The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser – Barrier-Safe Daily Makeup Remover, Non-Comedogenic Cleansing Balm
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser – Barrier-Safe Daily Makeup Remover, Non-Comedogenic Cleansing Balm
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Why you'll love it
- Soap-free, non-comedogenic formula trusted by the National Eczema Association
- Multi-functional balm removes makeup and cleanses while hydrating in one step
- Affordable price point from The Ordinary makes premium-feeling skincare accessible
- Vegan, cruelty-free, alcohol-free, oil-free, and silicone-free clean formulation
- Unscented formula is safe for fragrance-sensitive and reactive skin
- Bulk pack of two 5.1 oz tubes offers long-term value for daily users
Perfect for
- Remove long-wearing and water-based makeup at the end of the day
- Perform a hydrating first step in a double-cleansing routine
- Cleanse dry or dehydrated skin without compromising the moisture barrier
- Travel with a TSA-friendly 1.7 oz cleansing balm that doubles as a makeup remover
- Stock a multi-pack 5.1 oz bundle for daily morning and evening use
Product Information
MOISTURIZING ALL-IN-ONE CLEANSER: Squalane Cleanser removes makeup and dirt while supporting your skin’s moisture barrier through hydration.
GENTLE & NON-COMEDOGENIC: Soap-free formula that is gentle enough for daily use, suitable for all skin types, and won’t clog pores. Accepted by the National Eczema Association.
PLANT-DERIVED SQUALANE: Contains plant-derived squalane and lipophilic esters to leave skin feeling smooth and soft while dissolving makeup.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Dispense into hands, rub to warm the product, and massage onto dry face. Rinse with warm water. Patch test before use.
FREE FROM: Cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan, alcohol-free, oil-free, and silicone-free formulation.
Features & Specs
Scent Name: Unscented
Skin Type: All
Product Benefits: Removes makeup and dirt while supporting your skin’s moisture barrier through hydration. Accepted by the National Eczema Association.
Additional Features: Nourishing
Active Ingredients: Squalane
Item Form: Cream
Special Ingredients: Ethyl Macadamiate, Squalane, Sucrose Laurate, Sucrose Stearate
Target Use Body Part: Face, Skin
Container Type: Tube
Recommended Uses For Product: Face
Package Type Name: Bottle
Skin Cleaning Agent Use: Facial Cleanser
Skin Tone: All
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cleanser safe for eczema-prone skin?
Yes. The formula is accepted by the National Eczema Association and is free of fragrance, alcohol, and soap, which are common irritants.
Will the formula sting if my skin is reactive or compromised?
The cleanser is designed to be gentle and non-stripping, with a soap-free, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free formulation suited to reactive skin.
Is this non-comedogenic so it won't trigger breakouts?
Yes. The formula is tested and labeled non-comedogenic, meaning it is formulated not to clog pores.
Can I use this if I have a damaged moisture barrier?
Yes. The plant-derived squalane helps support the skin's lipid layer, and the gentle formula is intended for barrier-compromised skin.
Is the product free of ingredients that sensitive users typically avoid?
Yes. It is vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, alcohol-free, oil-free, and silicone-free, with no added fragrance.
Is this safe for someone with fragrance allergies?
Yes. The unscented formula contains no added fragrance, making it suitable for fragrance-sensitive users.
Will it cause irritation if I use it around my eyes?
The gentle formula is commonly used to remove eye makeup, though you should avoid direct contact with the eyes and rinse thoroughly if it occurs.
Is this safe for teenagers or first-time skincare users?
Yes. The simple, gentle ingredient list makes it appropriate for users new to skincare, including teens and adults alike.
Is the tube safe to use in a shared or family bathroom?
Yes. The tube format dispenses cleanly without a jar that fingers repeatedly enter, which can support hygienic shared use.
Does the product undergo testing for sensitive skin safety?
The product has been reviewed and accepted by the National Eczema Association, which evaluates formulas for sensitive-skin criteria.
Is this safer for my skin than a sulfate-based cleanser?
Yes. This soap-free formula avoids harsh sulfates that can disrupt the skin barrier and cause dryness or irritation.
How does it compare to micellar water for reactive skin?
Micellar water often contains fragrance or preservatives that can irritate reactive skin, while this balm uses a minimal, fragrance-free formulation.
Is a cleansing balm safer than makeup wipes?
Wipes can leave residue and require tugging that stresses skin, while this balm gently dissolves makeup without friction or harsh rubbing.
I have rosacea. Is this safe for me?
The gentle, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula is generally well tolerated by users with reactive conditions like rosacea, though patch testing is always recommended.
What if my skin reacts to the product?
Discontinue use and consult a dermatologist. The brand stands behind its minimal formulation, and patch testing on a small area first is a good precaution.
Is the packaging safe and free of concerning materials?
The tube is designed to preserve the formula and dispense cleanly, and the brand publishes full ingredient lists for transparency.
How do I use this cleansing balm in my routine?
Apply a small amount to dry skin and gently massage to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. Add a little warm water to emulsify the balm into a milky texture, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with the rest of your routine.
Can I use this as the first step in a double cleanse?
Yes. Use it as the first step to remove makeup and oil-based debris, then follow with a water-based cleanser for a thorough double cleanse.
Should I use this on wet or dry skin?
For best results, apply the balm to dry skin first so the lipophilic esters can fully dissolve makeup and sebum, then emulsify with water before rinsing.
Is this cleanser compatible with retinol or exfoliating acids?
Yes. Its gentle, non-stripping formula works well alongside active ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids in a layered routine.
Can I use this with other The Ordinary products?
Yes. The Ordinary designs its products to layer within a routine, and this balm fits naturally before serums, treatments, and moisturizers in the brand's lineup.
What is included when I order this product?
You will receive the cleansing balm in a tube, sized according to the variant selected: 1.7 Fl Oz, 5.1 Fl Oz single, or a 5.1 Fl Oz pack of two. No additional accessories are required to begin use.
Is this product safe for sensitive skin in general?
Yes. The soap-free, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, non-comedogenic formula is designed with sensitive skin in mind and is accepted by the National Eczema Association.
Does this cleanser contain any ingredients of concern?
The formula is free of soap, alcohol, oil, silicone, gluten, and added fragrance, and is vegan and cruelty-free, making it free of many commonly avoided ingredients.
What is the difference between a cleansing balm and a cleansing oil?
A cleansing balm starts as a soft solid that melts into an oil on contact, which many users find easier to control and less drippy than a liquid cleansing oil, while both formats dissolve makeup and sebum effectively.
