Skincare brand INKEY has announced the launch of INKEYLab, a new platform designed to accelerate product innovation by combining trend analysis, rapid development, and direct consumer involvement.
The brand, known for bringing emerging ingredients to the mainstream at accessible price points, aims for INKEYLab to further shorten the journey from ingredient trend to finished formula – while allowing its community to play a central role in shaping future launches.
A New Approach to Speed and Co-Creation
According to INKEY, rising global demand for faster innovation and clearer ingredient education has driven the creation of the Lab. Co-founder Colette Laxton emphasises that the initiative is intended to respond to rapidly moving skincare conversations while giving consumers a more active role in the process.
INKEY has a track record of spotlighting trending ingredients early, including polyglutamic acid in 2018, tranexamic acid in 2019, and exosomes in 2020. The INKEYLab builds on this by enabling the brand to trial formulas, gauge interest and sentiment, and refine concepts before investing in full-scale product development.
How the INKEYLab Works
The Lab functions as a continuous stream of limited-edition product drops, released exclusively to INKEY’s “Insiders” community through CRM channels and TikTok.
Key features of the model include:
• Trend-led identification:
INKEY analyses TikTok search behaviour and broader market data to monitor emerging ingredients and skin concerns.
• Community co-creation:
Insiders vote on potential concepts, contribute feedback, and may participate in testing. Those who engage most actively are rewarded with early access or loyalty benefits.
• Rapid development timelines:
Products are created in an agile 3-6 month window, allowing the brand to respond quickly to rising consumer interest.
This approach allows INKEY to test both product appeal and messaging in real time. Limited runs also create demand that can inform whether a formulation progresses into INKEY’s core new product development pipeline.
The First Launch: Vegan PDRN Cell Renewal Serum
The inaugural product from INKEYLab is the Vegan PDRN Cell Renewal Serum (£18), a night-time treatment designed to support the skin’s natural repair processes. The formula targets dull, stressed, or ageing skin and aims to deliver a long-lasting “glass skin” finish.
About PDRN
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is gaining traction for its reported ability to support cell regeneration, encourage wound healing, reduce inflammation, and assist tissue repair. INKEY’s formulation contains 20,000 ppm (2%) vegan PDRN, a level the brand says balances efficacy with a lower likelihood of irritation.
Early testing cited by INKEY indicates:
• a 51% increase in skin hydration
• smoother-looking skin with reduced lines and wrinkles
• a lasting glow
