Squalane Cleanser — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated August 18, 2026
Balm-to-oil emulsion texture ideal for removing makeup and SPF
What the community says
This balm-to-oil cleanser uses squalane to dissolve makeup and hydrate skin while cleaning gently. It's praised for being fragrance-free and cruelty-free, favored by dry and sensitive skin users. Some report breakouts or irritation, especially with acne or rosacea-prone skin.
What this means for you
What people love
- Balm-to-oil emulsion texture ideal for removing makeup and SPF
- Gentle, fragrance-free formula praised for hydration and barrier support
- Cruelty-free and vegan, appealing to ethical skincare users
Watch out for
- Can cause irritation, redness, or breakouts especially in sensitive, acne-prone skin
- Not foaming; some find texture too rich or residue lingering
- May aggravate rosacea or perioral dermatitis due to friction in application
Product details
Use caution
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 156 mentions across 29 threads
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser on Reddit, in one place — 29 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/tretinoin and 7 more, summarized.
“The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser - 5/10”
Cautionary
“Pros: Unscented, affordable.”
Cautionary
“Cons: Made my skin itch and left a residue.”
Cautionary
“The Ordinary Squalene Cleanser (if I wore makeup)”
Positive
“Evening:”
Positive
“mostly used the Ordinary and Cerave products”
Positive
“PM - The Ordinary squalene oil cleanser, Aveeno oat cleanser, Trenton 0.025%, Purito oat moisturizer”
Positive
“I only oil cleanse because I wear makeup so it helps get concealer/foundation off”
Positive
“I like the squalene oil cleanser bcs the ingredients list is super simple!”
Positive
“Cetaphil gentle cleanser or TO squalane cleanser”
Positive
“TO squalane cleanser”
Positive
“PM- remove any makeup with micellar water -Cetaphil gentle cleanser or TO squalane cleanser”
Positive
“The only thing I would repurchase is the squalane cleanser.”
Positive
“I just never found anything I really liked.”
Positive
“would repurchase”
Positive
“TO Squalane Cleanser”
Positive
“you know you can actually use the squalane cleanser as a first oil cleanse instead of the oat cleanser”
Positive
“[AM] TO Squalane Cleanser”
Positive
