# The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

Brand: [The INKEY List](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/the-inkey-list)
Category: [Makeup removers](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/best/makeup-removers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily skin; other pre-cleansers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for oily skin as Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil and Avena Sativa Kernel Oil effectively dissolve makeup and cleanse pores, though Cetearyl Alcohol may not be ideal for managing excess sebum.
- The formula provides general cleansing benefits that you will notice, but lacks targeted ingredients to address your oily shine concerns.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin): Average (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/dry-skin): Superior
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/acne-prone-skin): Low
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Avena Sativa Kernel Oil Oat Kernel Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Candelilla Cera Cire De Candelilla Cera, Tocopherol Vitamin E, Biosaccharide Gum-4

## What the research says

- Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40642809/))
- Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate. ([Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/))
- Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590207/))

## What reviewers say

Users frequently mention texture separation and packaging issues, with some also noting an oily residue or occasional grainy texture.

- Liked: Excellent value (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle and soothing (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Texture separation (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective makeup removal (often mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating and moisturizing (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Poor packaging (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Oily residue (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Grainy texture (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this makeup remover PM as the first step of your evening routine. Start 3×/week and increase to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this makeup remover before your regular cleanser and toner. It prepares your skin by melting away excess oil and makeup.
- Gently press a small amount onto your dry skin using your fingertips. Massage softly and avoid harsh rubbing to protect your pores.
- Apply this product on dry skin to effectively break down heavy makeup and surface oil. Massage it gently before washing it off with water.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Do a patch test before your first use to ensure your skin feels comfortable.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c35a78bc839b6c00f5359ad6ae653522.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm work for oily skin?

This cleansing balm works reasonably well for oily skin to remove makeup and clean pores, but it lacks targeted ingredients to control oily shine. It is safe and unlikely to cause irritation, though a product for oily skin needs oil-controlling ingredients and lighter textures instead of rich oils to keep pores clear.

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for oily skin?

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil and Avena Sativa Kernel Oil make this cleanser work for oily skin by dissolving makeup and cleansing pores. However, because it lacks oil-controlling ingredients, an oily skin type needs a cleanser with ingredients that balance excess shine and manage sebum.

### What does Avena Sativa Kernel Oil do for oily skin?

Avena Sativa Kernel Oil may not be the best fit for oily skin because it has a higher ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid, which can feel heavy. Oily skin generally does better with ingredients that are high in linoleic acid to help keep pores clear and balance the skin.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28707186/)

### What does Sweet Almond Oil do for oily skin?

Sweet Almond Oil is a weak fit for oily skin because it is heavy and may clog pores. Oily skin needs lightweight ingredients that help control oil production and keep pores clear.

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This makeup remover goes in the evening routine before your cleanser, or as part of your weekly evening routine to take off makeup. Oily skin needs a cleanser of this type to include ingredients that help clear excess oil and shine.

### Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this makeup remover in your evening routine before your cleanser when using retinol, and it is unlikely to irritate your skin. Oily skin using this type of product alongside retinol also benefits from targeted oil-balancing ingredients like niacinamide or salicylic acid to help manage excess shine.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

This makeup remover works well as part of your evening routine to melt away makeup, though oily skin does better with cleansers that also help control extra shine.

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause irritation on oily skin, but it may leave behind an oily residue that does not help with excess shine. Oily skin works best with a cleanser that includes lightweight or oil-absorbing ingredients to help clear away extra oil.

### Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (benzyl alcohol). Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 179.45 at Amazon
- [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 65.65 at Amazon
- [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/oily-skin) — High fit — AED 35.29 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.95 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 33.40 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ae: AED 90.00 (https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B08GJ58Z6M?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Lookfantastic: AED 58.00 (https://www.lookfantastic.ae/p/the-inkey-list-oat-balm-cleanser-150ml/17748683/)
Prices checked 12 Oct – 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Peg-6 Caprylic Capric Glycerides, Avena Sativa Kernel Oil Oat Kernel Oil, Candelilla Cera Cire De Candelilla Cera, Silica, Sorbitan Stearate, Tribehenin, Peg-60 Almond Glycerides, Avena Sativa Kernel Flour Oat Kernel Flour, Water, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin (this page)
