The INKEY List

 Oat Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

Most Helpful Critical Review

DO NOT PURCHASE THE NEW AND IMPROVED VERSION

I've been a long-time user of The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm, and it used to be one of my favourite products. The original formula removed makeup, including waterproof mascara, effortlessly and left my skin feeling soft, hydrated, and comfortable. While it could sometimes be a bit difficult to sq...ueeze out of the tube, I saw that as a minor trade-off for such an effective cleansing balm. However, I recently repurchased it and received the "new and improved" version, and unfortunately it does not live up to its claims. The brand states that the updated formula has a "buttery smooth texture" that removes makeup, SPF, and impurities in 30 seconds, and is "clinically proven to leave skin hydrated for up to 12 hours" without leaving it stripped, dry, or tight. In my experience, the opposite has been true. It now struggles to remove waterproof mascara, I have to cleanse twice, and it leaves my skin feeling noticeably more stripped and less hydrated than before. It's also marketed as suitable for sensitive and blemish-prone skin, with added ingredients like Sea Buckthorn Oil to "soothe, balance and protect." However, this new formula has caused significant irritation to my eyes. Despite not having sensitive skin and not changing my routine, it burns, makes my eyes itch, and leaves them red and streaming for hours after use. I've even tried antihistamines, which didn't help, so I'm confident this reaction is due to the reformulation. The brand highlights that increasing Oat Kernel Oil from 3% to 5% should improve hydration and barrier support, and that the formula rinses away cleanly without leaving a greasy residue. However, I've found the new version to be darker, more oily, and less comfortable overall, while still somehow feeling more stripping on the skin. I do appreciate the updated packaging, it is easier to squeeze and more hygienic as claimed, but unfortunately the improvements there don't make up for the decline in performance. The formula changes, including the addition of Sea Buckthorn Oil and the focus on a smoother texture, seem to have come at the cost of what made the original so good. I wouldn't consider myself to have sensitive skin, and I never experienced any issues with the previous version, which makes this even more disappointing. Based on my experience, it does not deliver on its key claims of being gentle, hydrating, or effective at removing makeup in one cleanse. Sadly, I won't be repurchasing.