?

AI Perception

Key Takeaways

How AI platforms collectively perceive and describe The INKEY List today.

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.

Working in your favor

Top-tier rankings (#1) on ChatGPT and Gemini for brand identity and 'vibe check' queries.

High visibility and strong positioning for eye care concerns, specifically dark circles and puffiness.

Solid performance within the 'Budget-Conscious Grad Student' persona, particularly for affordable serum alternatives.

Gaps to close

Complete lack of visibility (0% mention rate) on Claude across all tested queries.

Zero presence for the 'Analytical Actives Expert' persona, indicating a failure to capture technical or ingredient-heavy search intent.

Significant missed opportunities in specific product categories including double cleansing, body acne, and skin barrier moisturizers where the brand was frequently 'NOT MENTIONED'.

Opportunities

Improve technical content regarding ingredient layering and pH levels to capture the 'Analytical Actives' segment.

Expand content clusters around 'double cleansing' and 'body care' to compete with The Ordinary and CeraVe, who currently dominate these mentions.

Optimize product pages for AI Overviews where the brand currently lags with a low 16% mention rate and poor average position of 12.3.

Highest-Impact Actions
1

Develop and publish technical ingredient deep-dives and layering guides.

The brand has 0% visibility with Analytical Actives Experts; providing detailed data on niacinamide, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid layering will help capture this high-authority persona.

2

Create targeted content addressing skin barrier repair and body-specific concerns (acne/rough skin).

These are high-growth categories where the brand currently has zero visibility, losing directly to competitors like CeraVe and The Ordinary.

3

Optimize site architecture and structured data for AI Overviews and Gemini visibility.

Gemini is currently the brand's strongest platform (53% mention rate); reinforcing this with better technical SEO will solidify the #1 positions and improve AI Overview inclusion.

Value Proposition

Clinically proven, ingredient-focused skincare that delivers real results at affordable prices, with full transparency about formulations and a commitment to ethical, sustainable practices.

Overview

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.

Mission

To make effective, science-backed skincare accessible to everyone through transparent, affordable, and ethically-produced products.

Products & Services
Facial serums (Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Retinol, Niacinamide)Moisturizers and hydrators (Bio-Active Ceramide, Omega Water Cream)Cleansers (Oat Cleansing Balm, Salicylic Acid Cleanser)Eye treatments (Caffeine Eye Cream)Body treatments (Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick)
Current State

Visibility Landscape

A high-level view of how The INKEY List performs across AI platforms, broken down by strategic priority level — from core brand queries to growth opportunities.

ChatGPTChatGPT
ClaudeClaude
GeminiGemini
AI OverviewsAI Overviews

Reputation1q

Brand recognition & direct queries

97
0
97
97
“What do you know about The INKEY List? What do they do and what's their reputation?”
#1
No
#1
#1

Core8q

Product/service category queries

44
0
76
9
“my skin barrier feels stripped and dry what moisturizer should I use to fix it”
No
No
#14
No
“best affordable alternatives to drunk elephant or paula's choice”
#47
No
#4
No
“help me build a morning and night skincare routine using hyaluronic acid and retinol that won't cost a fortune”
#1
No
#2
#15
“how do I layer niacinamide and vitamin c without irritating my skin”
#6
No
#2
No
“what products should I use if I want to try double cleansing for the first time”
No
No
#7
No
“what are the best cheap face serums that actually have a high concentration of actives”
#6
No
#3
No
“how do I get rid of dark circles and puffiness under my eyes without spending 50 dollars”
#1
No
#3
No
“The Ordinary vs The INKEY List which brand is better for oily skin”
No
No
No
No

Growth Areas1q

Adjacent, aspirational & visionary

0
0
0
0
“best way to treat body acne and rough skin on my arms”
No
No
No
No
ChatGPT
Claude
Gemini
AI Overviews

“What do you know about The INKEY List? What do they do and what's their reputation?”

