# The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm for sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for sensitive skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Excellent.

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

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for sensitive skin; a few pre-cleansers fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent makeup removal for your normal skin, as Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil and Avena Sativa Kernel Oil effectively dissolve impurities while oat kernel oil and oat kernel flour soothe redness and irritation.
- The formula is highly suitable for your normal skin type due to the emollient action of oat kernel oil and sunflower seed oil, which also aid in barrier repair.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your sensitive skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/dry-skin): Superior
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin): High (this page)
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/acne-prone-skin): Low
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/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 3x/week before building up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this makeup remover before your regular cleanser and toner. Follow with your usual moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
- Gently press a small amount of the makeup remover onto your face using a soft cotton pad. Avoid any harsh rubbing to protect your sensitive skin.
- Apply the makeup remover on dry skin to ensure better tolerance for sensitive areas. This helps reduce any potential irritation or redness.
- Do a patch test before your first use and avoid the direct eye area to ensure safe application.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c35a78bc839b6c00f5359ad6ae653522.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm a great fit for sensitive skin?

The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm is a great fit because it uses Avena Sativa Kernel Oil and oat kernel flour to calm redness and irritation on sensitive skin. It also has a very safe formula with no harsh ingredients, making it unlikely to cause any irritation.

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

This cleanser is a great fit for sensitive skin because it uses oat kernel oil and oat kernel flour to soothe redness and irritation while washing away impurities. Sweet almond oil and sunflower seed oil also help repair the skin barrier without causing irritation.

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

Avena Sativa Kernel Oil helps calm and comfort sensitive skin by supporting the skin barrier and reducing dryness. It is unlikely to cause irritation and may soothe red or itchy areas.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272074/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607907/)

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

Sweet almond oil helps keep sensitive skin soft and calm by strengthening the outer skin barrier. It is unlikely to cause irritation and is well tolerated when used to improve hydration.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34957578/)

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

This makeup remover goes in the evening routine before your cleanser, and in your weekly routine before cleansing. It is a great fit for sensitive skin because it gently dissolves makeup while soothing redness and irritation without harsh ingredients.

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

You can use this makeup remover in the evening before your cleanser when using retinol, as its gentle, soothing formula is unlikely to irritate sensitive skin. Using a nourishing, barrier-supporting cleanser and makeup remover helps keep skin calm while you use retinoids.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this makeup remover in your evening routine and your weekly routine. It is a great fit for sensitive skin because it gently washes away makeup while oat kernel oil and oat kernel flour calm redness and irritation.

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

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for sensitive skin because it is formulated without harsh ingredients and has an excellent safety profile. Its soothing components help calm redness while gently removing makeup without irritation.

### 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 sensitive skin

- [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.99 at Amazon
- [Dermalogica PreCleanse](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dermalogica/precleanse/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$77.00 at Amazon
- [Pyunkang Yul Deep Clear Cleansing Balm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-clear-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$21.33 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$44.95 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$49.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Torriden DIVE-IN Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/torriden/dive-in-mild-sunscreen/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$27.34 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ca: CA$22.85 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FW7R6R9L?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Sephora: CA$12.00 (https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/the-inkey-list-oat-cleansing-balm-P525855?skuId=2952885)
Prices checked 24 Oct – 3 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/sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-inkey-list/oat-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin