The Ordinary Buffet and Squalane Cleanser
Works for
CleansingCarbomer, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil + 7 moreCleanses gently
“Buffet and Squalane Cleanser”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (carbomer, isoceteth-20, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, polysorbate 20, sucrose dilaurate, sucrose laurate, sucrose stearate, sucrose trilaurate, xanthan gum) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy17 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.8–5.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinLactococcus ferment lysate~3.9–4.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Consists of remains of dead bacteria cells. Is likely helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals in skin
More about Lactococcus ferment lysateAcetyl hexapeptide-8~2.9–3.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl hexapeptide-8Pentapeptide-18~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Pentapeptide-18Palmitoyl tripeptide-1~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Palmitoyl tripeptide-38~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-38Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate~1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetateAcetylarginyltryptophyl diphenylglycine~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerSodium hyaluronate~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateAllantoin~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinGlycine~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function
More about GlycineAlanine~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking
More about AlanineSerine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
More about SerineValine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Isoleucine~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function
More about IsoleucineProline~0.2–0.4%
Threonine~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
More about ThreonineHistidine~0.2–0.35%
Phenylalanine~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Arginine~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
More about ArginineAspartic acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles
More about Aspartic acidTrehalose~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseFructose~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about FructoseGlucose~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function
More about GlucoseMaltose~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Urea~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
More about UreaSodium pca~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaPca~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about PcaSodium lactate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactateCitric acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidHydroxypropyl cyclodextrin~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize product formulations and help soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrinSodium chloride~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideSodium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%
Butylene glycol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolPentylene glycol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolAcacia senegal gum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture
More about Acacia senegal gumXanthan gum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCarbomer~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerPolysorbate 20~0.2–0.4%
Ppg-26-buteth-26~0.2–0.35%
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilTrisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve stability of the formulation
More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateEthoxydiglycol~0.15–0.3%
Sodium benzoate~0.2–0.35%
Caprylyl glycol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolEthylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.35%
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolChlorphenesin~0.15–0.3%
Squalane~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneWater~0.15–0.3%
Coco-caprylate/caprate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateGlycerin~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinSucrose stearate~0.2–0.4%
Ethyl macadamiate~0.2–0.35%
Malic acid~0.15–0.3%
Tocopherol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolHydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An anti-oxidant. Is also called 6-paradol. It might be able to neutralize free radicals in skin. The manufacturer claims that it is able to stimulate synthesis of hyaluronic acid in skin, but there is no evidence of effectiveness of this ingredient so far. The only evidence of efficacy for this ingredient so far come from small lab tests. This ingredient comes together with Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride as part of the complex called SymDecanox HA produced by a cosmetic ingredient supplier Symrise.
More about Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanoneSucrose laurate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent
More about Sucrose laurateSucrose dilaurate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent
More about Sucrose dilaurateSucrose trilaurate~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent
More about Sucrose trilaurateHydrogenated starch hydrolysate~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can add sweet taste to lip products
More about Hydrogenated starch hydrolysatePolyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Isoceteth-20~0.1–0.15%
Sodium polyacrylate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylateTrisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve stability of the formulation
More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateEthylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.1%
Chlorphenesin~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Lactococcus ferment lysate, Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl tripeptide-38, Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, Acetylarginyltryptophyl diphenylglycine, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Sodium hyaluronate, Allantoin, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Arginine, Aspartic acid, Trehalose, Fructose, Glucose, Maltose, Urea, Sodium pca, Pca, Sodium lactate, Citric acid, Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, Sodium chloride, Sodium hydroxide, Butylene glycol, Pentylene glycol, Acacia senegal gum, Xanthan gum, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Ppg-26-buteth-26, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium benzoate, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Squalane, Water, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Glycerin, Sucrose stearate, Ethyl macadamiate, Malic acid, Tocopherol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, Sucrose laurate, Sucrose dilaurate, Sucrose trilaurate, Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Isoceteth-20, Sodium polyacrylate, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| The OrdinaryBuffet and Squalane CleanserYOUR PRODUCT | Dr. BrandtPower Dose Vitamin C Age Fighter Vitamin Face Serum | SKIN 1004.Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule | AttenirSkin Clear Cleanse Oil | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 32% | 31% | 31% |
| Price | — | $69.00 | $7.36 | $33.30 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 36 | 5 of 36 | 5 of 36 |
| Key difference | — | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Ceramide 1 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: No7 Radiant Results Revitalising Micellar Cleansing WaterKAINE Kombu Jelly Oil Cleanser
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Functional glycine receptor in cultured human keratinocytesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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