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You know I love a good cleanser, and I’ve tried a lot over the years – from balms and oils to gels and foams. If you’re looking for more of my favourites, you can find them in my Best Cleansers for 2026 for all Skin Types & Budgets guide. And, naturally, I was very intrigued when the Ole Henriksen B5 Boost Hydrating Solid Foaming Gentle Cleanser arrived for review.
At first glance, I thought, “Oh, another cleansing balm.” It certainly looks like one sitting in the pot. But this is something a bit different.
Instead of melting into an oil, it transforms into a rich, creamy foam when water is added, which immediately got me wondering whether this clever little concept was just a novelty or whether it could actually earn a place in my skincare routine. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Ole Henriksen B5 Boost Solid Foaming Cleanser?
The Ole Henriksen B5 Boost Solid Foaming Cleanser is a solid facial cleanser that transforms into a creamy foam when activated with water. The full and rather long name is the Ole Henriksen B5 Boost Hydrating Solid Foaming Gentle Cleanser.
Now, if you’re wondering why we need a solid foaming cleanser when there are already so many brilliant cleansers available, I completely understand.
That was my first thought too. It looks like a traditional cleansing balm, but unlike a balm cleanser, it doesn’t melt into an oil. Instead, it creates a soft, luxurious foam that feels a bit different to anything else in my cleanser collection. And actually, once I thought about it, the solid format started to make a lot of sense.
Firstly, it’s fun. Sometimes skincare can become a little predictable, and it’s nice to try something that feels genuinely different. Secondly, it’s brilliant for travel. There’s no liquid formula to worry about leaking in your wash bag, and it takes up very little space.
Key Ingredients
One of the things I noticed when looking at the ingredients list is that glycerin is the first ingredient.
Now, that doesn’t tell us the exact percentage of an ingredient in a formula, but it does give us a good indication that this cleanser has been built with hydration in mind rather than simply focusing on removing oil and impurities.
For me, that’s always a good sign when it comes to a cleanser, because the goal isn’t just to get skin “squeaky clean”. It’s to cleanse while helping the skin feel comfortable afterwards.
Glycerin – ideal for dry, sensitive, and dehydrated skin it works well with panthenol to attract moisture and provide lasting hydration
Provitamin B5 (Panthenol) – humectant that draws water to the skin’s upper layers to maintain moisture
Plant-based surfactants – create the cushiony lather for optimal daily makeup removal without stripping the skin of essential moisture
Scandinavian superberry oils (Elderberry oil, Lingonberry oil, Black currant seed oil) – antioxidant-rich oils that work together to nourish and protect the skin
Elderberry – to condition and soothe skin + help support the skin’s moisture barrier
My Review of the Ole Henriksen B5 Boost Solid Foaming Cleanser
I have to admit, I wasn’t immediately convinced that I needed a solid foaming cleanser. But this is exactly the kind of skincare innovation that I enjoy trying because, when it works, it can make something as simple as cleansing feel a little bit more interesting.
Texture
The texture is probably the thing that makes this cleanser so interesting. When you first scoop it out, it genuinely looks like a cleansing balm. But once you add water and work it between your hands, it transforms into a lovely creamy foam.
And when you add it bit more water it becomes lighter and more frothy.
It’s not a big, bubbly, old-fashioned foaming cleanser that leaves your skin feeling squeaky clean. Instead, it feels much softer and more luxurious on the skin.
The foam has a lovely cushion to it, making cleansing feel like a bit of a treat rather than just another step in your routine.
Fragrance
I’m not always the biggest fan of scented skincare, but I have to say, this smells beautiful. It is fresh, citrusy and slightly green, maybe herbal, all at the same time. It has that gorgeous spa-like quality that makes cleansing feel like a little ritual.
That said, it does contain fragrance and citrus oils, so if your skin is very reactive or you prefer completely fragrance-free skincare, this is something to bear in mind.
How It Performs On My Skin
Most of the time, I find this cleanser leaves my skin feeling clean, fresh and comfortable. It doesn’t have that harsh, stripped feeling that I associate with some traditional foaming cleansers, and I love that the formula has been built around ingredients like glycerin and panthenol to help support skin comfort.
