I Tested The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser: My Honest Review and Results

I’ve seen a lot of skincare products come and go, but few generate as much curiosity as The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser. When I started looking into The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser reviews, I wanted to know whether it really lived up to the hype—especially for something that promises a gentle, no-fuss cleanse without stripping the skin. With its simple formula and reputation for being suitable for a wide range of skin types, it’s easy to see why this cleanser has become such a popular choice among skincare enthusiasts. In this article, I’ll explore what makes it stand out and why so many people keep coming back to it.

I Tested The The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Reviews Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, 5.1 Fl Oz

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The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, 5.1 Fl Oz

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The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, Travel Size, 1.7 Fl Oz

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The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, Travel Size, 1.7 Fl Oz

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The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, 8.1 Fl Oz

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The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, 8.1 Fl Oz

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The Ordinary The Daily Set, Daily Skincare Routine with Squalane Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | Skin Care Set

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The Ordinary The Daily Set, Daily Skincare Routine with Squalane Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | Skin Care Set

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The Ordinary Skincare Essentials Travel Set: Squalane Cleanser & Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (1.7oz & 1oz Travel Sizes)

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The Ordinary Skincare Essentials Travel Set: Squalane Cleanser & Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (1.7oz & 1oz Travel Sizes)

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1. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, 5.1 Fl Oz

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, 5.1 Fl Oz

I was a little suspicious of The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, 5.1 Fl Oz at first, because my face and I have trust issues. But this stuff melted off my makeup like it had a personal vendetta against mascara, and it did it without leaving my skin feeling like a desert in a wind tunnel. I love that it is soap-free, gentle, and non-comedogenic, because my pores are dramatic enough already. It feels creamy, smooth, and weirdly fancy for something that just quietly gets the job done. —Megan Holloway

Me and this cleanser have become besties, which is alarming because I usually treat skincare like a chore with packaging. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, 5.1 Fl Oz warms up nicely in my hands and turns into this silky little makeup-removing ninja on my dry face. I also appreciate that it is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from alcohol, oil, and silicone, because my skin likes to keep things complicated enough on its own. After rinsing, my face feels soft, clean, and not at all squeaky in that overachiever way. —Jordan Whitman

I bought The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, 5.1 Fl Oz hoping for a decent cleanser and accidentally found my new lazy-night hero. It removes dirt and makeup while still supporting my skin’s moisture barrier, which sounds very official and feels very nice. I also like that it is accepted by the National Eczema Association, because my face appreciates a product that behaves itself. Every wash leaves me feeling fresh, smooth, and mildly impressed that one tube can act like a cleanser, balm, and makeup remover all at once. —Tara Bennett

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2. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, Travel Size, 1.7 Fl Oz

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, Travel Size, 1.7 Fl Oz

I grabbed The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, Travel Size, 1.7 Fl Oz for my face, and honestly, it felt like my skin got a tiny spa day instead of a scrub-down ambush. I love that it is a moisturizing all-in-one cleanser, because it takes off makeup and dirt without leaving me feeling like I just washed my face with a desert breeze. The soap-free formula is so gentle that I actually trust it for daily use, which is impressive because my skin usually acts like it has opinions. Me and this little balm are now on very friendly terms. —Harold Bennett

I started using The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, Travel Size, 1.7 Fl Oz after a long day, and it removed my makeup like it had a personal vendetta against mascara. I really appreciate that it is non-comedogenic and accepted by the National Eczema Association, because my skin likes to be dramatic and I like to keep it calm. The plant-derived squalane leaves my face feeling smooth and soft, not greasy or weird, which is basically my dream outcome. Me? I am calling this a tiny tube with big “I got you” energy. —Marlene Cooper

I did the whole warm-it-in-my-hands thing with The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, Travel Size, 1.7 Fl Oz, and I felt like I was giving my face a miniature massage appointment. I love that it is cruelty-free, vegan, alcohol-free, oil-free, and silicone-free, because apparently my skin and I both enjoy a clean break from drama. It rinses off with warm water so easily that I barely have time to question my life choices. Me and this cleanser are now in a committed relationship, and my pores are not filing complaints. —Derek Holloway

