Squalane Cleanser
The Ordinary

Squalane Cleanser

Cleanser

₹1200

In stock at theordinary.com

Buy at The Ordinary We link direct. No redirect chain.

What you need to know

This is a cleanser with Squalane. A lightweight, stable oil derived from squalene (naturally found in your skin's sebum). Mimics your skin's natural oils without clogging pores.

Who should use this: If your concern is dry skin, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, or as an occlusive layer, this ingredient addresses that directly. 100% squalane oils are common. In formulations, any percentage works. It is a moisturizing ingredient, not a treatment active.

Where this goes wrong

Not an active ingredient. Does not treat any skin condition. It moisturizes. Some people with very oily, acne-prone skin may find it too heavy despite the 'non-comedogenic' claim. Patch test first.

Our verdict

The Ordinary's Squalane Cleanser is a serviceable first cleanse, effective at removing makeup and sunscreen. While it performs its intended function, it is not a groundbreaking product and faces stiff competition from more affordable options.

Key ingredients

This cleanser features Squalane, a stable oil derived from squalene, which naturally occurs in the skin's sebum. Squalane is celebrated for its ability to mimic the skin's natural oils, offering moisturization without a heavy feel. It is a goodie for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin due to its emollient properties and lack of active treatment. Glycerin, another superstar ingredient, acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin.

Who should use this

This cleanser is ideal for individuals looking for an effective first step in a double cleansing routine, especially those with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin. It efficiently dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime without stripping the skin, making it suitable for most skin types.

Who should skip this

Those with very oily, acne-prone skin should patch test carefully, as some individuals might find squalane too heavy despite its non-comedogenic claims. Given its price point, budget-conscious consumers might want to explore more affordable alternatives that offer similar performance.

How to use

Dispense a small amount into your hands and rub them together to warm the product, transforming it from a balm to an oil. Massage thoroughly onto dry skin to dissolve makeup and impurities. Rinse with warm water. Follow with a water-based cleanser as the second step in a double cleansing routine. Use once daily in the evening.

What users say

With 0 reviews currently, there is no existing user sentiment data available for this product on our platform. The general consensus from other platforms suggests it functions well as a balm-to-oil cleanser, effectively dissolving makeup and sunscreen.

Price context

At Rs1200, this cleanser is on the expensive side for its category in the Indian market. While The Ordinary is known for its value, cleansing balms and oils are a category where local and Korean brands offer excellent, more affordable alternatives. For example, Banila Co's Clean It Zero is a direct competitor, and many basic cleansing oils offer similar efficacy at a lower price point, negating the need for import.

Pros

  • + Effectively dissolves makeup and sunscreen
  • + Gentle and non-stripping on the skin
  • + Leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized
  • + Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive
  • + Fragrance-free

Cons

  • - Expensive for a cleanser in the Indian market
  • - Texture might feel too heavy for very oily skin types
  • - Not a unique formulation; many alternatives exist
  • - Requires manual warming to transform texture

Final take

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a perfectly functional product for removing makeup and sunscreen. However, its price point in India makes it less competitive than many equally effective and more affordable cleansing balms and oils. While it does the job, it is not a must-have, and you can find similar results without the premium.

View all 19 ingredients

The Ordinary has 1 cleanser in their range. See all The Ordinary products →

Data & Disclosure

Product details pulled directly from theordinary.com on Apr 17, 2026. Outbound links carry UTM parameters so we can measure click-throughs. We do not currently run an affiliate program with The Ordinary.