Squalane Cleanser — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated August 6, 2026
Hydrating balm-to-oil texture melts makeup and SPF without foaming or stripping
What the community says
Balm-to-oil formula featuring squalane that gently removes makeup and mineral sunscreen without stripping, favored by many with dry or sensitive skin but can cause irritation and breakouts in acne-prone or rosacea sufferers.
What this means for you
What people love
- Hydrating balm-to-oil texture melts makeup and SPF without foaming or stripping
- Simple, fragrance-free formula suits dry and sensitive skin types
- Emulsifies nicely with water and is sanitary in a squeeze tube
Watch out for
- Can cause itching, irritation, or cystic breakouts in acne-prone and sensitive skin
- Not ideal for those with rosacea or perioral dermatitis due to potential flare-ups
- Doesn't always satisfy in cleansing power—some find it leaves residue or doesn't remove heavy makeup well
Product details
Use caution
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads
29 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/tretinoin +7 more
“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