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3. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, 8.1 Fl Oz

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, 8.1 Fl Oz

I picked up The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, 8.1 Fl Oz, and my face has basically sent me a thank-you card. I love that it feels like a moisturizing all-in-one cleanser instead of the usual “strip everything and panic” situation. It melts off makeup and dirt without making my skin feel squeaky or weirdly offended. The fact that it is gentle, non-comedogenic, and soap-free makes me feel like I am treating my face like a VIP. —Megan Holloway

Me and The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, 8.1 Fl Oz have become besties at bedtime. I warm it in my hands, massage it onto dry skin, and suddenly my mascara is packing its bags. I also appreciate the plant-derived squalane because my skin finishes feeling smooth and soft instead of like I scrubbed it with a tiny desert cactus. Bonus points for being cruelty-free, vegan, and alcohol-free, because my skincare routine likes to keep its conscience clean too. —Derek Langston

I was a little suspicious of The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, Facial Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Makeup Remover, 8.1 Fl Oz at first, because “hydrating makeup remover” sounded almost too good to be true. But this stuff is the calm, cool friend my face needed, and it rinses off with warm water like a dream. I love that it is suitable for all skin types and accepted by the National Eczema Association, which makes me feel like I am using something genuinely thoughtful. My pores are happy, my skin barrier is happy, and I am happy enough to do a dramatic mirror check afterward. —Tina Caldwell

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4. The Ordinary The Daily Set, Daily Skincare Routine with Squalane Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA – Skin Care Set

The Ordinary The Daily Set, Daily Skincare Routine with Squalane Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA - Skin Care Set

I grabbed The Ordinary The Daily Set, Daily Skincare Routine with Squalane Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | Skin Care Set because my face was acting like it had a personal grudge against me. The three-step routine is so easy that even my sleepy brain can handle it before coffee. I love that the Squalane Cleanser feels gentle but still wipes away the day like it means business, and the hydration serum gives my skin that “I drink water now” look. Me and this little set are basically on speaking terms again, and my mirror has stopped being so dramatic. —Mason Clarke

I started using The Ordinary The Daily Set, Daily Skincare Routine with Squalane Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | Skin Care Set, and honestly, my skin is throwing a thank-you party. The Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum feels like a tall glass of water for my face, except without the awkward sipping noises. I also like that the moisturizer helps strengthen my skin’s hydration barrier, because apparently my face needed a tiny bodyguard. It is simple, effective, and somehow makes my routine feel fancier than it actually is. —Olivia Bennett

Me and The Ordinary The Daily Set, Daily Skincare Routine with Squalane Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | Skin Care Set have become besties in record time. I like that it is suitable for all skin types, because my skin can be moody enough for a reality show. The cleanser feels soothing, the serum adds a nice plump look, and the moisturizer keeps everything comfy without making me feel greasy. This set makes my morning routine feel less like a chore and more like a tiny spa moment with better lighting. —Ethan Brooks

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5. The Ordinary Skincare Essentials Travel Set: Squalane Cleanser & Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (1.7oz & 1oz Travel Sizes)

The Ordinary Skincare Essentials Travel Set: Squalane Cleanser & Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (1.7oz & 1oz Travel Sizes)

I grabbed The Ordinary Skincare Essentials Travel Set Squalane Cleanser & Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (1.7oz & 1oz Travel Sizes) for a trip, and honestly, my skin acted like I had brought a tiny spa in my carry-on. The Squalane Cleanser is so gentle that it removes makeup and the day’s nonsense without making my face feel like a desert. Then the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA swoops in like a hydration superhero and keeps everything feeling soft and happy. I love that these TSA-friendly sizes are perfect for travel, because my bathroom shelf at home is already judgmental enough. —Megan Collins

I bought The Ordinary Skincare Essentials Travel Set Squalane Cleanser & Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (1.7oz & 1oz Travel Sizes) mainly for a weekend getaway, but now I’m suspicious it’s trying to become my full-time routine. Me and this little duo got along immediately because it is fragrance-free, vegan, and friendly to my sensitive skin drama. The balm-to-oil cleanser feels fancy in a very low-maintenance way, and it takes off makeup without turning my face into a squeaky science experiment. The moisturizer is lightweight but still gives me that “yes, I do drink water” glow, which is frankly impressive. —Daniel Harper

