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Prequel Gleanser vs The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser: which is better?

Both remove sunscreen well, but the better fit depends on whether you want a creamier cleanse or a balm-to-oil first step.

The quick answer

Depends what you need

  • Rated about the same — 90 vs 90 nextscore

Prequel Gleanser suits those wanting a more cleansing, moisturizing wash, while The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser better fits a gentle first cleanse for makeup and SPF removal.

Choose Prequel Gleanser if

  • you want a cleanser that feels moisturizing
  • you use tret or have rosacea

Choose The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser if

  • you want a gentle first cleanse
  • you prefer a fragrance-free, unscented formula

At a glance

Prequel GleanserThe Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
90 · 268 verdicts90 · 99 verdicts
—Squalane

What Reddit says

Prequel Gleanser

What Reddit likes

  • 50% glycerin makes it weirdly moisturizing
  • Actually removes sunscreen in one pass
  • A lot of tret and rosacea folks call it HG

Watch out for

  • Leaves a film for some people
  • Can break out acne-prone or rosacea-prone skin
  • Too drying for a minority, especially with overuse
See the Reddit threads on Prequel Gleanser

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
See the Reddit threads on The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Compare full ingredient lists · 3 in common

In both · 3

  1. Glycerin
  2. Water (Aqua)
  3. Ethylhexylglycerin

Only in Prequel Gleanser · 20

  1. Cocamidopropyl Betaine
  2. Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
  3. Inulin
  4. Dihydroxypropyl Arginine HCL
  5. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
  6. Avena Sativa Kernel Flour
  7. Glyceryl Glucoside
  8. Polyquaternium-10
  9. Hexylene Glycol
  10. Citric Acid
  11. Phenoxyethanol
  12. Hydroxyethylcellulose
  13. Disodium Phosphate
  14. Sodium Phosphate
  15. Polysorbate 60
  16. Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
  17. Lecithin
  18. Xanthan Gum
  19. Pentylene Glycol
  20. Sodium Hydroxide

Only in The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser · 15

  1. Squalane
  2. Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
  3. Sucrose Stearate
  4. Ethyl Macadamiate
  5. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
  6. Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
  7. Sucrose Laurate
  8. Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
  9. Isoceteth-20
  10. Sodium Polyacrylate
  11. Tocopherol
  12. Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
  13. Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
  14. Malic Acid
  15. Chlorphenesin

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