At the start of November, I finished the ARK Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser; a light, refreshing gel cleanser specially formulated for skin aged thirty to fifty. My review will be coming shortly (I’m sure you’ve noticed that I’ve fallen behind over lockdown), but if you want to know about this cruelty-free British brand that is rapidly growing in popularity you can read more about it here. I raided my stash to see if I could find a replacement and I stumbled across a tube of The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser which purchased months ago and completely forgot about.
The Squalane Cleanser is available in two sizes: 50ml for £5.50 and 150ml for £13.90. It’s vegan-friendly and free from gluten, soap, silicone, oil and alcohol and claims to be suitable for all skin types. I got about 3 weeks use out of a 50ml bottle and recently purchased the 150ml tube.
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.
What I love most about the Squalane Cleanser is how it changes texture during application. It initially feels like a basic creamy cleanser but transforms into an oil as it warms into your skin which then emulsifies make-up effortlessly, including stubborn mascara. When you add water into the mix is turns into a milky texture which allows it to rinse off easily. It’s a very gentle, basic cleanser which preps my skin perfectly for my toner, serums and creams. I’m currently using it in conjunction with their Hyaluronic Acid (highly recommend), Glycolic Acid Toner (a Pixi Glow Tonic dupe) and their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
Squalane is well-known for its moisturising properties but I can’t say my skin feels particularly soft, plump or hydrated after use, just squeaky clean and fresh; ready for the next step in my routine. It’s a product I struggle to discuss at length because it really offers very little benefits apart from dissolving my makeup and other impurities. The Ordinary prides itself on its no-fuss approach to skincare and if you’re looking for a simple, affordable product to kick off your skincare routine, which will gently and effectively remove makeup without leaving your skin feeling tight, then this cleanser delivers.
The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser retails from £5.50 and as now available at Beauty Bay.
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