Can I use The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser as my only cleanser?

Is it a full cleanser or just a makeup remover?

Squalane Cleanser is a full facial cleanser, not just a product for removing makeup before the real washing starts. The balm contains emulsifiers that help oil, dirt and water mix, allowing those impurities to rinse away. Squalane helps hydrate and soften skin. The formula is soap free and designed to cleanse without stripping skin. Although The Ordinary places it in the Prep stage and describes using it before another cleanser, that second product is optional.1

How to use it as your only cleanser

1. 1Start with dry hands and a dry face. Dispense the cleanser into your hands.
2. 2Rub your hands together to warm the balm until it becomes an oil like consistency.
3. 3Gently massage the cleanser over your dry face to loosen makeup and dirt.
4. 4Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

There is no universal washing time you need to hit. Focus on a thorough, gentle wash rather than timing a full minute. Use warm rather than hot water, and do not scrub: scrubbing does not make your face cleaner and can irritate skin.34

Can I use it morning and night?

Squalane Cleanser is designed for daily use. General cleansing guidance is to wash once in the morning and once at night, particularly for oily skin. Dry or sensitive skin can do better with water alone in the morning and cleanser at night. If you cleanse only once daily, make it the evening wash. Wash after sweating, too, but avoid adding extra washes just to feel more thorough. Washing morning and evening is different from double cleansing, which means using two cleansers in one session.2356

When is a second cleanser useful?

Double cleansing is worth considering when you wear makeup, particularly waterproof makeup, or waterproof sunscreen. Squalane Cleanser can serve as the makeup removing first step. Follow with a gentle water based cleanser if you need that extra wash. Without makeup, a single thorough cleanse is usually enough. More washing is not automatically better: overwashing can cause dryness, irritation and damage to the skin barrier, the outer layer that helps keep moisture in.235

If you add a second cleanser, rinse off Squalane Cleanser first and leave your face damp. Gently massage the water based cleanser onto your skin, rinse, then pat dry. Choose a gentle formula rather than something harsh or excessively drying. For dry or sensitive skin, a gentle, unscented cream cleanser is less drying than a foaming cleanser.2

Who should be careful?

The Ordinary designs Squalane Cleanser for dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin. Its non comedogenic formula is designed not to clog pores, but choose your routine around how your skin tolerates cleansing. If combination skin feels dry after washing, a gentler cleanser or thicker moisturizer can help rather than adding another wash.35

Cleanse before applying other skincare products, then apply moisturizer to damp skin. Keep sun protection in your daytime routine.6

The Ordinary advises patch testing before use and applying Squalane Cleanser only to unbroken skin. Apply a small amount to a clean area of your upper forearm and keep the area dry. Do not use the cleanser if the test causes redness, burning, itching, blistering or irritation. If irritation occurs during facial use, rinse the cleanser off, stop using it and consult a physician.5