{Previously Gifted} I am a person that loves a good deal and drugstore beauty products are some of my favourites to use but there are also some high-end products that are some of my favourites.  I am also a person that loves a good dupe and I have looked through my collection and found two products one drugstore and one high-end cleanser that are very similar that I wanted to put to the test to see if the more expensive product is better or if the drugstore version is the winner!

The Products: 

These cleansers are very similar for the fact that they are both foam cleansers that contain salicylic acid and they both claim to help reduce the appearance of acne-prone skin. The main big difference between these two cleansers is the price (£24.01 to be exact). The Inkey List cleanser I brought for myself a few months ago and the Verso cleanser was very kindly gifted to me from Cohorted. 

The Claims

The Inkey List: This cleanser from The Inkey List is a light, non-drying foaming cleanser that effectively removes makeup and dirt while helping reduce blackheads and breakouts. This cleanser contains 2% Salicylic Acid and Zinc which work together to control oil, reduce blackheads and breakouts and promote even looking skin. Another ingredient this cleanser has is allantoin which is an anti-irritant that helps to soothe and protect the skin. 

Verso: The Verso Acne Deep Cleanse helps to clarify the skin and minimise the appearance of blemishes, a purifying skincare treatment that primes the completion for other products. This cleanser is formulated to soothe acne-prone skin, this cleanser also contains Salicylic Acid, this helps to clear the pores by sweeping away oil and dead skin cells to prevent blockages that can cause acne. This cleanser also contains portulaca which helps to alleviate any itchiness. When using this cleanser over a period of time the skin will feel calm, soothed and cleansed. 


Ingredients: 

The Inkey List: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, PEG-12 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Salicylic Acid, Betaine, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Allantoin, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Benzyl Alcohol Coconut Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate 

Verso: Aqua (Water), Acrylates/Bethenth 25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Cocamindoprophly Hydroxysultain, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Edta, Zinc PCA, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid Phenoxyethanol 
 
When looking through the ingredients in these products I realised that a lot of it I didn't actually understand and there are some very scientific words but there were a few ingredients that I did recognise, I also realised that there are some similarities in the ingredients both cleansers include Water, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Zinc PCA, Sodium Benzoate and Citric Acid. 

Product Amount

From just looking at the two cleansers it looks like the Verso cleanser is slightly bigger than The Inkey List cleanser but on further inspection, they actually have the same amount of product inside, packaging can be deceiving. The Inkey List is £10.99 and for that you get 150ml, I think this is the perfect price for that amount of product. The Verso cleanser is £35.00 and for me, that is pretty pricey especially since you get the same amount of product in the more affordable option. 

First Impression 

I have been using both cleansers for a few months now, I got The Inkey List cleanser back in September and was using it morning and evening for about a month before I started using the Verso cleanser. When I first started using this cleanser the first thing I noticed was that the consistency of the gel was slightly thick and to get the cleanser to foam up I needed to add quite a bit of water and then mix it up and then start cleansing my skin. After around the first week of using The Inkey List Cleanser, I noticed some change in my skin, the first thing I noticed was that my skin did become a lot less oily, throughout the day I would usually need to blot or powder my skin but now I don't need to at all which for me is a big plus! I use this cleanser as a second cleanser in my routine to make sure that all my makeup is removed, this cleanser effectively removes makeup and leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft. 

With the Verso cleanser when I received it I stopped using The Inkey List cleanser to see if I could tell the difference between the two cleansers. When I started using this the first thing I noticed was that the two cleansers have slightly different consistencies, the gel of The Inkey List is a bit thicker than this cleanser, the verso cleanser is a bit more watery and doesn't need as much water to lather it up. When using the cleanser the first few times I didn't actually notice that much difference between this on and The Inkey List one which I was expecting because they are quite similar products with similar ingredients. I did notice that my skin felt very smooth after using it and it doesn't dry out your skin at all. 


Similarities & Differences 

Similarities:
  • 150ml Product Amount 
  • They are both gel formulas that foam up 
  • They both contain Salicylic Acid and Zinc 
  • Both help to reduce blackheads and breakouts 
  • Can be used morning and evening 
Differences:
  • The price 
  • They contain a few different ingredients 
  • Packaging 
  • Consistency 

The Winner!

Picking a winner for this is really hard because both of the products together have definitely had a good effect on my skin. While I have been using these products my skin seems to appear a lot less oily, the blackheads on my nose and chin also appear smaller and even though in wearing a face mask a lot my skin seems to be a lot less problematic. I think if I was to recommend only one of these cleansers to you it would probably be The Inkey List because its much better value for money and you get an amazing product that helps keep your skin clear for a very affordable price. Since doing this experiment I have decided to use both cleansers together and use the Verso cleanser at night and The Inkey List cleanser in the morning so I can get as much benefit from both cleansers combined! 

Pin For Later...

All products labelled with a * have been previously gifted to be. All views are my own and 100% honest. If you would like to know more check out my Privacy & Disclaimer x

Finding dupes for the more expensive product is one of my favourite things to do and I definitely think I've found a good dupe with these cleansers! Have you tried either of these cleansers before? 

If you aren't already don't forget to follow my Socials! 

Aaliyah xo 

12 comments:

  1. This is such a great comparative post. I must admit I do sometimes get sucked into packaging and used to think that the more expensive, the better the product. I now know this isn't the case and this post proves that. I definitely prefer finding cheaper dupes these days.

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  2. I haven't tried either cleanser, but I love that you've found a great dupe! I have oily skin so The Inkey List is going on my list :)

    Anika | chaptersofmay.com

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  3. This is a great comparison post for these cleansers Aaliyah, they do both sound good but I would always opt for the cheaper option! x

    Lucy | www.lucymary.co.uk

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  4. Oh I love a good drugstore dupe of a high end product! I've been wanting to try the Verso cleanser as I have an eye cream from the brand that I love. However, now I'm thinking I may as well pick The Inkey List on up x

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  5. I never heard of either of these brands but I'm a sucker for good packaging too!

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  6. I've always heard wonderful things about Inkey List products, especially their under eye cream. I wouldn't be able to use either cleanser because I'm allergic to salicylic acid but my sister would definitely like the product. She has oily skin and is always looking for a face wash to relieve it. So I'll tell her about Inkey List. Thanks for sharing!!

    Natonya | https://justnatonya.wordpress.com

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  7. I always find comparisons like this interesting. It's tempting at first glance, to assume that the higher price is justified by a better quality product, but that's not always true. If I were to choose between two products that are providing nearly the same experience, I'd choose the more cost effective option too!

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  8. It's great that you can find similar items at a much cheaper price, I tend to avoid foaming cleansers so the Verso one sounds a little bit better for me. But I'm glad you're enjoying both! x

    Sophie
    www.glowsteady.co.uk

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  9. I've not tried either of these cleansers but after reading your review I think I'd go for the drugstore version. I love a good dupe - ALDI is my goto for so many of them! x

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  10. This is a fab comparison of both cleansers, I really need to use one more often! Thanks for sharing gal, love your photography here x

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  11. Its so useful to see a review like this, especially as you have used both products for a while. Great to know if I pick the cheaper one, I'm still getting a good cleanser. Thank you

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