The Ordinary- Squalane Cleanser Review
What is it?
A gentle cleansing product formulated to target makeup removal whilst leaving the skin feeling smooth and moisturized. The formula incorporates Squalane, alongside other lipophilic esters that are gentle, moisturizing, efficient in dissolving makeup and facial impurities and increasing the spreadability of the product.
Ingredients
Squalane, Aqua (Water), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Sucrose Stearate, Ethyl Macadamiate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sucrose Laurate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Sucrose Dilaurate, Sucrose Trilaurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Isoceteth-20, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopherol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Malic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin.
Scent and Texture
A creamy balm texture. Unscented.
Application
Once the product is warmed by either rubbing between your hands or massaged onto your dry face, you will notice that the consistency of the product changes from cream, to oil and then almost to a watery consistency.
This change allows the emulsifying sucrose esters in the formula trap makeup and daily grime ready to be removed when rinsed with water.
Once the product is warmed by either rubbing between your hands or massaged onto your dry face, you will notice that the consistency of the product changes from cream, to oil and then almost to a watery consistency.
This change allows the emulsifying sucrose esters in the formula trap makeup and daily grime ready to be removed when rinsed with water.
Thoughts
Since I feel quite torn about this product, I thought I'd present it in an old-schhol 'Pros and Cons' type review.
Pros
* The inclusion of Squalane.
Plant-derived Squalane is such a great hydrator and can prevent ongoing loss of hydration which means that your skin feels soft, supple and plump after use. The inclusion of Squalane as the first ingredient in this cleanser means that it won't dry out your skin after use. Squalane is also non-comedogenic.
* Can be used to remove eye makeup.
I've had differing experiences when using this on my eyes. At times it hasn't irritated and at other times it has - I haven't been able to work out why there's such a disparity in irritation! Results on removing eye makeup has not been hugely successful though - so I would throw this over to the 'con' side.
* It emulsifies well
The whole emulsifying process is perhaps the biggest draw for me. I love how this cleanser changes consistency on the skin. When water is added, the consistency changes yet again - almost to a milky gel. It's easy to remove with either just water or with a flannel. The emulsifying stage also feels like a deeper cleanse - although I wouldn't use this personally as a combined first and second cleanser.
* Price
There's absolutely no denying that The Ordinary products are exceptional value for money. At £5.50 for just 50ml this is about a third of what I'd usually pay for something similar.
Since I feel quite torn about this product, I thought I'd present it in an old-schhol 'Pros and Cons' type review.
Pros
* The inclusion of Squalane.
Plant-derived Squalane is such a great hydrator and can prevent ongoing loss of hydration which means that your skin feels soft, supple and plump after use. The inclusion of Squalane as the first ingredient in this cleanser means that it won't dry out your skin after use. Squalane is also non-comedogenic.
* Can be used to remove eye makeup.
I've had differing experiences when using this on my eyes. At times it hasn't irritated and at other times it has - I haven't been able to work out why there's such a disparity in irritation! Results on removing eye makeup has not been hugely successful though - so I would throw this over to the 'con' side.
* It emulsifies well
The whole emulsifying process is perhaps the biggest draw for me. I love how this cleanser changes consistency on the skin. When water is added, the consistency changes yet again - almost to a milky gel. It's easy to remove with either just water or with a flannel. The emulsifying stage also feels like a deeper cleanse - although I wouldn't use this personally as a combined first and second cleanser.
* Price
There's absolutely no denying that The Ordinary products are exceptional value for money. At £5.50 for just 50ml this is about a third of what I'd usually pay for something similar.
Cons
* No Frills
I think my main gripe about this cleanser is that it scores low on the 'Joy Scale'.
You could counter that with, "But it does it's job well - what more do you want?"
Well actually, I do want more!
For me personally, the first cleanse is one of my favourite parts of my skincare ritual and as such I do look for more of a sensory experience from my first cleansers, even if they 'do the job well'.
This is definitely a no-frills cleanser. It's unscented so it doesn't really give you much of a sensory experience. Although I do appreciate the texture of the cleanser.
* No consistent results with eye makeup removal.
The Squalane Cleanser always failed to remove mascara - I'd always need to go in with a micellar water to completely remove my mascara.
But the irritation that I experienced when using this on my eyes was less consistent. Sometimes using this on my eyes would leave them stinging and watering for a good while afterwards. I thought it best, in the end, to avoid using on my eyes completely so as not to incur any irritation.
*It's got a short shelf life
The shelf life is just 6 months.
Now this is fine if this is the only first cleanser you're using as it doesn't take long to get through this tube. But, if like me, you have a whole arsenal of cleansing balms and oils in your drawers, then you'll need to remember to use it quite promptly.
No one likes to have to discard a product that's expired - even if it is cheap!
So I'm finding that there are more pros than cons, but would I repurchase?
It's not a definite 'No', but it doesn't score highly enough for it to register as a classic cleanser.
What would nudge it into that bracket? A lot more of a sensory experience and for it to be kinder on the eyes.
What would nudge it into that bracket? A lot more of a sensory experience and for it to be kinder on the eyes.
Comments
Post a Comment