The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser – Streamlined Bathroom Vanity Skincare, Hydrating Makeup Remover Balm
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser – Streamlined Bathroom Vanity Skincare, Hydrating Makeup Remover Balm
Couldn't load pickup availability
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
Does this cleanser replace multiple steps so I can keep my routine simple?
Yes. The balm-to-oil texture dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and sebum in a single step, so you can skip a separate first cleanser and still get a thorough cleanse.
Will the unscented formula fit a fragrance-free minimalist routine?
Yes. The formula contains no added fragrance, making it a clean addition to minimalist routines that avoid masking scents.
Is the tube packaging simple to store on a small bathroom counter?
Yes. The slim tube design takes up minimal counter space and dispenses just the right amount without a jar or extra accessories.
Can I streamline my double cleanse by using this as both my first and second step?
Many users do. The lipophilic esters and plant-derived squalane cleanse and hydrate simultaneously, so it can serve as a one-step cleanse or as the first step in a double-cleanse routine.
Does the neutral cream-balm texture feel overly rich for a minimalist who dislikes heavy products?
No. The balm transforms into a lightweight oil on contact and rinses clean, leaving no heavy or sticky residue on the skin.
Is this a good everyday cleanser if I only follow a three-step routine?
Yes. The multi-functional balm fits a concise three-step routine: cleanse with this balm, apply a targeted treatment, then moisturize.
Will it remove my sunscreen without adding extra steps?
Yes. The lipophilic esters break down water-based and long-wearing SPF formulas, eliminating the need for a dedicated sunscreen remover.
Does the ingredient list stay short enough for a clean minimalist shelfie?
The formula is intentionally simple, built around plant-derived squalane and skin-friendly esters, with no alcohol, oil, silicone, or gluten.
Is the packaging recyclable for an eco-conscious minimalist bathroom?
The tube is designed for controlled dispensing and preservation of the balm, and the brand encourages checking local recycling guidelines for the specific resin type.
Can I use this cleanser if I prefer a no-fuss, water-only approach most days?
Yes. On light-makeup days, a small amount emulsified with water is enough to refresh skin without a full multi-step routine.
How does a cleansing balm compare to a foaming cleanser for a minimalist?
A foaming cleanser often requires additional hydrating steps to prevent tightness, while this balm cleanses and hydrates in one, which aligns with a streamlined routine.
Is this better than a cleansing oil if I want fewer products?
Both formats remove makeup effectively, but this balm-to-oil formula leaves a more comfortable, non-greasy finish and rinses cleaner without a separate cloth.
Why choose a balm over micellar water for everyday cleansing?
Micellar water works as a pre-cleanse, while this balm dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and sebum in one step, reducing the total number of products on your counter.
I'm worried a balm will feel greasy on my combo skin. Is that a concern?
The non-comedogenic formula is tested to avoid clogging pores, and the balm emulsifies fully with water so it rinses clean without an oily film.
Will an unscented product still feel like a luxury minimalist product?
Yes. The sensory experience comes from the smooth balm texture and the hydrated skin feel, not from fragrance, which suits minimalist preferences.
Is the price justifiable for someone who buys fewer, better products?
The Ordinary is known for accessible pricing, and the multi-pack 5.1 oz bundle offers even more value for daily minimalist users.
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.
