The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm is hands-down the most effective, gentle first cleanse on the market for its affordable price point, making it my ultimate skincare holy grail. I have used this viral cult-favourite daily since its launch in 2018. While I enjoy experimenting with luxury, high-end cleansing balms, I always feel like I am washing money down the drain. Premium balms do nothing different; this affordable alternative completely melts away stubborn makeup without stripping or drying out my skin.
The Formula Upgrade
The brand recently upgraded the formula, and it is a massive improvement. The texture is now significantly creamier and smoother, eliminating the slight graininess or separation of the original version while maintaining its heavy-duty makeup-removing power. Even better, they updated the packaging packaging. The sleek tube makes it incredibly easy to squeeze out every single drop of product without any struggle.
Key Ingredients & Skin Benefits
This balm is formulated with minimalist, skin-loving ingredients designed to repair and protect:
- 5% Oat Kernel Oil: Delivers essential ceramides and omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to effortlessly dissolve makeup and SPF while strengthening the skin barrier.
- Colloidal Oatmeal: A powerhouse anti-inflammatory that actively calms visible redness, irritation, and tight skin.
- Sea Buckthorn Oil: Provides antioxidant and anti-bacterial benefits to soothe, balance, and clear the skin.
Because of this deeply nourishing blend, it is highly recommended for people with eczema. The rich lipids and beta-glucans offer instant texture-smoothing relief to dry, flaky, or inflamed skin. Furthermore, despite its rich, buttery texture, it is entirely non-comedogenic—it won’t clog pores or trigger breakouts.
My Evening Cleansing Routine
- Step 1: Squeeze a small, pea-sized amount onto dry hands.
- Step 2: Massage it thoroughly into dry skin for a couple of minutes to break down base makeup, mascara, and grime.
- Step 3: Wet your hands with warm water and continue massaging to emulsify the formula into a smooth, milky liquid.
- Step 4: Wipe everything away cleanly using a warm, damp flannel. I strictly prefer using a flannel over rinsing with just water, as the fabric ensures every last trace of stubborn makeup and balm residue is completely lifted from the skin.
Note: To avoid over-stripping my barrier, I do not use a cleanser in the morning—I simply wash my face with cool water.
The Verdict: Price & Where to Buy
Do I recommend it? Yes, 100%. You absolutely do not need to spend a fortune on a first cleanse when this product performs better than high-end alternatives.
The The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm retails for £12.00 for a generous 150ml tube. You can easily purchase it in the UK at major beauty retailers, including Boots and Space NK.
Love
DaniellaLee xx