Squalane Cleanser — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated September 16, 2026
Squalane-based balm cleanser emulsifies makeup and sunscreen without stripping skin; can cause breakouts.
What the community says
A balm cleanser with squalane that melts makeup and mineral sunscreen. It suits sensitive, dry, and irritated skin, especially during tretinoin use. Some in the acne-prone and sensitive skin communities report breakouts or irritation from its formula.
What this means for you
What people love
Watch out for
- Can trigger breakouts or painful cysts in acne-prone skin
- Some users find residue and itchiness after cleansing
- Heavy balm texture requires emulsifying and rinsing thoroughly
Product details
Use caution
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 180 mentions across 30 threads
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser on Reddit, in one place — 30 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/tretinoin and 6 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
