Squalane Cleanser — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated October 17, 2026
Squalane balm-to-oil cleanser melts makeup and SPF without stripping; residue bothers some users.
What the community says
A squalane-and-glycerin balm-to-oil cleanser for removing makeup, SPF, and daily grime without the tight, squeaky aftermath. It fits dry, tret-irritated, rosacea-prone routines, though oily or clog-prone users may dislike the residue or develop bumps.
What this means for you
What people love
Watch out for
- Leaves oily residue unless followed by another cleanser
- Can trigger itching or stinging on reactive skin
- Breakouts and small bumps hit some acne-prone users
Product details
Use caution
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 199 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
