The INKEY ListcleanserCleanse step

The INKEY List Hydrating Cream-To-Milk Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid

This cleanser transforms from a creamy texture to a milky one upon contact with water. It’s designed to clean skin without compromising its natural moisture barrier, making it suitable for daily use, even for those with dry or sensitive skin.

Sephora price

$7.00 - $19.00

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

4.7 / 5

About 483 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

Good for: Skin BarrierFragrance FreeClean at SephoraHyaluronic AcidGood for: DrynessRice Milk 5%: Softens and supports skin’s barrier.Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates immediately and for up to 24 hours.Dryness

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.7 / 5 overall fit

A gentle, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes makeup and supports the skin barrier, making it a great choice for dry and sensitive skin types.

The INKEY List Hydrating Cream-To-Milk Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

View Sephora

What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

A cream-to-milk cleanser that gently removes makeup and impurities, providing up to 24-hour hydration and 12-hour barrier support, without leaving skin feeling tight or dry.

NormalDryCombinationand OilyDryness

Use AM and PM as your only cleanser or make it your second step in a double-cleanse routine.

Gently massage a raspberry-size amount onto a dry face and neck.

Add a splash of warm water to emulsify, then gently massage into a light milk.

Rinse thoroughly with water.

Follow with preferred serums, a moisturizer, and SPF.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

This is a solid, no-fuss hydrating cleanser. It’s a good option if you’re looking for something gentle that won’t strip your skin, especially if you have dryness or a compromised barrier. It works well as a first or second cleanse.

Hydration boost

Many users praise the cleanser for leaving their skin feeling hydrated and supple, a welcome change from cleansers that can leave skin feeling tight.

Barrier support

The inclusion of ingredients like rice milk and hyaluronic acid is noted for its positive impact on skin barrier health, making it a go-to for those with sensitive or compromised skin.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

Dry skin
Sensitive skin
Normal skin
Combination skin
People seeking a gentle cleanse
Those looking to support skin barrier health

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

You prefer a foaming cleanser
You need a heavy-duty makeup remover for waterproof products
Your skin is very oily and you prefer a deep-cleaning sensation

Routine fit

Where this cleanser fits in

This cleanser is versatile. Use it as your sole cleanser in the morning or evening if your skin doesn't require a deep cleanse. Alternatively, it works beautifully as the second step in a double-cleansing routine, following an oil-based cleanser or balm to remove any remaining impurities and ensure skin is hydrated.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

Gentle and non-stripping
Provides lasting hydration
Supports skin barrier
Fragrance-free
Effective for daily cleansing

Where it starts to feel redundant

May not remove all heavy makeup effectively
Texture might not appeal to those who prefer foaming cleansers

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning and Night

This cleanser is gentle enough for both morning and evening use. In the morning, it provides a light cleanse to refresh the skin. In the evening, it effectively removes daily grime and light makeup, preparing the skin for subsequent treatment steps.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.7/ 5 overall

A gentle, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes makeup and supports the skin barrier, making it a great choice for dry and sensitive skin types.

Gentleness

4.8 / 5

This cleanser is exceptionally gentle, leaving skin feeling soft and comfortable, never stripped or tight.

Hydration

4.7 / 5

The cream-to-milk texture and hyaluronic acid provide noticeable hydration, which is a major plus for dry skin.

Makeup Removal

4.5 / 5

It effectively removes light to medium makeup, though heavier or waterproof makeup might require a second cleanse or a dedicated remover.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Solvent

Aqua (Water)

Badness

0.0 / 10

The primary solvent in cosmetic formulations.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A common humectant that draws water into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and soft.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated

Watch for

None

Emollient

Ethylhexyl Palmitate

Badness

2.0 / 10

An emollient that softens and smooths the skin. Can be comedogenic for some.

