The OrdinarycleanserCleanse step

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Hydrating Makeup Remover

This balm-to-oil cleanser is formulated with squalane and lipophilic esters to gently lift away makeup and impurities. It aims to cleanse without stripping the skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. It can also be used as a shaving balm.

Sephora price

$10.50 - $21.00

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

4.2 / 5

About 1,542 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 FreePlant-derived squalane: Leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated.Lipophilic esters: Helps dissolve makeup without stripping the skin. Clinical Formulations with Integrity.Pores 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

4.2 / 5 overall fit

A solid, no-frills cleanser that effectively removes makeup and supports the skin barrier. Best for dry or normal skin types, but suitable for all.

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 option for makeup removal, especially for dry or normal skin. It’s a straightforward, effective product that prioritizes gentle cleansing and hydration.

Gentle yet effective cleansing

Many users praise its ability to remove even stubborn makeup without causing irritation or dryness.

Hydration boost

The squalane content is frequently mentioned for leaving skin feeling soft and moisturized post-cleanse.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

Dry skin
Normal skin
Makeup removal
Sensitive skin

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

You prefer a foaming cleanser
You have very oily skin and find oil-based cleansers too heavy

Routine fit

Where this actually belongs

Use this as your first cleanse in the evening to remove makeup, SPF, and daily grime. Follow with a second cleanser if you prefer a deeper clean, or use it as your sole cleanser if your skin doesn't require it.

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
Can be used for shaving

Where it starts to feel redundant

May feel heavy for very oily skin
Requires rinsing with water

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning or night

Best suited for your nighttime routine to effectively remove the day's buildup and makeup. It can be used in the morning if you prefer a gentle cleanse or have dry skin.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.2/ 5 overall

A solid, no-frills cleanser that effectively removes makeup and supports the skin barrier. Best for dry or normal skin types, but suitable for all.

Makeup Removal

4.5 / 5

Effectively dissolves makeup and impurities without stripping the skin.

Hydration

4.3 / 5

Leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated, not tight or dry.

Skin Barrier Support

4.1 / 5

Contains ingredients that help maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Emollient

Squalane

Badness

0.0 / 10

A highly effective moisturizer that mimics skin's natural oils, leaving skin soft and hydrated.

Usually helps with

Dryness, skin barrier support

Watch for

None

Solvent

Water

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base for many cosmetic formulations.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A lightweight, plant-derived emollient that improves spreadability and leaves skin feeling soft.

Usually helps with

Dryness, improving texture

Watch for

None

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated.

Usually helps with

Dryness, hydration

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Sucrose Stearate

Badness

1.0 / 10

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

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

None

Emollient

Ethyl Macadamiate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emollient derived from macadamia nuts, known for its skin-softening properties.

Usually helps with

Dryness, skin softening

Watch for

Nut allergy

Emollient

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Badness

0.0 / 10

A fatty acid derived from coconut oil and glycerin, used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent.

Usually helps with

Dryness, skin conditioning

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Sucrose Laurate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sucrose and lauric acid.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

None

Humectant

Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Sucrose Dilaurate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier that aids in blending oil and water components.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Sucrose Trilaurate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier that helps create a stable emulsion.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

None

Thickener

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

Badness

2.0 / 10

A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.

Usually helps with

Product texture

Watch for

Can sometimes feel slightly tacky

Emulsifier

Isoceteth-20

Badness

2.0 / 10

A non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

Can be irritating for very sensitive skin

Thickener

Sodium Polyacrylate

Badness

2.0 / 10

A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations.

Usually helps with

Product texture

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Tocopherol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A form of Vitamin E, acting as an antioxidant to protect the skin and the formula.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone

Badness

1.0 / 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

1.0 / 10

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

Usually helps with

Formula stability

Watch for

None

Exfoliant

Malic Acid

Badness

3.0 / 10

An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can provide mild exfoliation.

Usually helps with

Gentle exfoliation

Watch for

Can increase sun sensitivity

Preservative Booster

Ethylhexylglycerin

Badness

1.0 / 10

A preservative booster and skin conditioning agent.

Usually helps with

Preservation, skin conditioning

Watch for

None

Preservative

Chlorphenesin

Badness

2.0 / 10

A preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.

Usually helps with

Product preservation

Watch for

Can be a skin irritant for some

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 other emollients to hydrate the skin, making it an excellent choice for dry skin types.

Can this cleanser remove waterproof makeup?

It is effective at removing most makeup, including some waterproof formulas, especially when massaged thoroughly. For very stubborn waterproof makeup, a dedicated remover might be needed as a first step.

Can I use this cleanser if I have oily skin?

While it's formulated for hydration, the oil-based texture can be suitable for oily skin as a first cleanse. It's designed to dissolve impurities without stripping the skin, which can prevent overcompensation by the skin producing more oil. However, if you prefer a lighter feel, you might consider it as a first cleanse only.

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