The OrdinarycleanserCleanse step

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Hydrating Makeup Remover

This is a balm-to-oil cleanser that aims to remove makeup and impurities without compromising the skin's moisture barrier. It's formulated with squalane, a moisturizing ingredient that mimics the skin's natural oils.

Sephora price

$10.50

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

3.9 / 5

About 289 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

Non-ComedogenicGood for: Skin BarrierVeganOil FreeBest for Dry SkinFragrance FreePores and Dryness

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

3.9 / 5 overall fit

A solid, no-frills cleanser that removes makeup and supports the skin barrier. It's a good option for dry skin, but may not be rich enough for very dry or compromised skin.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Hydrating Makeup Remover

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

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What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

Designed to effectively cleanse the skin by removing makeup, dirt, and impurities, while also supporting the skin’s moisture barrier through hydration.

NormalDryCombinationand OilyPores and Dryness

Suggested Usage (use on dry skin):

Dispense product into hands.

Rub hands together to warm the product, allowing it to melt into an oil.

Massage well onto dry face and rinse with warm water.

Tip for Shaving (face or body): Squalane Cleanser can substitute as a shaving balm (for the face or body). Apply to wet skin (the only time we will suggest applying Squalane Cleanser to wet skin) and shave as usual in the direction of hair growth. The moisturizing, rich texture will help offer a comfortable shaving experience.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

A good first cleanse for makeup removal, especially for dry or normal skin types. It’s not a deep cleansing treatment, but it does the job of removing surface debris and makeup effectively.

Gentle yet effective

Many users appreciate that this cleanser removes makeup and dirt without causing dryness or irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

Dry skin
Normal skin
Makeup removal
People looking for a gentle first cleanse

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

You have very oily skin and prefer a foaming cleanser
You need a cleanser that addresses specific concerns like acne or hyperpigmentation

Routine fit

Where this fits in your routine

This cleanser is best used as the first step in your evening routine to remove makeup, SPF, and daily grime. Follow with a second cleanser if you feel your skin needs a deeper clean, or if you have oily skin.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

Effective makeup removal
Hydrating formula
Supports skin barrier
Fragrance-free
Non-comedogenic

Where it starts to feel redundant

May not be sufficient as a sole cleanser for very oily skin
Does not offer active treatment benefits

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Evening cleanse

Ideal for the first cleanse in the evening to break down makeup and sunscreen. Can also be used in the morning if you prefer a non-foaming cleanse or have very dry skin.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

3.9/ 5 overall

A solid, no-frills cleanser that removes makeup and supports the skin barrier. It's a good option for dry skin, but may not be rich enough for very dry or compromised skin.

Makeup removal

4.0 / 5

Effectively removes light to medium makeup without stripping the skin.

Skin barrier support

3.8 / 5

The squalane and emollients help to leave skin feeling hydrated and comfortable, not tight.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Emollient

Squalane

Badness

0.0 / 10

A highly stable, moisturizing ingredient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.

Usually helps with

Dryness, softening

Watch for

None

Solvent

Water

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base for many skincare formulations.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Emollient

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A lightweight, plant-derived emollient that helps to improve skin's softness and smoothness.

Usually helps with

Softening, smoothing

Watch for

None

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A common and effective humectant that draws moisture to the skin.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Sucrose Stearate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water, contributing to the cleanser's texture.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

Can be slightly comedogenic for some

Emollient

Ethyl Macadamiate

Badness

0.0 / 10

An ester derived from macadamia nut oil, providing emollient properties.

Usually helps with

Softening

Watch for

None

Emollient

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Badness

0.0 / 10

A fatty acid derived from coconut oil and glycerin, known for its skin-conditioning properties.

Usually helps with

Moisturizing

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Sucrose Laurate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier that helps to create a stable formulation.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

Can be slightly comedogenic for some

Humectant

Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Sucrose Dilaurate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier that aids in blending oil and water phases.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

Can be slightly comedogenic for some

Emulsifier

Sucrose Trilaurate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier that contributes to the product's texture and stability.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

Can be slightly comedogenic for some

Thickener

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

Badness

0.0 / 10

A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Isoceteth-20

Badness

2.0 / 10

A non-ionic surfactant that can help with cleansing and emulsification, but can be drying for some.

Usually helps with

Cleansing

Watch for

Potential for dryness or irritation

Thickener

Sodium Polyacrylate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A polymer used to increase the viscosity of the product.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Tocopherol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A form of Vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone

Badness

0.0 / 10

A synthetic antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection

Watch for

None

Chelating Agent

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A chelating agent that helps to stabilize the formulation by binding to metal ions.

Usually helps with

Product stability

Watch for

None

Exfoliant

Malic Acid

Badness

2.0 / 10

An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can provide mild exfoliation, but its concentration here is likely low.

Usually helps with

Gentle exfoliation

Watch for

Potential for mild irritation if skin is sensitive

Emollient

Ethylhexylglycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A skin-conditioning agent with antimicrobial properties.

Usually helps with

Skin conditioning

Watch for

None

Preservative

Chlorphenesin

Badness

2.0 / 10

A preservative that helps prevent microbial growth in the product. Some individuals may be sensitive to it.

Usually helps with

Product preservation

Watch for

Potential for skin sensitivity or allergic reactions

Compare before you buy

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this cleanser good for dry skin?

Yes, this cleanser is specifically formulated with squalane and emollients to hydrate the skin while cleansing, making it a good choice for dry skin types.

Can this cleanser remove waterproof makeup?

It is effective at removing light to medium makeup. For heavy or waterproof makeup, a dedicated makeup remover or a double cleansing method might be more effective.

Can I use this cleanser if I have oily skin?

While it targets pores and dryness, its hydrating and oil-based nature can work for oily skin as a first cleanse to remove makeup and excess oil without stripping the skin. However, some oily skin types may prefer a foaming cleanser as their second step.

See If This Is Compatible With My Skin