Usually helps with

Dry, normal skin

Watch for

May clog pores for acne-prone skin

Emollient

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps to spread the product.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Surfactant/Emulsifier

PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides

Badness

1.0 / 10

A gentle surfactant and emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water, aiding in makeup removal.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Betaine

Badness

0.0 / 10

A naturally derived humectant that helps to retain moisture in the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dry

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A plant-derived emulsifier that helps to create a stable cream texture.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Thickener/Emulsifier

Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Badness

1.0 / 10

A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and stabilize emulsions.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Isohexadecane

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emollient that provides a non-greasy feel and helps to spread the product.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant/Preservative Booster

Pentylene Glycol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A humectant that also helps to preserve the product.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant/Solvent

Propanediol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A solvent and humectant that enhances the absorption of other ingredients.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter

Badness

1.0 / 10

A rich emollient known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.

Usually helps with

Dry, very dry skin

Watch for

Can be heavy for very oily skin

Antioxidant/Preservative Booster

Hydroxyacetophenone

Badness

1.0 / 10

A synthetic antioxidant that also helps to boost the effectiveness of preservatives.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Absorbent/Soothing

Oryza Sativa (Rice Starch)

Badness

0.0 / 10

A gentle absorbent that can help to mattify the skin and has soothing properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially oily or sensitive

Watch for

None

Humectant/Emollient

Caprylyl Glycol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A skin-conditioning agent that also helps to preserve the product.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Cetearyl Olivate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A natural emulsifier derived from olive oil, helping to create a smooth texture.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Polysorbate 80

Badness

2.0 / 10

An emulsifier that can sometimes be derived from ethoxylated ingredients, which may cause irritation for some.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Potential for irritation in sensitive individuals

Emulsifier

Sorbitan Olivate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A natural emulsifier derived from olive oil, working with Cetearyl Olivate.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Preservative Booster/Emollient

Ethylhexylglycerin

Badness

1.0 / 10

A skin-conditioning agent that also enhances the effectiveness of preservatives.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

pH Adjuster

Sodium Hydroxide

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used in small amounts to adjust the pH of the formulation.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Sorbitan Oleate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Thickener

Xanthan Gum

Badness

0.0 / 10

A natural thickening agent derived from fermentation.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Skin Conditioning Agent

Hydrolyzed Rice Protein

Badness

0.0 / 10

A derivative of rice protein that can help to condition and soften the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil

Badness

0.0 / 10

A nourishing oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, known for its moisturizing properties.

Usually helps with

Dry, normal, sensitive skin

Watch for

None

Humectant/Skin Conditioning

Inulin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A prebiotic fiber that can help to hydrate and support the skin's microbiome.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Conditioning Agent

Polyquaternium-10

Badness

1.0 / 10

A conditioning agent that can help to smooth and soften the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A smaller molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates the skin to hydrate.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dehydrated

Watch for

None

Humectant

Sodium Hyaluronate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds moisture in the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dry

Watch for

None

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol

Badness

2.0 / 10

A common preservative that can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Potential for irritation in sensitive skin

Emulsifier/Skin Conditioning

Lecithin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A natural phospholipid that helps to emulsify ingredients and condition the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Compare before you buy

The next pages that make this product more useful

A good product page should push you into the next decision, not trap you inside one product page forever. These are the cleaner next clicks.

Ingredient Checker

Check whether this product overlaps with products already in your routine.

Product directory

Browse more Sephora skincare products through the Glass product directory.

FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this cleanser suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, it is formulated to be gentle and is fragrance-free, making it a good option for sensitive skin types. However, always patch test if you have known sensitivities.

Can this cleanser be used with a facial cleansing device?

While it can be used with a device, it's best to follow the product's usage instructions. The cream-to-milk texture is designed to be massaged onto dry skin first, then emulsified with water.

Does this cleanser remove waterproof makeup?

It effectively removes light to medium makeup. For waterproof or heavy makeup, it's recommended to use a dedicated makeup remover or perform a double cleanse.

See If This Is Compatible With My Skin