The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum Helps to Intensively Brighten All Skin Types 30ml vs Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot Night Serum for Face, with 10% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid, Anti Pigmentation & Dullness, for All Skin Types, Approved by Cruelty Free International, Vegan, 30 ml
Side-by-side comparison of scores, ingredients, prices and real customer feedback for The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum Helps to Intensively Brighten All Skin Types 30ml and Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot Night Serum for Face, with 10% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid, Anti Pigmentation & Dullness, for All Skin Types, Approved by Cruelty Free International, Vegan, 30 ml.
Last verified: 07 Apr 2026 · Based on 25 reviews
The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum Helps to Intensively Brighten All Skin Types 30ml scores 73.0/100 vs Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot Night Serum for Face, with 10% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid, Anti Pigmentation & Dullness, for All Skin Types, Approved by Cruelty Free International, Vegan, 30 ml at 72.0/100. The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum Helps to Intensively Brighten All Skin Types 30ml wins on effectiveness, skin compatibility, value for money. Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot Night Serum for Face, with 10% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid, Anti Pigmentation & Dullness, for All Skin Types, Approved by Cruelty Free International, Vegan, 30 ml is stronger on ingredient quality and texture experience.
Which is better: The INKEY List 15% Vitamin ... or Garnier Targeted Anti Dark ...?
The INKEY List edges ahead with a higher score (73 vs 72) and a stabler, fragrance-free formula better suited to sensitive skin, making it the pick for those with reactive complexions or darker skin tones prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For anyone wanting a tried-and-tested high-street option at 45p less, the Garnier serum delivers comparable brightening results with a lighter texture that works well under makeup.
— AIScored Editorial Team
How Do the Scores Compare?
The INKEY List 15% Vitamin ...
The INKEY Lis
|
Garnier Targeted Anti Dark ...
Garni
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 73.0 | 72.0 |
| Effectiveness |
72.0/100
Best
|
70.0/100 |
| Ingredient Quality | 64.0/100 |
65.0/100
Best
|
| Skin Compatibility |
81.0/100
Best
|
77.0/100 |
| Texture & UX | 62.0/100 |
72.0/100
Best
|
| Value for Money |
83.0/100
Best
|
82.0/100 |
| Best Price | £10.40 Amazon UK → |
£9.95
Amazon UK →
Cheapest
|
| Form | N/A | N/A |
| Dose | N/A | N/A |
| Third-Party Tested | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Reviews Analysed | 13 | 12 |
The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and...
Pros
- ✓Consistent user-reported brightening and hyperpigmentation reduction, including on darker skin tones
- ✓Ascorbyl Glucoside is highly stable, fragrance-free, and rarely causes stinging — suitable for sensitive skin
- ✓Excellent value for money, praised repeatedly across reviews
- ✓No irritating alcohols or fragrance; absorbs without leaving a heavy residue for most users
Cons
- ✗Ascorbyl Glucoside requires enzymatic conversion to L-ascorbic acid in skin — inherently less potent and potentially slower than pure vitamin C serums
- ✗EGF (sh-Oligopeptide-1) topical efficacy is scientifically unproven at cosmetic concentrations due to limited skin penetration
- ✗Pump mechanism reported as poor quality — leaks product and wears out quickly
- ✗Some users find texture noticeably sticky; no fill-level indicator on the bottle
Best For
Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot ...
Pros
- ✓Consistent user reports of skin brightening and dark spot reduction within 2–4 weeks
- ✓Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that layers well under moisturiser and makeup
- ✓Stabilised Vitamin C derivative is shelf-stable and less irritating than L-ascorbic acid — suitable for daily use
- ✓Complementary actives (Niacinamide ~4%, Salicylic Acid) add barrier support, pore refinement and gentle exfoliation
Cons
- ✗'10% Vitamin C of natural origin' is a derivative, not L-ascorbic acid — reduced potency for collagen stimulation and antioxidant depth
- ✗Cosmetic shimmer reported by some users — can mask rather than correct dullness
- ✗Results are maintenance-dependent and do not persist after discontinuation
- ✗Some users note slow skin absorption, which may complicate multi-step routines
Best For
What does the data say about The INKEY List 15% Vit... vs Garnier Targeted Anti ...?