However, I do want to add a little bit of nuance because I think this is important. My skin has been more sensitive than usual recently because I’ve been under the weather, and during that time I did notice the tiniest bit of tightness immediately after cleansing.
It wasn’t an uncomfortable, stripped feeling, and once I followed with the rest of my skincare routine my skin felt completely fine. But it was a useful reminder that even a gentle foaming cleanser can feel different depending on the condition your skin is in.
If your skin barrier is happy and healthy, I think you’ll probably really enjoy this. If your skin is currently feeling very dry, irritated or compromised, you may prefer something even more cushioning and fragrance-free.
Where to Buy the Ole Henriksen B5 Boost Solid Foaming Cleanser
This cleanser is £28 and available now via the links below:
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How I Use the Ole Henriksen B5 Boost Solid Foaming Cleanser
I personally wouldn’t use this as my main makeup remover. For me, this works best as a second cleanse after removing makeup and SPF with a cleansing balm or cleansing oil.
If you’re looking for more cleansing recommendations, you can read my guide to Best Cleansers for 2026 for all Skin Types & Budgets.
Who Is the Ole Henriksen B5 Boost Solid Foaming Cleanser Best For?
I think this cleanser is particularly suited to:
- Normal to combination skin
- Anyone who enjoys a gentle foaming cleanser
- People who love trying interesting skincare textures
- Those who travel regularly
- Anyone looking for a lovely second cleanse
I would be a little more cautious if you have:
- Very dry skin
- A compromised skin barrier
- Highly reactive skin
- A preference for completely fragrance-free skincare
Pros
- Clever solid-to-foam format
- Beautiful creamy texture
- Contains hydrating ingredients including glycerin and panthenol
- Cleanses without feeling harsh
- Gorgeous fresh citrus-herbal scent
- Excellent travel-friendly format
Cons
- I wouldn’t use it as my first cleanse for removing makeup
- May not be rich enough for very dry skin
- Contains fragrance and citrus oils, which won’t suit everyone
Is the Ole Henriksen B5 Boost Solid Foaming Cleanser Worth It?
I actually think this is a really fun cleanser. It would have been easy for a product like this to feel like innovation for innovation’s sake, but the formula genuinely works.
I love that it feels different, it is enjoyable to use and it brings something new to the cleanser category. Would it replace my favourite cleansing balms? No. But as a second cleanse, a morning cleanse or a brilliant travel option, I think it is a lovely addition.
Ole Henriksen B5 Boost Solid Foaming Cleanser Final Verdict
The Ole Henriksen B5 Boost Solid Foaming Cleanser surprised me.
I wasn’t sure why I needed a solid foaming cleanser, but after using it I completely understand the appeal.
The texture is beautiful, the formula is thoughtfully designed and it leaves my skin feeling clean and comfortable.
My only caveat would be that, like any foaming cleanser, it may not be the perfect match when your skin is feeling particularly sensitive or your barrier is compromised.
But if your skin enjoys a gentle foam and you love trying skincare that feels a little bit different, I think this is definitely worth a look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Ole Henriksen B5 Boost Solid Foaming Cleanser remove makeup?
I personally prefer not to use it as my makeup remover. I remove makeup and SPF first with a cleansing balm or cleansing oil, then use this as my second cleanse.
Does the Ole Henriksen B5 Boost Solid Foaming Cleanser foam?
Yes. Although it looks like a cleansing balm in the pot, it transforms into a creamy foam when mixed with water.
Is the Ole Henriksen B5 Boost Solid Foaming Cleanser good for sensitive skin?
It contains skin-supporting ingredients including glycerin and panthenol, and I find it comfortable most of the time. However, it does contain fragrance and citrus oils, so if your skin is very reactive or fragrance-sensitive, you may prefer a simpler formula.
Is the Ole Henriksen B5 Boost Solid Foaming Cleanser good for travel?
Yes. The solid format makes it ideal for travel because it takes up very little space and there is no liquid formula to leak in your wash bag.
