The Ordinary

Squalane Cleanser

face cleanser

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
68%
Combination (dry)
68%
Balanced
98%
Combination (oily)
72%
Oily
72%

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20
Ingredients
6
Benefits
1
Actives
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Designed to effectively cleanse the skin by removing makeup, dirt, and impurities, while also supporting the skin’s moisture barrier through hydration

Key Insights

Benefits

6
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Oil Control
Smooths Bumpy Skin
Soothing

Active Ingredients

1
AHA

Risks

1
Synthetic polymer

About Squalane Cleanser

Overview

Squalane Cleanser is a cushioning cleanser from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 20 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as moderately cushioned — emollient enough to feel like a cream, without the heaviest occlusives near the top. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin and Squalane, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Squalane and Water.

Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Squalane.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry), Combination (oily) and Oily skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, oil control, cell renewal and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes first step. Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly. Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • 4 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin
  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 9 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 4 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Evens Skin Tone 2 ingredients

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Soothing 2 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Oil Control 1 ingredient

    Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness

  • Smooths Bumpy Skin 1 ingredient

    Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Pore Minimizer

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.

2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane

Hydration Anti-Aging

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Sucrose stearate

Hydration

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Fatty Acid, Macadamia Nut Oil, Et Esters

Hydration

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl

Hydration

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Sucrose laurate

Hydration

14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

2-Propenoic acid, homopolymer, sodium salt

Oil Control

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Soothing

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3-Decanone, 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-,[6]-Gingerone

Anti-Aging Soothing

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Butenedioic acid, hydroxy-, (2S)-

Evens Skin Tone Smooths Bumpy Skin

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support Moderate

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Low

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (1)

Supporting ingredients (19)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Squalane 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 Ethylhexylglycerin Chlorphenesin

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
  • BHA (salicylic acid)
  • PHAs (gluconolactone)
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Cleanse" step.

  • Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly.
  • Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
4 ingredients could feed malassezia: Sucrose Stearate, Sucrose Laurate, Sucrose Dilaurate, Sucrose Trilaurate. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Recorded ingredient risks
Synthetic polymer

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 20 ingredients on the label.

6
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

5
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

3
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

2
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

2
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

2
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

1
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

1
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

1
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

1
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

1
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Squalane Emollient
Estimated level
10–40%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.

2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane

Hydration Anti-Aging
9 scientific references
  • Cosmetics Ingredient Review, 2019, ePublication
  • ACS Open, July 2017, pages 3, 989–3, 996
  • Indian Journal of Dermatology, May-June 2016, pages 279-297
  • The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, June 2014, pages 25-32
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, January-February 2013, pages 59-66
  • Advances in Food and Nutrition Research, 2012, pages 223-233
  • Molecules, January 2009, pages 540-554
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2006, pages 2, 430-2, 437
  • Free Radical Research, April 2002, pages 471-477
2 Water Solvent
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Alcohols, coco, mixed esters with octanoic and decanoic acids

4 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
5 Sucrose Stearate Emollient
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Sucrose stearate

Hydration
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Fatty Acid, Macadamia Nut Oil, Et Esters

Hydration
2 scientific references
  • Floratech, Accessed September 2021, ePublication
  • Data in Brief, December 2017, pages 720-723
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 34-35
  • Periodica Polytechnica Chemical Engineering, 2014, pages 43-48
  • International Journal of Toxicology, January 2003, pages 4-5
  • Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2000, pages 79-98
  • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, August 1985, pages 303-311
8 Sucrose Laurate Emollient
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Sucrose laurate

Hydration
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Maize starch, hydrolyzed, hydrogenated

Hydration
2 scientific references
  • Roquettecom, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, October 2015, pages 1-87
10 Sucrose Dilaurate Emollient
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Sucrose dilaurate

11 Sucrose Trilaurate Surfactant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Sucrose Trilaurate is the triester of lauric acid and Sucrose

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a copolymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate, dimethylacrylamide, lauryl methacrylate and laureth-4 methacrylate, crosslinked with trimethylolpropane triacrylate

Synthetic polymer
13 Isoceteth-20 Surfactant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Alcohols, C16-branched, ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Occlusive, Texture agent

14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

2-Propenoic acid, homopolymer, sodium salt

Oil Control Synthetic polymer
7 scientific references
  • International Food Research Journal, February 2021, pages 44 - 55
  • Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, March 2018, pages 1, 611-1, 614
  • Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, November 2014, pages 18, 346-18, 351
  • Journal of Applied Polymer Science, November 2001, pages 1, 515-1, 520
  • United States Patent, April 2000, ePublication
  • https://wwwsocochemcom/is-sodium-polyacrylate-safehtml
  • https://wwwcir-safetyorg/sites/default/files/acryco092018TARpdf
15 Tocopherol Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Soothing
4 scientific references
  • Journal or Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2010, pages 7013-7020
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1212-1217
  • Canadian Family Physician, July 2006, pages 855-856
  • Dermatologic Surgery, April 1999, pages 311-315
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3-Decanone, 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-,[6]-Gingerone

Anti-Aging Soothing
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt

18 Malic Acid Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, pH adjuster

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Butenedioic acid, hydroxy-, (2S)-

Evens Skin Tone Smooths Bumpy Skin
6 scientific references
  • The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, August 2018, pages 21-28
  • Molecules, April 2018, page 863
  • https://wwwcir-safetyorg/sites/default/files/malic%20acidpdf
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, December 2016, ePublication
  • Biological Research, January 2015, ePublication
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigative Dermatology, November 2010, pages 135-142
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • PLoS One, October 2016, ePublication
  • Contact Dermatitis, May 2016, pages 281-288
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2013, pages 5S-21S
  • Personal Care, 2008, pages 1-4
  • Cosmetic Science Technology, 2006, pages 1-11
20 Chlorphenesin Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Squalane Cleanser?

SQUALANE, 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 are the active ingredients in Squalane Cleanser?

MALIC ACID.

How do I use Squalane Cleanser?

Suggested Usage (use on dry skin): -Dispense product into hands. -Rub hands together to warm the product, allowing it to melt into an oil. -Massage well onto dry face and rinse with warm water. Tip for Shaving (face or body): Squalane Cleanser can substitute as a shaving balm (for the face or body). Apply to wet skin (the only time we will suggest applying Squalane Cleanser to wet skin) and shave as usual in the direction of hair growth. The moisturizing, rich texture will help offer a comfortable shaving experience.

What skin types is Squalane Cleanser good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry), Combination (oily), Oily skin.

Is Squalane Cleanser good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Is Squalane Cleanser fungal acne safe?

4 ingredients could feed malassezia: Sucrose Stearate, Sucrose Laurate, Sucrose Dilaurate, Sucrose Trilaurate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use Squalane Cleanser while pregnant?

Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.

Is Squalane Cleanser fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does Squalane Cleanser contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is Squalane Cleanser silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does Squalane Cleanser contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Squalane Cleanser paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Squalane Cleanser?

It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.

When should I apply Squalane Cleanser?

Use it morning and evening, first step.

How many ingredients does Squalane Cleanser have?

It lists 20 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Squalane Cleanser?

The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.

Brand
The Ordinary
Country
Canada

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