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The Ordinary · Cleansers

Squalane Cleanser

$10.5·50 ml·Rinse-off
96
Low concern

Why this score

Concern53 / 55
  • Chlorphenesin: watch if sensitive

How much genuine, cited concern the ingredients carry, weighted by how much of each is likely present and whether the product stays on or rinses off.

Transparency20 / 20
  • No hidden fragrance blend.

Whether the full ingredient list, and any fragrance, are actually disclosed.

Formulation restraint23 / 25
  • 1 known irritant or fragrance-allergen ingredient: Chlorphenesin.

Needless irritant or allergen load for the product type. A clean, purposeful formula scores well without any "free-from" theater.

Scored by PlainBody Editorial against the PlainScore method · Label checked July 2026

What’s inside

SqualaneGenerally safe

A stable, saturated version of squalene, a lipid the skin already produces, now usually sourced from olives or sugarcane instead of shark liver. It is very well tolerated across skin types and helps reinforce the skin barrier.

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WaterGenerally safe

The base most products are built on. It carries the other ingredients and has no safety concern.

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Coco-Caprylate/CaprateGenerally safe

A light coconut-derived emollient ester used as a natural-feeling alternative to silicones, giving a dry, velvety finish. It is well tolerated and graded low concern in published assessments.

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GlycerinGenerally safe

A humectant that draws water into the skin. One of the best-studied, best-tolerated ingredients in personal care.

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Sucrose StearateGenerally safe

A gentle sugar-and-fatty-acid emulsifier that binds water and oil, favored in formulas for sensitive skin. It is well tolerated and graded low concern in published assessments.

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Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGenerally safe

A lightweight, odorless emollient made by combining coconut or palm-derived fatty acids with glycerin. It spreads easily, feels non-greasy, and has a long history of use in skin and hair products with no meaningful irritation or sensitization signal.

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Sodium Acrylates CopolymerGenerally safe

A synthetic gelling and stabilizing polymer that gives lotions and gels their smooth, cushiony texture. The large molecule stays on the skin surface rather than penetrating, and it is graded low concern in published assessments.

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Vitamin EGenerally safe

An antioxidant that helps protect a formula and condition skin. Well tolerated.

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EthylhexylglycerinGenerally safe

A glycerin derivative used as a skin conditioner and preservative booster, often paired with phenoxyethanol to allow lower total preservative levels. It has a low irritation and sensitization profile in safety reviews.

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ChlorphenesinWatch if sensitive

Chlorphenesin is a preservative subject to an EU maximum concentration limit and has been linked to contact dermatitis in a minority of users, particularly with repeated exposure. Most people tolerate it at the regulated use level without issue.

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Lower-concern alternatives

Same category, higher PlainScore.

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern ratings are evidence-graded and cited on each ingredient page. See how we score.