When it comes to my skincare routine, I will add or remove a product now and then, but cleansing is a non-negotiable step. It’s a step I’ll never skip, so I’m always open to trying new cleansers.
One of the cleansers that have been gaining lots of attention from the beauty community is The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm. Not only does this cleanser get an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars reviews, but it’s also retailing for just $10.99. A high-quality that doesn’t break the bank?! I had to try.
- Non-stripping and non-irritating
- Affordable, high-quality cleanser
- It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and nourished
- After using it, my face feels clean, soft, and smooth
- It can be difficult to squeeze out in colder climates
- It doesn’t completely remove a full glam look
First, let me describe my skin type, so it’s easier for you to compare. I have a dry to normal skin type that’s sensitive mainly around the eyes. The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm is supposedly suitable for everyone, but it targets dry, sensitive skin with impurities and/or redness.
Currently, my favorite cleansing balm is the JUNOCO Clean 10, and my favorite cleanser is the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. Let’s find out if The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm can beat one (or both?) of them.
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm is a rich cleansing balm that melts away makeup and absorbs excess oil without drying or stripping the skin. What The Inkey List itself says about this cleansing balm: “Formulated with Oat Kernel Oil, a rich, natural Oat Oil which hydrates and moisturizes the skin and effectively removes SPF- perfect as the first cleanser in your double cleanse routine. Also contains Colloidal Oatmeal which contains a high level of skin beneficial natural actives, making it a must-have cleanser to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.”
Best Suited For
As I said before, this cleansing balm is suitable for everyone but is aimed more toward dry, sensitive skin. The cleanser is perfect for a sensitive skin type as the formula contains Colloidal Oatmeal, which contains a high level of beneficial natural actives that soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
On top of that, the cleanser is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free and comes in recyclable packaging.
How To Use
Gently massage a small raspberry-sized amount of the Oat Cleansing Balm onto dampened face and neck for about 30 seconds, then rinse thoroughly. It can be used in your AM & PM skincare routine.
Use it as a single cleanser or as a first cleanser in your double-cleanse routine. You can also use it as a nourishing face mask by leaving it on for ten minutes.
Things To Know
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm is cruelty-free, vegan, and does not have a PH level as it is waterless.
Where To Buy
The Inkey List is available at Sephora, Cult Beauty, and on their own website (also for Europe, the UK, and Canada).
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm Review
Let’s start with the formula as it has a thick consistency and an initial grainy texture. However, this grainy texture emulsifies once you massage the balm into your skin. I prefer to rub it in my palms for a couple of seconds before putting it on my face.
It can leave an oily feeling on your skin, which is probably why this product is more suitable for dry and normal skin. After using the cleanser, my face feels clean, soft, and smooth. Once my skin has had its first cleanse, I follow up with my second cleanser and then continue my usual skincare routine.
It’s definitely nowhere close to stripping the skin since it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and nourished. A little bit of product goes a long way so the whole bottle can last you for months! It easily removes my makeup, even when I’m wearing a full face of glam (foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, everything).
I like to double-cleanse in every situation; however, I recommend at least double cleansing your eyes if you wear quite a bit of (waterproof) products there, as I noticed that I had a little bit of mascara/eyeliner left on the eyes. Removing a “daywear” natural kind of makeup look is easy peasy!
Even though I like The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm, I prefer not to use this every night and switch between a lighter cleanser or the Makeup Eraser Cloth as I feel like using the balm every day would be too much due to its quite thick consistency. I prefer using this product in the winter (when my skin is drier and more sensitive), but I use it at least two times a week in the evening during summertime too.
As of right now, I’m very much loving The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser, which is very lightweight and hydrating. This is a great alternative for the Oat Cleansing Balm if you have oily skin or if you like to combine a lightweight cleanser with a thicker consistency just like I do. They work well together in a double cleanse routine too!
A downside to the cleansing balm is that product can be difficult to squeeze out because the balm is susceptible to temperature changes due to the formulation’s oil content; therefore, the product can harden in colder climates. The brand recommends running the tube under warm tap water for 30 to 60 seconds to help soften the contents or warming the product between your hands for 15 to 30 seconds.
Alternatives
Final Verdict
If you have dry and sensitive skin, I’m sure you’ll like The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm A LOT. It’s very nourishing, which I think is one of its best things. I hate stripping cleansers! If you’re still not entirely convinced, check out The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser or The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Acne + Pore Cleanser. The last one mentioned is for combination and oily skin; the Hyaluronic Acid one is for everyone and a true recommendation!
Even though I got the Oat Cleansing Balm gifted this time, I bought it with my own money. I’m grateful that The Inkey List sent me a backup of one of my favorite cleansing balms!
Specifications
| PRODUCT NAME | Oat Cleansing Balm |
| PRODUCT BRAND | The Inkey List |
| PRICE | $10.99 |
| WEIGHT | 150 ml |
Ingredients
KEY INGREDIENTS:
- 3% Oat Kernel Oil: Gently supports skin’s moisture levels, smooths and reduces blackheads
- 1% Colloidal Oatmeal: Helps to reduce the appearance of redness and soothes irritation.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Candelilla Cera (Cire de candelilla), Silica, Sorbitan Stearate, Tribehenin, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Aqua (Water/Eau), Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil.
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I love this product for my skin! You recommended it to me and I haven’t used another cleansing balm ever since. 😊
I’m so happy you like it!! <3
I love a good cleansing balm that doesn’t break the bank and really removes everything from my face, thanks for the recommendation! <3
http://www.couture-case.com/
Right?! Skincare can be so expensive so having a high-quality product that does exactly what it should do and is super affordable is so nice! 🙂
I still need to try this cleansing balm. I’ve pretty much only heard great things about it, except for the packaging, but I know The Inkey List has so many affordable staple products. Cleansing balms are my true weakness, and I think me and you like some similar products, so thanks for this honest review! I’ll be picking this up in the future
I get why people aren’t the biggest fan of the packaging, but as someone with long nails (and I know you have long nails too) and easily scooping cleansing balms/products with my nails – and I hate getting things behind my nails hahaha – I’m kinda happy with this packaging lol. We indeed like similar products so I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy this cleansing balm too!