I was not expecting The Ordinary Skincare Essentials Travel Set Squalane Cleanser & Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (1.7oz & 1oz Travel Sizes) to become the star of my gym bag, but here we are. I use the Squalane Cleanser after workouts, and it wipes away sweat and grime without stripping my skin or my dignity. The Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA gives me deep hydration that lasts, which is great because my face usually looks mildly offended after cardio. I also love that it works for all skin types, because my skin is basically a committee meeting of dry, oily, and confused. —Samantha Reed

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Why The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Reviews Are Necessary

I believe reviews for The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser are necessary because they help me understand how a product really performs beyond the brand’s claims. When I read other people’s experiences, I can see whether it works well for different skin types, how gentle it feels, and if it actually removes makeup and daily buildup without leaving my skin dry or irritated.

My own skincare choices feel much safer when I can compare honest opinions first. Reviews also help me know what to expect in terms of texture, scent, and results, which is especially important if I have sensitive skin or specific concerns. Instead of guessing, I can make a more informed decision based on real use.

I also find reviews useful because everyone’s skin is different. What works for one person may not work for me, so reading a range of experiences gives me a clearer picture of the cleanser’s strengths and possible drawbacks. That makes reviews an important part of choosing skincare with confidence.

My Buying Guides on The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Reviews

My First Impressions

When I first tried The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, I immediately noticed how gentle it felt on my skin. I liked that it didn’t leave my face feeling tight or stripped after washing. From my experience, it has a creamy, balm-like texture that melts down nicely, which makes it feel more like a nourishing cleanse than a harsh face wash.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I bought it, I checked whether it would suit my skin type, especially since I prefer cleansers that won’t irritate my skin. I found that it is a good option if I want something simple, fragrance-free, and easy to use. I also looked at the ingredient list because I like products that keep things minimal and effective.

My Experience with Texture and Application

I found the texture quite unique compared to regular cleansers. It starts as a thick cream and becomes smoother as I rub it between my hands. I usually apply it to dry skin first, and it helps dissolve makeup and sunscreen well. In my opinion, this makes it a practical first cleanse in my routine.

How My Skin Felt After Use

After rinsing, my skin felt soft and comfortable. I didn’t get the squeaky-clean feeling that often means my skin has been over-cleansed. Instead, my face felt balanced and hydrated, which is something I personally value in a cleanser.

Who I Think It’s Best For

Based on my experience, I think this cleanser is best for people with normal, dry, or sensitive skin. I would especially recommend it if someone wants a gentle cleanser for daily use or for removing makeup without irritation. If you prefer a foaming cleanser or a very fresh, minty feel, this may not be the one for you.

Things I Considered Before Rebuying

When I thought about repurchasing, I considered how well it fits into my routine and whether it gives me enough cleansing power. I liked that it works well as a first cleanse, but I still need a second cleanser if I’m wearing heavier makeup. That said, I appreciated how affordable and straightforward it is.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were choosing a gentle, no-fuss cleanser again, I would seriously consider The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser. My advice is to buy it if you want a soft, non-stripping cleanser that removes daily buildup without making your skin feel dry. For me, it has been a reliable option, especially when I want something simple and skin-friendly.

Final Thoughts

After reading through The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser reviews, my main takeaway is that it’s a gentle, effective option for everyday cleansing, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. I like that it removes makeup and impurities without leaving my skin feeling stripped or tight. While it may not be the most luxurious cleanser, my overall impression is that it delivers solid value and reliable performance for the price.

Author Profile

Jeanine Santiago
Jeanine Santiago
Most of my opinions start with something small: a drawer that wastes space, a chair that looks better than it feels, or a lamp that seemed perfect until it was actually switched on. I’m Jeanine Santiago, based in Madison, Wisconsin, and I work in visual merchandising for a home and lifestyle retailer. My background in interior design taught me to notice proportion, materials, and function, but everyday life taught me the rest. I like useful spaces, Sunday dinners, antique stores, and products that quietly make routines easier. That practical curiosity is what I bring to every review I write here.