Squalane Cleanser
A balm-to-oil style cleanser that removes makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup while helping skin feel soft and hydrated.
A strong cleanser for people who want something makeup-removing and barrier-friendlier than a typical foaming wash.
A squalane-first oil cleanser at The Ordinary's price point is genuinely rare. Most oil cleansers at this quality level cost significantly more. For dry skin wanting a barrier-friendly makeup-removing cleanse, it fills the gap perfectly.
First step — before any water-based cleanser if double cleansing, or as your only cleanse for dry skin on no-makeup days. Always on dry skin before rinsing.
Dry and sensitive skin types wanting a makeup-removing cleanser that doesn't strip. Anyone who's experienced the tightness of foaming cleansers and wants the opposite experience.
When used as a single cleanse by heavy SPF or full-coverage makeup users who don't emulsify it properly. Make sure enough water is worked in before rinsing — the emulsification step is what makes it rinse clean.
This is one of the safest cleansers to continue using during barrier flare-ups. The oil-based formula is non-stripping by design. Continue using during compromised barrier phases.
- A gentle water-based cleanser after it for a full double cleanse
- Hyaluronic Acid serum immediately after rinsing while skin is still damp
- SPF in the morning — works as both morning cleanse and makeup-prep routine
Best For
- Dry skin
- Normal skin
- Combination skin
- Makeup wearers
- Sunscreen removal
- Barrier-conscious routines
How to Use
Rub between hands until the balm texture melts into an oil-like cleanser, then massage onto dry skin and rinse or emulsify with water.
Key Ingredients
Softens and conditions the skin, reinforces the moisture barrier, and provides a lightweight emollient feel without greasiness.
Protects the skin from oxidative stress (free radical damage), stabilizes other active ingredients in formulas, and provides mild moisturizing and barrier-supportive properties.
Draws moisture to the skin, helps maintain hydration, and reinforces the skin barrier.
Full Ingredient List
About This Product
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is an anhydrous (water-free) balm-to-oil cleanser built on a squalane and ester base. On contact with skin, the balm texture emulsifies with water into a milky rinse, lifting makeup, SPF, and surface impurities without stripping the skin's natural oils. The squalane base provides simultaneous conditioning during the cleanse, leaving skin soft rather than tight.