Product review
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
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If squalane has a default answer, this is it. The Ordinary put a single-ingredient, sugarcane-derived squalane on the shelf for the price of a coffee-and-a-half, and in doing so made the ingredient mainstream. There is nothing on the INCI list except squalane, which is exactly what you want from a first oil: no fragrance to sensitize, no filler to react to, just the emollient.
On skin it behaves the way squalane should — a couple of drops spread easily, sink in within a minute, and leave a soft, non-greasy finish rather than a slick. I use it as the last step at night and as a mix-in with moisturizer when the weather turns dry. It layers under everything and never pilled for me.
The two honest limitations are size and packaging. Thirty milliliters is small if you use squalane generously, and the simple dropper exposes the oil to a little more air than an airless pump. Neither is a dealbreaker at this price — it just means you might prefer a bigger bottle like Timeless if you go through oil quickly.
The specs
Squalane — a one-ingredient formula, nothing else on the list.
Squalane is commonly rated 0–1 for comedogenicity, so it suits acne-prone and oily skin.
What we like
- 100% squalane, no fillers or fragrance
- The lowest entry price of any name-brand squalane
- Sugarcane-derived and vegan
- Widely stocked, easy to repurchase
Keep in mind
- Small 30 ml bottle
- Simple dropper rather than an airless pump
Who should skip it: Skip it only if you want a large-format bottle or airless packaging for oxidative stability.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Ordinary squalane good for acne-prone skin?
Yes. Squalane is commonly rated 0–1 for comedogenicity, and this formula is 100% squalane with no added oils or fragrance, so it's one of the safer facial oils for acne-prone and oily skin. Patch-test first, as with any new product.
Where does The Ordinary get its squalane?
The Ordinary lists its squalane as plant-derived, produced from sugarcane rather than shark liver. It's vegan.
How do you use The Ordinary squalane?
Apply a few drops as the last step of your routine at night, or mix it into your moisturizer. It also works on damp skin to seal in hydration, and a drop smoothed through hair ends tames frizz.