The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Works for
CleansingSucrose stearate, Sucrose laurate + 1 moreCleanses gently
“Squalane Cleanser effectively cleanses the skin by removing makeup, dirt, and impurities while supporting the skin’s moisture barrier through hydration .”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (isoceteth-20, sucrose laurate, sucrose stearate) 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?
Irritancy6 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
12 of 13 community members would buy it again.
Doesn't cause acne and not stripping at all. The only downside is that it takes a couple of seconds of rubbing it hands to melt to an oil. Would highly recommend and I don't see myself replacing it.
A very basic cleanser, fine if you don't use make-up and just want to give your face a basic cleanse.
It’s a very gentle and performing cleanser, works well on make up and SPF.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Squalane~26–38%
- 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~13–19%
Coco-caprylate/caprate~5.7–8.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateGlycerin~3.2–4.8%
- 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 GlycerinSucrose stearate~2.5–3.7%
Ethyl macadamiate~1.9–2.9%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.9–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideHydrogenated starch hydrolysate~1.4–2.1%
- 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 hydrolysateSucrose laurate~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent
More about Sucrose lauratePolyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.95–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Isoceteth-20~0.55–1.3%
Sodium polyacrylate~0.6–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylateTocopherol~0.35–0.8%
- 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~0.2–0.75%
- 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 decanoneTrisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve stability of the formulation
More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateMalic acid~0.1–0.4%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.3%
Chlorphenesin~0.05–0.25%
Ingredient list view
Squalane, Water, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Glycerin, Sucrose stearate, Ethyl macadamiate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, Sucrose laurate, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Isoceteth-20, Sodium polyacrylate, Tocopherol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Malic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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 OrdinarySqualane CleanserYOUR PRODUCT | KAINEKombu Jelly Oil Cleanser | Goodness Products International3 in 1 Jelly Oil Cleanser | RéViveMelting Cleanser / Makeup Removing Wash | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 33% | 31% | 30% |
| Price | $7.90 | $13.71+$5.81 | — | $80.00+$72.10 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 8 | 4 of 8 | 4 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Panthenol | Sunflower Seed Oil | Hexapeptide-9 |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleansing Balm & Makeup RemoverAttenir Skin Clear Cleanse Oil
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 2
- 3Safety assessment of hydrogenated starch hydrolysatesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4
- 5Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
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