The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Honest Review For Dry Skin + correct way to use it

The Ordinary skincare products are formulated to be effective, simple, and incredibly affordable. I always felt that The Ordinary was known for the trending Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Glycolic Acid. Turns out they also offer cleansers! The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is one such cleanser and here is my honest review for dry skin (ps: I have dry skin).

I have been using The Ordinary cleanser in my morning and evening skincare routine for several weeks. In this post, I will discuss my thought, points I kept in mind before including this cleanser in my routine, and my thoughts on The Ordinary’s oil-based facial cleanser in this The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Honest Review for Dry skin.

This read is meant to help

1. Anyone looking to include a daily cleanser in their routine that hydrates, and soothes the skin while making it squeaky clean.
2. Anyone looking for a mild cleanser for dry and dehydrated skin.
3. Anyone suffering from textures and bumps on the skin.
4. Anyone looking for effective affordable/drugstore skincare.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Key Ingredients

It is important to learn about the ingredients to make an informed decision when it comes to skin care.

Squalane

This is the highest concentration ingredient in this cleanser helps restore the skin’s natural barrier functions and is an effective emollient and moisturizer, hence making it suitable for dry skin as compared to oily skin types. Squalane has benefits that hyaluronic acid does not, such as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also non-comedogenic.

Glycerin

Glycerin is a natural humectant that helps the skin to retain moisture.

Tocopherol

This pure form of vitamin E provides antioxidant protection against free radical damage from environmental factors like UVB rays. Vitamin E is also an emollient, which means it softens the skin.

Malic Acid

A natural fruit acid that helps to slough off dead skin cells, malic acid brightens the complexion and improves the look of wrinkles and fine lines. It is gentler on the skin than other exfoliating acids, such as alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and is a great acid alternative for those with sensitive skin.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Packaging

It is packaged in a gray tube with a flip cap, making dispensing quick and non-messy. Due to the easy-to-use packaging, this cleanser would be great for travel.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Texture

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser texture reminds me of a rich cleansing cream. It is white and thick, and turns into an oily texture once massaged on the skin.

The correct way to use The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

How The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser tells us to use the cleanser

The Ordinary directions guide us to rub the cleanser between our palms for about 10-30 seconds before applying the cleanser to our dry face. This is mainly because the texture of the cleanser changes from the balm to an oil-like consistency that allows emulsifying sucrose esters to attract impurities for a better cleanse. Then massage the cleanser into your skin and add warm water to emulsify it even more and then rinse. Please note that the cleanser does not foam it turns milky, creamy cleanser that dissolves dirt, makeup and oil.

How I use The Ordinary Squalane cleanser and why?

While I follow all the steps mentioned above, the one thing I disagree with is rubbing the product in my palms before applying it on the face. I feel this wastes a lot of product. Hence, this is how I use The Ordinary cleanser-

Ways you can use The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser (at AM or at PM)

Using The Ordinary Cleanser in Morning Skincare Routine (AM)

I use this cleanser in the morning, to remove all the skincare I have done the previous night. This is an important step before applying any other products for the new day! This is the only product for cleansing I use in the morning. However, when using the cleanser in the Night skincare routine (PM).

Using The Ordinary Cleanser in Night Skincare Routine (PM)

Step 1

If I am wearing makeup for that day, I like to first use Micellar water to remove the makeup from my eyes and face. Since The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser does not remove mascara etc. I like to get the eye makeup removed before going in with The Squalane Cleanser.

Step 2

I dispense a few drops of this cleanser on my fingers, rub and emulsify the product and massage it into my skin for a good 30-40 seconds.

This way I make sure to thoroughly remove the impurities, oil, dirt, and makeup on the face leaving it SQUEAKY CLEAN! My skin glows and feels soft as a baby’s bottom you guys.

Correct Directions to use The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser (Controversial)

The Ordinary mentions the following directions to use The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser –

“Be sure to rub the cleanser between your palms for about 10-30 seconds before applying the cleanser to your dry face. This will change the cleanser’s texture from a balm to an oil-like consistency that allows the emulsifying sucrose esters to attract impurities for a better cleanse. Then massage the cleanser into your skin, add warm water to emulsify it, and rinse. The cleanser does not foam. Instead, it turns into a milky, creamy cleanser that dissolves makeup, dirt, and oil.”

However,

I prefer to rub the cleanser between my fingers and not my palms as this tends to waste a lot more product. Whenever I pour the cleanser on my palms I tend to take more than required and according to my skin, I do not need so much product. I highly recommend dispensing the cleanser in drops on your fingers and rubbing it to turn it into an oil texture and then massage on the face.

How my skin feels after using The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser for 2 weeks every day

I have sensitive skin and most products (cleansers, serums, etc.) make me break out. Recently, while applying makeup my skin looked flaky around the mouth area, no amount of blending technique helps, and the makeup feel not put together. That was when I reached out for this particular cleanser which had amazing reviews (mostly). My skin was dry and dehydrated clearly and needed an ingredient that would not irritate or strip my skin, but rather cleanses and also hydrates it.

I have used this product twice a day (AM+PM) as mentioned above for 17 days now, the results are as follows

1. During application, the oily texture is so easy to work with.
2. After massaging for 30-40 seconds, the skin still feels moisturized due to the oily texture.
3. Emulsifying the product with warm water, instantly make the cleanser wash away- leaving behind no slimy residue. (easy to remove)
4. Skins feel squeaky clean and not stripped or dry AT ALL!

I follow with The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid serum and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA – The Ordinary to complete my 3-step routine for Dry Skin.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Drawbacks

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is not a good choice for those looking for a foaming face wash since it doesn’t foam or have any bubbles.

Also, it may not completely remove a full face of heavy makeup, including eye makeup and mascara, so you may need to cleanse twice with it or follow with another cleanser to remove all traces of makeup.

Pricing

The price of the smaller tube is very affordable, but you only get 1.7 oz. There is a larger 5.0 oz. tube, priced at almost $20, making it not the most budget-friendly The Ordinary product.

Is The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser worth the hype?

Yes, it is worth the hype. The Squalane cleanser completely takes off a full face of makeup and all sorts of impurities leaving no residual makeup or dirt behind. It didn’t irritate my sensitive skin, nor did it break me out – I have emptied the whole tube.

Final words,

This is a cleanser I am going to repurchase over and over! My first tube is almost over and I cannot recommend this cleanse enough. My first experience with The Ordinary couldn’t be better and it’s clear why people rave about this brand so much. A minimalist brand that does so much with so less.