The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Is Perfect For Every Skin Type

I couldn’t wait to buy and review The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser. When news broke that The Ordinary was launching their first ever facial cleanser, with squalane, no less (a skin care ingredient on my “must-try” list), I just knew I’d have to try it. The Ordinary is a killer budget skin care brand that I’ve been loving for quite some time and if you haven’t tried it yet, well, you really should. Their skin care products range in price from $6-$15 and pack some seriously amazing ingredients that rival higher-end skin care brands.

So does this new fancy squalane cleanser live up to my hype? Yup.

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What Does The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Do?

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is described as a gentle product formulated to remove makeup and impurities while leaving skin feeling clean and moisturized. When rubbed between your palms, this cleanser is supposed to change from a balm to a clear, oil-like consistency which allows the sucrose esters in it to trap dirt and dissolved makeup when massaged into the skin.

BUY IT: Ulta| Sephora

What’s In The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser?

Described as “soap free” (sulfate free), the Squalane Cleanser is supposed to be gentle enough to use daily. It’s also alcohol free, oil free, vegan, gluten free, silicone free, nut free and cruelty free.

The ingredients in The Ordinary Squalane include:

Squalane, Aqua (Water), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Sucrose Stearate, Ethyl Macadamiate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sucrose Laurate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Sucrose Dilaurate, Sucrose Trilaurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Isoceteth-20, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopherol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Malic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin.

 

What Is Squalane vs. Squalene?

Squalane is well-hyped skin care ingredient at the moment – why? It’s a lipid that occurs naturally in plants and animals and delivers fatty acids and antioxidants. Squalane is moisturizing like an oil, but is highly saturated and therefore less prone to oxidation than so many of the oils used in skin care. It’s also non-comedogenic, a natural anti-bacterial and is suitable for all skin types, from acne prone to sensitive .

Squalane oil is created when squalene oil undergoes hydrogenation processing, which turns the squalene from an unsaturated oil into the saturated squalane. Confused yet?

Squalane is a 100% saturated oil, which makes it even MORE stable than coconut oil (which is around 80 to 90 percent saturated fat).

Where does the squalene come from before processing? Squalene is produced naturally by our bodies but can also be found in plants, which is where beauty companies get it from.

Squalene goes rancid quickly, which is why it makes a terrible skin care oil – don’t buy any skin care with squalene in the ingredients please!

 

The Benefits Of Squalane Oil

The main benefit of squalane is its moisturising properties for smooth and soft skin. It’s also a great treatment to improve fine lines, skin firmness and elasticity. Oils like squalane are also great for breaking down and dissolving makeup on the skin, so it’s no surprise it’s been put into this cleanser.

 

How To Use The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser and Did It Work?

The directions indicate that this cleanser should be massaged between your hands and applied to your dry face, then rinsed off with warm water. To thoroughly test this baby out, I used it at night to remove my full face of makeup, mascara and all. I applied a pea-sized amount and warmed it in my hands – it turned into a clear oil, but there wasn’t enough product to spread all over my face.

I had to use another two pea-sized amounts to have enough to clean my entire face properly. While I eventually got everything off, I had to really work at it and I still felt there wasn’t enough product on me to do the job. I was able to rinse it off easily with warm water without any residue left behind, however, I don’t like it as a makeup remover and won’t use it for this purpose again. Is it good for oily skin? In my opinion – yes. This cleanser washes away with zero residue left behind, just clean happy skin. It’s also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.

Instead, I tried the Squalane Cleanser as a regular face wash in the morning, rather than as a makeup remover, and enjoyed it much better this way. It cleansed my skin well without leaving any oily residue and my skin felt soft and happy afterwards, with zero irritation or dryness. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is the one I packed with me on my trip to Las Vegas and is the cleanser I always reach for when my skin is angry or irritated. I’ve also used it on my daughters when I can’t find my CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and it’s gentle enough for them too. Despite the instructions, I would recommend warming and applying this cleanser with damps hands or onto dampened skin to help it spread more evenly.

Overall, if you’re looking for a nourishing, gentle facial cleanser (not a makeup remover) The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a great option for every skin type. And good news! The brand introduced a larger 150mL size since I first published this post!

BUY IT: ULTA| SEPHORA

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Looking for more reviews on The Ordinary products? You can read:

–The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

–The Ordinary 23% Vitamin C Suspension

–The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2%

–The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% & Azelaic Acid 10%

–The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder Is Pure Vitamin C Goodness

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Have you tried The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser yet? Thoughts?