ChatGPT#1
ClaudeNo
Gemini#1
AI Overviews#1

“my skin barrier feels stripped and dry what moisturizer should I use to fix it”

ChatGPTNo
ClaudeNo
Gemini#14
AI OverviewsNo

“best affordable alternatives to drunk elephant or paula's choice”

ChatGPT#47
ClaudeNo
Gemini#4
AI OverviewsNo

“help me build a morning and night skincare routine using hyaluronic acid and retinol that won't cost a fortune”

ChatGPT#1
ClaudeNo
Gemini#2
AI Overviews#15

“how do I layer niacinamide and vitamin c without irritating my skin”

ChatGPT#6
ClaudeNo
Gemini#2
AI OverviewsNo

“what products should I use if I want to try double cleansing for the first time”

ChatGPTNo
ClaudeNo
Gemini#7
AI OverviewsNo

“what are the best cheap face serums that actually have a high concentration of actives”

ChatGPT#6
ClaudeNo
Gemini#3
AI OverviewsNo

“how do I get rid of dark circles and puffiness under my eyes without spending 50 dollars”

ChatGPT#1
ClaudeNo
Gemini#3
AI OverviewsNo

“The Ordinary vs The INKEY List which brand is better for oily skin”

ChatGPTNo
ClaudeNo
GeminiNo
AI OverviewsNo

“best way to treat body acne and rough skin on my arms”

ChatGPTNo
ClaudeNo
GeminiNo
AI OverviewsNo
Competitive Landscape
1
The Ordinary
32 mentions
2
Amazon
19 mentions
3
CeraVe
19 mentions
4
The INKEY List
18 mentions
5
Deciem
17 mentions
6
Ulta
16 mentions
7
Target
13 mentions
8
Good Molecules
12 mentions
9
Sephora
11 mentions
10
Paula’s Choice
11 mentions
11
YouTube
10 mentions
Analysis

Insights & Recommended Actions

What's working, what's not, and specific steps to improve The INKEY List's AI visibility.

Key Findings

Strength

Top-tier rankings (#1) on ChatGPT and Gemini for brand identity and 'vibe check' queries.

Strength

High visibility and strong positioning for eye care concerns, specifically dark circles and puffiness.

Strength

Solid performance within the 'Budget-Conscious Grad Student' persona, particularly for affordable serum alternatives.

Recommended Actions

1

Develop and publish technical ingredient deep-dives and layering guides.

The brand has 0% visibility with Analytical Actives Experts; providing detailed data on niacinamide, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid layering will help capture this high-authority persona.

2

Create targeted content addressing skin barrier repair and body-specific concerns (acne/rough skin).

These are high-growth categories where the brand currently has zero visibility, losing directly to competitors like CeraVe and The Ordinary.

3

Optimize site architecture and structured data for AI Overviews and Gemini visibility.

Gemini is currently the brand's strongest platform (53% mention rate); reinforcing this with better technical SEO will solidify the #1 positions and improve AI Overview inclusion.

Content Engineering

Content Ideas

Content designed to help AI agents learn about your category and recommend your brand.

Programmatic Testing

Sample Conversations

We programmatically analyze questions that real customers are asking to AI agents and chatbots, extract brand mentions and sentiment, analyze every response, and synthesize the data into an action plan to increase AI visibility.

ChatGPTChatGPTClaudeClaudeGeminiGeminiAI OverviewsAI Overviews
Targeted Treatment For Skin Concerns(3 queries)

“my skin barrier feels stripped and dry what moisturizer should I use to fix it”

0/4 platforms mentioned

Core
The Sustainable Skincare Seeker · Sustainability Program Manager
ChatGPTChatGPT

No brands listed

ClaudeClaude

No brands listed

GeminiGemini
1.Biossance
2.Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
3.Dieux Skin
4.Instant Angel Lipid Rich Moisturizer
5.Byoma

+5 more

AI OverviewsAI Overviews
1.Rhode Barrier Restore Cream
2.Caudalie Premier Cru The Cream
3.SkinFix
4.Desitin
5.A&D cream

+3 more

“how do I get rid of dark circles and puffiness under my eyes without spending 50 dollars”

2/4 platforms mentioned

Core
The Budget-Conscious Grad Student · Graduate Research Assistant
ChatGPTChatGPT
1.The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
2.The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
3.The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
4.CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
5.The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

+3 more

ClaudeClaude

No brands listed

GeminiGemini
1.The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
2.Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel
3.The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream
4.The Ordinary
5.CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

+7 more

AI OverviewsAI Overviews
1.Perfect Skin Studio
2.Healthline
3.Shens Clinic
4.WebMD
5.Healthline

+10 more

“best way to treat body acne and rough skin on my arms”

0/4 platforms mentioned

Adjacent
The Budget-Conscious Grad Student · Graduate Research Assistant
ChatGPTChatGPT
1.CeraVe SA Body Wash
2.PanOxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Wash
3.La Roche-Posay Effaclar Body Wash
4.Differin
5.Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment

