Lush's New Oat Cleansing Balm: A Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Cleansing balms have surged in popularity across the beauty industry, with countless options flooding the market. As someone who has personally tested numerous formulas, I can confidently distinguish between effective and lacklustre products. When Lush announced the launch of three new cleansers—the oat cleansing balm, turmeric and argan cleanser, and honey, beeswax and almond oil cleanser—I was immediately intrigued. For those with redness-prone skin like mine, the oat variant stood out as the ideal choice.
Why the Oat Cleansing Balm Stands Out
If you have sensitive skin, finding a gentle yet effective method for removing makeup and cleansing is crucial. Lush's oat cleansing balm delivers precisely that, gently eliminating impurities and makeup without stripping the skin of its essential natural oils. The formula is built on the cult-favourite Ultrabland base of beeswax and honey, inspired by a 2,000-year-old 'cold cream' recipe from Ancient Greek physician Galen.
Key Ingredients: whole oats, sunflower oil, organic almond oil, honey and beeswax, patchouli, lavender and clary sage oil.
Seventy-five percent of testers reported that the oat cleansing balm felt gentle on the skin while thoroughly cleansing and removing makeup. The inclusion of a handmade oat infusion soothes, softens, and hydrates the skin, making it particularly suitable for sensitive types. Honey and beeswax provide a nutrient-rich base that helps retain moisture, while sunflower oil adds vitamin E for a radiant glow. Organic almond oil acts as a natural emollient, rich in antioxidants.
For makeup removal, patchouli, lavender and clary sage oils work effectively, also imparting a subtle, pleasant herbal scent. The result is a soothing, efficient cleanser that effortlessly removes dirt, makeup, and impurities while maintaining hydration.
Personal Experience with the Balm
The first thing I noticed was how incredibly soothing the balm felt on my skin. As a regular user of micellar water, which sometimes leaves my face red and stripped, this product was a welcome change. After application, my skin felt soft, plump, and thoroughly clean. It even removed mascara effortlessly without causing cloudiness or panda eyes—a common issue with other oat-based cleansers.
The subtle herbal scent, derived from natural oils, was a pleasant bonus, especially since these ingredients actively contribute to makeup removal. I wiped off the balm with a warm, damp towel, which is essential to avoid a greasy residue. Remarkably, there was no oily leftover or residual makeup, eliminating the need for double cleansing—a significant advantage in my skincare routine.
The Science Behind the Formula
Lush co-founder Helen Ambrosen, a product inventor, explains the balm's effectiveness. 'When done correctly, cleansing helps preserve skin texture and elasticity, which aids in the ageing process. Achieving a balance where cleansing is effective yet softening is key,' she notes.
Ambrosen highlights the historical use of oats: 'Oats have been known for their effective properties since ancient times. They possess anti-inflammatory qualities and are beneficial for dry skin. In herbalist tradition, we create a 'porridge' with them to rehydrate and soothe.'
Regarding the balm's texture, she adds: 'What makes this a cleansing 'balm'? It's the combination of ingredients: oats and millets create mucilage, giving it a slightly drier yet richer, finer texture due to sunflower oil. It leaves the skin more matte after use, feeling lighter despite its rich appearance.'
Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing
One of the standout features of this cleansing balm—and Lush as a brand—is its commitment to traceable, ethical ingredients that support small communities and conservation efforts. For instance, the organic almond oil is sourced from regenerative farmers in Spain, who work to improve soil quality in an area at high risk of desertification.
The honey comes from the Barro Vermelho community in North East Brazil, which focuses on bee welfare and land regeneration. Even the oats are UK-grown jumbo oats. Using this product not only benefits your skin but also contributes positively to global communities and environmental sustainability.
Customer Reviews and Final Verdict
Other reviewers echo my positive experience. One user shared: 'This oat cleansing balm is amazing. Perfect on my sensitive skin, it removes all my makeup effortlessly, leaving my skin clean, moisturised, and incredibly soft. A little goes a long way.'
Another noted: 'I bought this a week ago for very dry, sensitive skin. It has calmed my redness, discomfort, and flakiness, making my face smoother already.' A third added: 'I love this cleanser. It feels like it deeply cleanses my pores, and after removing it with a hot, wet flannel, my skin feels amazing. It's my new favourite, having tried many cream hot cloth cleansers.'
Will I repurchase? Without a doubt. While I may continue exploring other cleansing balms, Lush's oat variant will remain a staple in my routine. It's soothing, easy to remove, and doesn't irritate the eyes, making it a top choice for sensitive skin.
