Compare · Cleansers
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser vs The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser: which is better?
This matchup comes down to barrier support versus a first cleanse that removes makeup and sunscreen more cleanly.
The quick answer
Depends what you need
- Rated higher: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser — 90 vs 81 nextscore
- Better for redness/irritation & acne: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- More reviewed: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser — 469 vs 98 verdicts
CeraVe suits barrier repair and dryness, while The Ordinary is better as a gentle first cleanse for removing makeup and sunscreen.
Choose CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser if
- you have dry or tret-stressed skin
- you want a non-foaming, barrier-friendly reset
Choose The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser if
- you want a first cleanse for makeup and SPF
- you prefer a fragrance-free balm-to-oil cleanser
1,083mentions
189mentions
At a glance
| CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser | The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser |
|---|---|
| $0.02/ml | — |
| 81 · 469 verdicts | 90 · 98 verdicts |
| Redness/IrritationAcne | — |
| Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid | Squalane |
What Reddit says
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
What Reddit likes
- Barrier-friendly ceramides and glycerin
- Non-foaming, zero-frills reset cleanser
- Strong match for dry, tret-stressed skin
Watch out for
- Leaves a film for a lot of oily or combo skin
- Can sting or burn when your barrier is already wrecked
- Breakouts and clogged pores are a real complaint
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
What Reddit likes
- Balm-to-oil first cleanse
- Melts makeup and SPF
- Fragrance-free, unscented, cruelty-free
Watch out for
- Can itch or sting reactive skin
- Leaves residue for some people
- Can break out acne-prone skin
Compare full ingredient lists · 4 in common
In both · 4
- Aqua / Water / Eau
- Glycerin
- Tocopherol
- Ethylhexylglycerin
Only in CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser · 20
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- PEG-40 Stearate
- Stearyl Alcohol
- Potassium Phosphate
- Ceramide NP
- Ceramide AP
- Ceramide EOP
- Carbomer
- Glyceryl Stearate
- Behentrimonium Methosulfate
- Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Cholesterol
- Phenoxyethanol
- Disodium EDTA
- Dipotassium Phosphate
- Phytosphingosine
- Xanthan Gum
- Cetyl Alcohol
- Polysorbate 20
Only in The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser · 14
- Squalane
- Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
- Sucrose Stearate
- Ethyl Macadamiate
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
- Sucrose Laurate
- Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
- Isoceteth-20
- Sodium Polyacrylate
- Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
- Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
- Malic Acid
- Chlorphenesin