The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Hydrating Makeup Remover - 1.7 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Alcohol-Free, Vegan, For Dry Skin
OrdinaryAnalysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This product contains beneficial ingredients such as squalane, glycerin, and tocopherol, which are known for their hydrating and protective properties. The formulation is free from harsh surfactants and alcohol, making it suitable for dry skin. However, the presence of synthetic polymers like polyacrylate crosspolymer-6 and sodium polyacrylate indicates a moderate level of processing, which slightly impacts the overall score.
Key ingredients 20
SqualaneVery Good
Squalane is a highly effective emollient and natural antioxidant. It helps to hydrate and protect the skin, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products. Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for all skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with squalane, as it is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
Benefits
Squalane provides excellent hydration and helps to maintain the skin's moisture barrier.
Coco-caprylate/caprateGood
Coco-caprylate/caprate is a skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil. It provides a silky, smooth feel to the skin and enhances the spreadability of products. It is considered a safe and effective emollient.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It improves skin texture and provides a lightweight, non-greasy feel.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a well-known humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and soft, making it a staple in many skincare products. Its ability to retain moisture makes it beneficial for dry skin.
Risks
Glycerin is generally safe, but in very high concentrations, it may cause irritation.
Benefits
It effectively hydrates the skin and helps to maintain its moisture balance.
Caprylic/capric TriglycerideGood
Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a mixed triester derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It is an excellent emollient and helps to improve the spreadability of products. It is lightweight and non-greasy, making it suitable for all skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and enhances the texture of formulations.
TocopherolGood
Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. It also has moisturizing properties and can improve skin texture. It is widely used in skincare products for its protective benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with tocopherol, as it is generally well-tolerated.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection and helps to moisturize the skin.
Aqua (water)Neutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It acts as a base for many ingredients, allowing them to be evenly distributed. While it is essential, it does not provide direct skincare benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
Water helps to dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the formulation.
Sucrose StearateNeutral
Sucrose stearate is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients. It is derived from sugar and stearic acid, making it a mild and non-irritating ingredient. It is commonly used to stabilize formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sucrose stearate, as it is generally considered safe.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize emulsions and improve the texture of cosmetic products.
Ethyl MacadamiateNeutral
Ethyl macadamiate is a synthetic ester derived from macadamia oil. It provides a silky, non-greasy feel and enhances the spreadability of products. It is used as an emollient in skincare formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with ethyl macadamiate, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It improves the texture and application of skincare products.
Sucrose LaurateNeutral
Sucrose laurate is an emulsifier and surfactant derived from sugar and lauric acid. It helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients and stabilize formulations. It is considered mild and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sucrose laurate, as it is generally considered safe.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize emulsions and improve the texture of cosmetic products.
Hydrogenated Starch HydrolysateNeutral
Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate is a humectant and moisturizer derived from starch. It helps to retain moisture in the skin and improve the texture of formulations. It is considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, as it is generally well-tolerated.
Benefits
It helps to hydrate the skin and improve the texture of cosmetic products.
Sucrose DilaurateNeutral
Sucrose dilaurate is an emulsifier and surfactant derived from sugar and lauric acid. It helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients and stabilize formulations. It is considered mild and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sucrose dilaurate, as it is generally considered safe.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize emulsions and improve the texture of cosmetic products.
Sucrose TrilaurateNeutral
Sucrose trilaurate is an emulsifier and surfactant derived from sugar and lauric acid. It helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients and stabilize formulations. It is considered mild and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sucrose trilaurate, as it is generally considered safe.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize emulsions and improve the texture of cosmetic products.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6Neutral
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6 is a thickening agent used to enhance the texture of cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize emulsions and improve product consistency. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of cosmetic products.
Isoceteth-20Neutral
Isoceteth-20 is an emulsifier and surfactant used to blend oil and water-based ingredients. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve product texture. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with isoceteth-20, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize emulsions and improve the texture of cosmetic products.
Sodium PolyacrylateNeutral
Sodium polyacrylate is a thickening agent and film-former used in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve product texture and stability. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sodium polyacrylate, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of cosmetic products.
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl DecanoneNeutral
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to enhance the scent of cosmetic products. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not provide direct skincare benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the fragrance of cosmetic products.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateNeutral
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate is a chelating agent used to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It helps to bind metal ions and prevent product degradation. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, as it is generally well-tolerated.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize formulations and improve product longevity.
Malic AcidNeutral
Malic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used to exfoliate the skin and improve texture. It helps to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics at appropriate concentrations.
Risks
There is a risk of irritation, especially for sensitive skin, when used in high concentrations.
Benefits
It helps to exfoliate the skin and improve texture.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative and skin-conditioning agent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps to enhance the efficacy of preservatives and improve skin feel. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with ethylhexylglycerin, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to preserve formulations and improve skin feel.
ChlorphenesinNeutral
Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic formulations. It helps to extend the shelf life of products and ensure safety. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics at appropriate concentrations.
Risks
There is a risk of irritation, especially for sensitive skin, when used in high concentrations.
Benefits
It helps to preserve formulations and ensure product safety.
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