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Here's Our Review Of The INKEY List's Reformulated Oat Balm Cleanser
.jpg "The Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser review 2026 | Space NK")
What’s changed? Well, the new formula promises to remove 100% of makeup and heavy SPF without leaving behind any greasiness or residue. The texture now offers a creamier, gentler cleanse with less graininess thanks to a higher concentration of soothing Oat Kernal Oil, which is packed with ceramides to support your skin barrier. Vitamin-rich, repairing Sea Buckthorn Oil has also been added, making this cleanser even more appealing to oily, blemish-prone skin.
On paper, this cleanser seems like a go-to product for an effective cleanse all year round, offering reduced redness and a healthy skin barrier. Will our head office reviewers take to the new formula? We’ve enlisted the help of a die-hard fan and a fresh pair of eyes, to get their honest thoughts.
How to use The INKEY List Oat Balm Cleanser
You can use the Oat Balm Cleanser morning and night but it’s perfect at the end of the day when you want to wash away dirt, makeup and SPF. If you like to double cleanse, use this first as its oil-based and follow up with a water-based cleanser.
To get the most out of The INKEY List cleanser, apply a grape sized amount onto wet hands and massage all over your face. Add some warm water and watch the balm transform into a milky emulsion. Remove makeup and impurities with a washcloth, rinse and then follow with your second cleanse or serum and moisturiser. If you’re using in the morning, don’t forget your SPF!
Topline On The INKEY List Oat Balm Cleanser
• Removes 100% of makeup and SPF including heavy duty formulas
• Suitable for use morning and night
• Hydrates, nourishes and supports skin barrier
• Gentle milky emulsion without graininess
• Never strips or leaves residue behind
• Soothes irritation and reduces redness
Steph’s The INKEY List Oat Balm Cleanser Review
Skin type: Sensitive
I’ve been using this cleanser for quite some time, and I'm always impressed by how easily it removes makeup and how clean my skin feels afterwards. I will admit, the old formula separated easily and the oats felt quite ‘bitty’. Texture is everything to some people, so I can see why it would be off-putting and I didn’t like using it on my eyes as it felt too rough.
I was pleased to find that the thick balmy texture hadn’t been compromised but was much smoother and turned into a rich oil when mixed with water. My mascara came off easily along with my base, and I didn’t need to double cleanse or scrub at my skin or eyes! I enjoyed using this in the morning too as it rinses off quickly, by turning into little white suds rather than a foam.
My skin can feel quite sensitive, but I didn’t experience any redness or dryness. My skin feels happy, healthy and hydrated after using the new formula for a couple of weeks. The main bonus for me is that I now use this on my eyes and removing my mascara couldn’t be easier. Going forwards, this will streamline my routine massively. Well done, The INKEY List!
Ella’s The INKEY List Oat Balm Cleanser Review
Skin type: Dry/Combination
This is my first time trying this cleanser and I've never seen a balm in a tube before! Immediately, I felt it was less messy and quicker to use in this format. When mixed with water, the balm became milky and felt smooth and gentle. A little goes a long way, you don’t need lots of it to get a proper cleanse.
My makeup came off easily and as a false eyelash wearer, it was amazing to get rid of the stubborn glue on my lash line with. I also wear mineral SPF daily, so it’s reassuring to know that this is being properly removed. My skin was left feeling clean and soft, looked glowy and I didn’t have that stripped, tight, feeling.
I will continue to use this cleanser every evening. My skin has looked much clearer since I started using it. I prefer to use a lighter, gel-based cleanser in the morning and implementing this highly effective cleanser in the evenings has really improved my skins health overall.
Our Verdict On The INKEY List Oat Balm Cleanser
Both of our reviewers were impressed with the smooth texture and efficacy of the new and improved Oat Balm Cleanser formula, which removed makeup easily and gently.
PROS: Removing makeup, including mascara and lash adhesive, was easy and gentle on the skin and the cleanser was suitable for use both morning and night. Post cleanse, skin felt hydrated and comfortable without any cleanser residue, and they experienced less breakouts after consistent use!
CONS: While our reviewers enjoyed the texture, they described it as rather rich so if you enjoy lighter consistencies, you may prefer the Salicylic Acid Cleanser or the Milk Cleanser.
More about The INKEY List
Founded in 2018 by skincare experts Colette Laxton and Mark Curry, The INKEY List is on a mission to simplify beauty with transparency and highly effective formulas that don’t break the bank. Having amassed a loyal following by decoding ingredients and delivering impactful results, every ingredient has a purpose.
One of our favourite serums to follow up with after using the Oat Balm Cleanser is the Starter Retinol Serum as it’s brilliant for refining texture and evening out your skin tone. For those ready for a higher concentration of Vitamin A, the Advanced Retinal Serum slows signs of ageing for firmer, lifted and more luminous skin. We also love the radiance-boosting Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex, which boosts collagen production while being suitable for sensitive skin.
Discover more of our favourites with our edit of the best The INKEY List products.
Read More
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• Why It's Worth Adding An Acid Toner Into Your Routine
