The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Review
BeautyBrief™
Brand
The Ordinary
Product
Squalane Cleanser
Claims check
If you want a fragrance-free balm for sunscreen and makeup, this emulsifying formula supports removal but does not prove lasting barrier repair.
Shopper fit
- Dry
- Normal
- Combination
- Oily
- Sensitive
Formula flags
- None identified
Shopper preferences
- Vegan
- Cruelty-Free
- Non-Comedogenic
Key ingredients
| Squalane | Helps dissolve oily residue while supporting a softer after-feel. |
|---|---|
| Coco-Caprylate/Caprate | Improves spread and helps loosen makeup and sunscreen. |
| Glycerin | Helps reduce a tight after-feel. |
| Sucrose Stearate | Helps the balm mix with water and rinse away cleanly. |
| Sucrose Laurate | Adds more rinse-off support and helps the balm feel smooth on skin. |
Price tier
$ Budget
Value check
At the Budget tier, you get vegan squalane-led makeup removal and non-comedogenic labeling, not a leave-on hydration treatment.
Where to buy
We may earn a commission through these links at no additional cost to you. This does not affect our BeautyBrief.
Bottom line
If you regularly remove makeup or sunscreen, this fragrance-free balm offers a rinsable squalane-led formula. Its cruelty-free and vegan declarations support specific preferences, while the rinse-off texture does not replace moisturizer. At the Budget tier, choose it for makeup removal and soft cleansing rather than skin treatment.
If you wear makeup or sunscreen and want a fragrance-free balm cleanser that stays comfortable on dry or sensitive skin, The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser gives you strong Budget value. Squalane leads the formula, supported by lightweight emollients and sugar-based emulsifiers that help dissolve oil-soluble residue and then rinse away with water.
What it claims
The Ordinary says Squalane Cleanser removes makeup, dirt, and impurities while supporting your skin’s moisture barrier through hydration. The current U.S. page identifies it as non-comedogenic, soap-free, suitable for daily use across all skin types, and lists a pH of 5.5–6.5.[1]
Claims vs. formula
Squalane is the first ingredient and forms the main cleansing base. Coco-caprylate/caprate, ethyl macadamiate, and caprylic/capric triglyceride add slip and help loosen foundation, sunscreen filters, sebum, and other oily residue.
Sucrose stearate and sucrose laurate help the balm mix with water during rinsing so it washes away instead of leaving a heavy oily film.
Glycerin and hydrogenated starch hydrolysate help reduce a tight after-feel, while squalane and the other emollients make the cleanser easier to fit into dry or treatment-heavy routines than a stronger foaming wash.
The moisture-barrier language is best read as supportive cleansing rather than barrier repair. The cleanser helps you remove buildup without adding fragrance, exfoliating acids, or acne medication, but it does not replace a moisturizer or dedicated barrier treatment.
Tocopherol supports the formula but is not a major treatment reason to buy a rinse-off cleanser.
Ingredients that matter
Squalane is the first ingredient, supported by coco-caprylate/caprate, ethyl macadamiate and caprylic/capric triglyceride to dissolve sunscreen, makeup and other oily residue. Sucrose stearate and sucrose laurate help emulsify and rinse the balm, while glycerin and tocopherol provide supporting formula functions.
The Ordinary discloses a finished-product pH of 5.5–6.5 and describes the balm as non-comedogenic. That specification and the ingredient design do not prove lasting barrier repair, but explain a gentle-feeling first cleanse without added fragrance.
Squalane
If your skin feels dry or rough, squalane can make it feel softer and smoother. You don't need a separate oil when your moisturizer already keeps your skin comfortable.
Read the IngredientBrief
Glycerin
If your skin feels dry or tight, glycerin helps your skin hold moisture. You don't need a high percentage or a separate serum when your moisturizer already works well.
Read the IngredientBrief
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a family of antioxidant and conditioning ingredients used in moisturizers, oils, balms, and broader antioxidant systems. The exact form and finished formula matter more than the vitamin…
Read the IngredientBriefSafety and regulatory context
The Ordinary explicitly describes Squalane Cleanser as vegan, cruelty-free and non-comedogenic on its exact-product page.[1] Its listed INCI contains no added fragrance, essential oils or dyes.
PETA separately lists the brand as cruelty-free, providing supporting policy verification.[2] Those declarations are meaningful shopper distinctions, but none guarantees that every skin type avoids irritation.
What to expect in the short term
Warm the balm between your hands and it becomes more oil-like, which helps it spread over dry skin and loosen makeup, sunscreen, and daily residue. Adding water helps the formula rinse away without pronounced foam.
If your skin is dry or sensitive, the low-foam emollient format gives you the clearest comfort advantage. Normal, combination, and oily skin can also use it if you prefer balm cleansing.
What to expect over time
The repeat-use value is uncomplicated removal. The cleanser stays easy to pair with retinoids, exfoliating acids, benzoyl peroxide, or other leave-on treatments because it does not add another active step.
At the Budget tier, you get a squalane-led fragrance-free balm, reliable makeup and sunscreen removal, and two useful size options. The value is strongest if you actually want balm-style cleansing rather than visible lather.
Who it fits
This makes the most sense if your skin is dry, normal, combination, oily, or sensitive and you want a fragrance-free balm for makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup.
If you rarely wear makeup or resistant sunscreen and strongly prefer a weightless foaming gel, a simpler water-based cleanser may fit your routine better.
Compare before you buy
Choose Squalane Cleanser when makeup removal, sunscreen removal, and dry-skin comfort matter most.
Choose a fragrance-free water-based gel cleanser when you want a more traditional single-step wash and do not need balm-style removal.
Final Assessment
If you prefer a fragrance-free cleansing balm for makeup and sunscreen, The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser provides an emollient-led formula that rinses away cleanly. Its non-comedogenic labeling and published pH help evaluate fit without proving skin-barrier repair. At the Budget tier, its value is simple, vegan and cruelty-free first cleansing rather than corrective treatment.
Where to buy
Choose a retailer to view current pricing and availability.
We may earn a commission through these links at no additional cost to you.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
The Ordinary. Squalane Cleanser. Official U.S. product page, accessed October 14, 2026; formula, pH, vegan and non-comedogenic declarations.
PETA. The Ordinary cruelty-free listing. Company-policy reference.
