The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm seems to divide opinion. Some people love it, and others prefer other options. For me, I’m somewhere in between. I don’t hate it, but I don’t reach for it if I have other options available.
What is it?
A gentle cleansing balm designed to remove makeup, sunscreen and dirt.
What Do I Think?
It’s an oil based cleansing balm, which promises to melt down makeup, sunscreen and impurities with one swipe. Whilst it does do this, you do have to work it into the skin a lot to fully melt down anything you’re wearing on your face.
The texture is thick, which makes it difficult at times to squeeze out the tube packaging, especially if it’s been a particularly cold day. Once you have managed to squeeze it out, it eventually melts down to give a nice oily slip. It gives enough grip for a good facial massage, but it’s not too greasy that your hands will slip and slide all over the place. When water is added, it turns into a nice milky consistency.
Whilst The Inkey List say this can be used as a single cleanse, I somewhat disagree. I feel it leaves a residue on my skin, so I always have to go in with another cleanser to fully remove it.
In terms of ingredients, they’ve formulated this with some nice ones to make it as gentle and kind to the skin as possible. Oat Kernel Oil is hydrating and moisturising to the skin and Colloidal Oatmeal is soothing.
It’s unfragranced, which is great if your skin is intolerant to fragrance. But those of you who love a fragranced cleansing balm may miss having a fragrance as you cleanse your face.
Would I recommend?
It’s not a bad offering, it’s just not the best I’ve ever tried and there are plenty of other cleansing balms out there that I would prefer to use. If you’re looking for a one I love at around the same price point, you could go with The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser (read my review here).
Key Ingredients
- 3% Oat Kernel Oil – Gently dissolves makeup and SPF while supporting skin’s moisture barrier. Hydrates as it cleanses.
- 1% Colloidal Oatmeal – Soothes irritation. Calms visible redness.
Brands Product Description
A gentle cleansing balm that effectively removes makeup, SPF, and impurities while nourishing and protecting sensitive skin – never leaving it stripped or tight.
How I Use It
I use it as an evening cleanser. I’d apply to dry skin and massage in to start melting everything. After a minute or so, I’ll dampen my hands and then emulsify the cleanser before removing. As mentioned above, I’d then follow with a second cleanse because it has the tendency to leave a residue.
Would I Repurchase/Buy?
Probably not. I think I’d personally go for The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser instead.
How Much?
£12.00 for 150ml
