A well-documented gentle cleansing balm with a straightforward formula and strong evidence for daily non-stripping cleansing, but not the best choice if maximum makeup removal or very reactive eye-area tolerance is the main priority.
Scored for skin — based on what its ingredients contribute.
What it may help with
Whether the ingredient helps increase the skin’s water content — humectants that attract water, ingredients that reduce water loss, or ones that make skin feel less dry.
From Squalane, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Whether it can improve smoothness and surface texture — roughness, flaking, clogged pores, or unevenness. Exfoliating acids, retinoids, and smoothing moisturizers may score here.
From Malic Acid, Squalane, Glycerin, Tocopherol
Whether it supports the skin barrier — restoring lipids, reducing water loss, aiding barrier repair, or strengthening the skin’s protective function.
From Squalane, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Ethyl Macadamiate
Whether it can calm the skin — linked to less redness, irritation, discomfort, or visible reactivity.
From Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Squalane, Tocopherol, Glycerin
Whether it can help visible signs of aging — fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, or photoaging.
From Tocopherol, Squalane, Glycerin
Things to watch
Risk of short-term irritation — stinging, burning, dryness, redness, or discomfort. Common for strong actives, acids, retinoids, fragrances, and harsh surfactants.
Risk of allergic contact dermatitis or immune-based reactions. Fragrance allergens, preservatives, botanicals, and some dyes may score here.
Whether it may sting or irritate around the eyes. Relevant for sunscreens, fragrances, acids, surfactants, and volatile ingredients.
From Ethylhexylglycerin
Whether it has meaningful potential to be absorbed into the body at levels that may matter biologically. Most cosmetic ingredients score low unless there is known concern or high exposure.
NEUTRAL · 11
CAUTION · 3
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is an oil-like face cleanser/makeup remover with a short, barrier-friendly formula centered on squalane and humectants. The official brand page and a major retailer listing confirm the exact ingredient list and usage; user reviews are mixed but mostly describe it as gentle and non-stripping, with some reports of eye-area irritation or breakouts.
Summarised from public reviews across the web — subjective experience, not our formula assessment.
Users commonly praise the cleanser for being gentle, softening, and effective at removing everyday makeup, while a minority report eye irritation, acne, or that it is not strong enough alone for heavy makeup.
Aggregated from publicly available reviews. SpottyLabs does not sell this product.
Spotty Labs
