Product Description
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a gentle, lipid-based cleansing balm designed to melt away makeup, impurities, and daily grime while leaving the skin feeling smooth and moisturized. Its unique balm-to-oil texture transforms upon warming in the hands, then emulsifies with water into a milky lotion, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin, without stripping natural moisture.
Detailed Specifications
| Feature |
Specification |
| Product Type |
Cleansing Balm |
| Volume |
50 ml / 1.7 fl oz |
| Texture |
Balm (transforms to oil then milky emulsion) |
| Key Ingredient |
Squalane |
| pH Range |
5.50 - 6.50 |
| Formulation Attributes |
Alcohol-free, Nut-free, Vegan, Gluten-free, Cruelty-free |
The One Reason You Choose This Product
The single most compelling reason to choose The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is its exceptional ability to cleanse effectively without stripping the skin, making it an ideal choice for maintaining skin hydration and barrier integrity.
Key Ingredient Explanation
| Ingredient |
Explanation |
| Squalane |
A highly stable emollient that mimics the skin's natural lipids, providing excellent hydration and preventing moisture loss without feeling heavy or greasy. It helps to dissolve oil-soluble impurities and makeup. |
| Sucrose Stearate |
A sugar-based ester that acts as an emulsifier, allowing the oil-based cleanser to mix with water and rinse off cleanly without leaving a greasy residue. It contributes to the balm-to-milk transformation. |
Brand Introduction
The Ordinary is a brand under the Canadian company DECIEM, known for its commitment to ingredient transparency and functional, effective skincare formulations at accessible prices. Since its launch, The Ordinary has revolutionized the beauty industry by simplifying skincare routines and focusing on well-researched, potent ingredients, demystifying the science behind beauty products for the average consumer.
Comparison With Previous Products
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser does not have direct preceding versions or generational updates within the same product series. It stands as a singular, well-formulated cleansing option within The Ordinary's lineup.
Positive User Reviews
- "This cleanser is incredibly gentle and leaves my dry, sensitive skin feeling clean but never tight or stripped."
- "It effortlessly melts away even stubborn waterproof mascara without any harsh rubbing. My skin feels so soft afterwards."
- "I love how simple and effective this is. It doesn't cause any breakouts, and my skin feels hydrated and calm after using it."
- "Perfect for a first cleanse to remove makeup. It rinses off easily and doesn't leave a film."
- "My skin used to feel dry after cleansing, but with this, it feels moisturized and balanced."
Negative User Reviews
- "It takes a bit of effort to emulsify this product properly. You really have to rub it between your palms for a while to get the milky consistency."
- "The tube size is quite small for the price, especially if you use it daily to remove makeup. I go through it very quickly."
- "While gentle, it's not strong enough to remove very heavy or long-wear makeup, often requiring a second cleanse or a stronger product."
- "The balm texture can be a bit messy to dispense and work with initially."
- "Sometimes it leaves a slight residue if not rinsed thoroughly."
Positive vs. Negative Review Comparison
| Positive Feedback |
Negative Feedback |
Trade-off / Nuance |
| Highly gentle and non-stripping |
Requires significant warming to emulsify |
The gentle, balm texture contributes to its moisturizing properties but requires more effort to transform and apply effectively. |
| Effective at removing light to medium makeup |
May struggle with heavy or waterproof makeup |
Its mild formulation is excellent for daily cleansing and light makeup, but its gentleness means it might not be robust enough for very resistant makeup. |
| Leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated |
Smaller product volume for daily use |
The quality of the post-cleanse feel is excellent, but its packaging size means a potentially higher repurchase frequency for regular users. |
Expected Experience When Purchasing
- You can expect a solid balm that needs to be warmed in your hands for approximately 10-30 seconds until it transforms into a clear, oil-like consistency before applying to dry skin.
- Your skin will feel remarkably soft and hydrated after rinsing, without any sensation of tightness or dryness.
- For heavy makeup days, you might find yourself needing to use a slightly larger amount or follow up with a second cleanse for a thorough removal.
Recommended User Types for This Product
| User Type |
Rating |
Reasoning |
| Dry & Sensitive Skin Individuals |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Its gentle, hydrating formula cleanses without stripping essential oils, ideal for those prone to dryness, redness, or irritation. |
| Makeup Wearers (Light to Medium) |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Excellent as a first cleanse to effortlessly dissolve and remove daily makeup and SPF, leaving skin clean and prepped for a second cleanse if desired. |
| Minimalist Skincare Enthusiasts |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Appeals to those who prefer simple, effective formulations focused on core ingredients without unnecessary additives. |
Good Products to Buy Together
| Complementary Product |
Why it's a Good Match |
| The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 |
After cleansing, this serum provides additional multi-depth hydration, plumping the skin and enhancing the Squalane Cleanser's moisturizing benefits. |
| The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% |
A great follow-up for concerns like pore congestion and blemishes, as the gentle cleanser ensures the skin barrier is intact before applying active ingredients. |
| The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA |
A lightweight, hydrating moisturizer that complements the cleanser by locking in moisture and supporting the skin's natural barrier. |
Alternative Products
| Alternative Product |
Why a user might prefer it |
| CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser |
Users might prefer this for a more traditional cream cleanser experience that also emphasizes hydration and barrier support, with a more liquid, pump-dispensed format. |
| La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser |
This alternative offers a very similar gentle, non-foaming cleanse, often preferred by those with extremely sensitive or reactive skin for its minimalist formulation and larger bottle size. |
| Glossier+Milky+Jelly+Cleanser |
For users who prefer a gel-cream texture and a product that can be used on dry or wet skin, offering a similar gentle cleansing experience with a slightly different sensory profile. |
Final Summary
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser stands out as a highly effective yet incredibly gentle cleansing balm. Its unique balm-to-oil transformation is designed to dissolve makeup and impurities without compromising the skin's natural moisture barrier, making it an excellent choice for individuals with dry, sensitive, or reactive skin. While it requires a moment to properly emulsify and might not be the most robust option for heavy-duty makeup removal, its hydrating properties and non-stripping feel are consistently praised. It embodies The Ordinary's philosophy of delivering focused, science-backed skincare at an accessible price point, offering a pleasant and beneficial cleansing experience that leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and balanced. For those seeking a gentle first cleanse or a hydrating daily face wash, this product is a commendable addition to any skincare routine.