+5 more

ClaudeClaude

No brands listed

GeminiGemini
1.CeraVe SA Renewing Cleanser
2.Target
3.Up & Up Renewing SA Cleanser
4.Walmart
5.Equate SA Cleanser

+15 more

AI OverviewsAI Overviews
1.Riverchase Dermatology
2.Healthline
3.Verywell Health
4.Paramount Family Medical Clinic and Med Spa
5.Skin Software

+5 more

Source Intelligence

Citations

The sources AI platforms cite when recommending this brand. Pendium reverse-engineers what's already proven to be catnip to AI agents, then engineers content that fills gaps and helps agents do their job — which means more citations for you.

The Inkey List? : r/30PlusSkinCare - Reddit

reddit.com

Forum1 ref

An honest review of the Inkey List - Cheryl Shops

cherylshops.net

Web1 ref

The Inkey List Reviews 2026 - Read Before You Buy - Thingtesting

thingtesting.com

Web1 ref

The INKEY List Skincare Review: Hits and Misses

tiktok.com

Web1 ref

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Review - The Stripe

thestripe.com

Web1 ref

The INKEY List Review: Affordable Skincare - Suburban Tourist

suburbantourist.ca

Web1 ref

10 Best Barrier Repair Creams in 2025, Tested & Reviewed

allure.com

Web1 ref

How to repair a damaged skin barrier?

ulta.com

Web1 ref

[Routine help] Moisturizer to restore skin barrier?

reddit.com

Forum1 ref

8 Best Barrier Repair Creams 2025, Reviewed by ... - Glamour

glamour.com

Web1 ref

How to Help Strengthen a Damaged Skin Moisture Barrier

eucerinus.com

Web1 ref

[product question] Paula's choice vs the ordinary : r/SkincareAddiction

reddit.com

Forum1 ref

This or That | The Ordinary Vs Paula's Choice Azelaic Acid

youtube.com

Video1 ref

THE ORDINARY PEELING SOLUTION VS PAULA'S CHOICE ...

youtube.com

Video1 ref

PAULA'S CHOICE vs THE ORDINARY - Battle of the skincare ...

youtube.com

Video1 ref
Brand Identity

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

Visual Identity

Primary

#FFFFFF

Secondary

#F5D5D5

Accent

#000000

Background

#FFFFFF

Foreground

#111111

Engineer content that makes AI agents recommend you

Pendium analyzes how AI platforms perceive your brand, reverse-engineers what they already cite, and continuously publishes content designed to fill gaps and earn more mentions — on autopilot, with you in the loop.

Data generated by Pendium.ai AI visibility scanning. Last scanned February 17, 2026.

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Frequently asked questions

Don't see your question? Book a demo and we'll walk you through it.

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.

Clinically proven, ingredient-focused skincare that delivers real results at affordable prices, with full transparency about formulations and a commitment to ethical, sustainable practices.

AI Visibility Score

The INKEY List has an AI visibility score of 24/100, rated as low. This score reflects how often and how prominently The INKEY List appears in responses from AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.

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.

Strengths

  • Top-tier rankings (#1) on ChatGPT and Gemini for brand identity and 'vibe check' queries.
  • High visibility and strong positioning for eye care concerns, specifically dark circles and puffiness.
  • Solid performance within the 'Budget-Conscious Grad Student' persona, particularly for affordable serum alternatives.

Visibility Gaps

  • Complete lack of visibility (0% mention rate) on Claude across all tested queries.
  • Zero presence for the 'Analytical Actives Expert' persona, indicating a failure to capture technical or ingredient-heavy search intent.
  • Significant missed opportunities in specific product categories including double cleansing, body acne, and skin barrier moisturizers where the brand was frequently 'NOT MENTIONED'.

Competitors in AI Recommendations

  • The Ordinary: 32 mentions
  • Amazon: 19 mentions
  • CeraVe: 19 mentions
  • Deciem: 17 mentions
  • Ulta: 16 mentions
  • Target: 13 mentions
  • Good Molecules: 12 mentions
  • Sephora: 11 mentions
  • Paula’s Choice: 11 mentions
  • YouTube: 10 mentions
  • La Roche-Posay: 7 mentions
  • Walmart: 7 mentions
  • The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: 7 mentions
  • The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: 7 mentions
  • Ethique: 7 mentions

Categories: Beauty & Personal Care