The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Review
BeautyBrief™
Brand
The Ordinary
Product
Squalane Cleanser
Claims check
You get effective makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and daily-buildup removal with a comfortable fragrance-free balm base, while the moisture-barrier claim is best understood as supportive cleansing rather than barrier repair.
Shopper fit
- Dry
- Normal
- Combination
- Oily
- Sensitive
Formula flags
- None identified
Shopper preferences
- 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 a squalane-led fragrance-free balm, reliable makeup and sunscreen removal, and useful size options; the value is strongest if you actually want balm-style cleansing rather than visible lather.
Where to buy
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Bottom line
If you want a fragrance-free balm cleanser with a comfortable finish and reliable makeup and sunscreen removal, this gives you strong Budget value. A water-based cleanser makes more sense if you prefer visible lather or rarely need balm-style removal.
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: 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.
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 IngredientBriefWhat 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
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser gives you strong Budget value if you want a fragrance-free balm cleanser with a comfortable finish and reliable makeup and sunscreen removal. Its strongest fit is shoppers who like an emollient, low-foam cleansing experience rather than a crisp gel-to-foam rinse.
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. This does not affect our BeautyBrief.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
- The Ordinary. Squalane Cleanser. Current U.S. product page. Accessed October 2, 2026.
Source for current product identity, current Budget pricing, pH 5.5–6.5, makeup/dirt/impurity removal, all-skin-types positioning, sensitive-skin suitability, Non-Comedogenic and soap-free status, and daily-use positioning. Stored INCI was accepted as verified for this review cycle.
- PETA. The Ordinary cruelty-free company listing. Accessed October 2, 2026.
Source for the controlled Cruelty-Free Shopper Preference.