Both serums use stabilised vitamin C derivatives rather than pure L-ascorbic acid, which means neither will give you the raw potency of a traditional vitamin C serum — but both are considerably gentler for it. The INKEY List (£10.40, 73/100) uses Ascorbyl Glucoside, which requires enzymatic conversion once it's on the skin, plus EGF — a growth factor peptide whose topical benefits remain scientifically contested. Garnier's night serum (£9.95, 72/100) uses a different stabilised derivative at 10%, paired with hyaluronic acid, and is formulated specifically for overnight use when skin repair processes are more active.
Pick The INKEY List if you have sensitive or reactive skin, darker skin tones dealing with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or you want a fragrance-free formula you can use morning and evening. The slight price premium gets you that EGF inclusion, even if the evidence for it is thin. Go for the Garnier if you prefer a night-only routine and want the added hydration from hyaluronic acid — the lightweight texture is frequently praised, and the overnight positioning makes practical sense for a vitamin C product.
Neither is third-party tested, so you're trusting the brands on their claims. Scores are virtually identical (73 vs 72), and at under £10.50 each, the difference in cost is negligible. Your choice really comes down to routine timing and whether fragrance is a concern.
The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum uses Ascorbyl Glucoside — a stabilised, gentler vitamin C derivative — rather than pure L-ascorbic acid, which makes it significantly less likely to cause irritation but requires enzymatic conversion in the skin before becoming active.
What are the key differences?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum Helps to Intensively Brighten All Skin Types 30ml or Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot Night Serum for Face, with 10% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid, Anti Pigmentation & Dullness, for All Skin Types, Approved by Cruelty Free International, Vegan, 30 ml? ▼
Is The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum Helps to Intensively Brighten All Skin Types 30ml worth the price compared to Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot Night Serum for Face, with 10% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid, Anti Pigmentation & Dullness, for All Skin Types, Approved by Cruelty Free International, Vegan, 30 ml? ▼
Related Product Comparisons
MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Maker with Vitamins C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance-Free, Award-Winning Highlighting and Moisturizing Face Serum, 50 ml
vs The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum Helps to Intensively Brighten All Skin Types 30ml
MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Maker with Vitamins C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance-Free, Award-Winning Highlighting and Moisturizing Face Serum, 50 ml
vs Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot Night Serum for Face, with 10% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid, Anti Pigmentation & Dullness, for All Skin Types, Approved by Cruelty Free International, Vegan, 30 ml
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical SPF 50+ Invisible UV Fluid, Protect, Prevent and Improve Ageing Signs, Non-Oily Formula for All Skin Tones, Advanced UV Protection and Antioxidant Vitamin C, 50ml
vs The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum Helps to Intensively Brighten All Skin Types 30ml
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical SPF 50+ Invisible UV Fluid, Protect, Prevent and Improve Ageing Signs, Non-Oily Formula for All Skin Tones, Advanced UV Protection and Antioxidant Vitamin C, 50ml
vs Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot Night Serum for Face, with 10% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid, Anti Pigmentation & Dullness, for All Skin Types, Approved by Cruelty Free International, Vegan, 30 ml
COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml
vs The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum Helps to Intensively Brighten All Skin Types 30ml
COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml
vs Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot Night Serum for Face, with 10% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid, Anti Pigmentation & Dullness, for All Skin Types, Approved by Cruelty Free International, Vegan, 30 ml
Disclaimer: AIScored provides data-driven comparisons based on publicly available reviews. This is not medical advice. Affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Feedback & Suggestions
Spotted an issue? Wrong price, incorrect data, or something else off? Let us know and we'll fix it.
Missing a product you'd like us to review? Tell us the product name and we'll consider adding it.