Speed Review: The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm

The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm is one of the affordable brand's bestsellers and it's easy to see why. According to the description, the cleanser is formulated with 3% oat kernel oil to help maintain skin moisture levels as well as helping to smooth and reduce blackheads. It also contains 1% oat powder which helps to reduce redness and irritation.

Despite the wallet friendly price tag, The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm is presented inside of a box. Inside, you'll find a generously sized tube in the brand's signature monochrome design. The descriptions on the tube make it foolproof to use, clearly stating the purpose of the product, at which stage in a routine to use it as well as the time of day. Incidentally, it is stated as being suitable for morning use and whilst there's nothing stopping you from using this first thing, I personally don't feel the need to use a balm cleanser when I'm not yet wearing makeup or SPF. I always appreciate a multi-tasker so it's worth noting that The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm can also be left on skin for 10 minutes as a nourishing face mask. I've tried this too and it leaves skin noticably softened. I liked the functionality of the tube dispenser which feels more hygienic than sticking fingers into a pot. The texture of the balm is relatively thick but sufficiently soft so as to be able to squeeze out the desired amount and I've never had any issues with the tube clogging. A little goes a long way. Despite the thick texture, I found it easy to work the Oat Cleansing Balm into my skin although it doesn't have as much "slip" as some. I also feel that you may prefer something lighter if you have oily or congested skin. To me, this feels perfectly suited to dry and sensitive skin types. I enjoyed the scent which feels nostalgic and reminiscent of one of my first forays into cleansing balms with Lush's original Ultrabland. Upon contact with water, it transforms into a lightweight milk and removes easily with a warm, wet flannel to gently cleanse skin of SPF and makeup. It left no residue on my skin. Following use, skin was left feeling thoroughly cleaned, fresh and conditioned, with no dry or tight feeling. The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm costs £12 for 150ml which I feel represents fantastic value for money.