The Ordinary Cleanser- Which One Should I Use?

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The newest The Ordinary Cleanser,  Glycolipid Cream Cleanser is their third. Which one is the right formulation for your skin type and needs?

CHECK OUT MY ROUND UP OF THE BEST CLEANSERS FOR 2024 ACROSS ALL SKIN TYPES AND BUDGETS.

What are The Ordinary Cleansers?

With the launch of The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser, there are now three different The Ordinary Cleansers to choose from. Each one is formulated to be gentle while it cleanses the skin and also works to help support the skin’s hydration. It’s really down to what you want out of a cleanser and your preference with texture when it comes to choosing which one you want.

The Ordinary Cleanser collection includes:

  • The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser – most suited to oily and combination skin types (review here)
  • The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser – suitable for all skin types (review here)
  • The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser – most ideal for dry skin types and makeup removal (review here)

The Cleansers are available at a range of retailers including Space NK* and Cult Beauty*.

The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser

The Ordinary Cleanser- The Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
The Ordinary Cleanser- The Glucoside Foaming Cleanser

What is it?

Glucoside Foaming Cleanser is the lightest most foaming cleanser available from The Ordinary.

Texture

This has a light gel-like clear texture rich.

It is super gentle and can be used even if you have sensitive skin. Apparently it is even suitable for use on babies. It foams up easily and feels soft on the skin.

Suited to

This one is good for all skin types, however, it is probably most suitable for combination or oily skin types. If you like a gel cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin, you will like this regardless of your skin type. It is one of my favourite gel cleansers and feature in Best Cleansers for 2024.

Read: The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser Review.

The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser

The Ordinary Cleanser- The Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
The Ordinary Cleanser- The Glycolipid Cream Cleanser

What is it?

This one is a cream-based formula which has been designed to gently cleanse the skin and also remove makeup.

Texture

This has a non-foaming, non-oily cream texture.

It is super gentle and can be used around the eyes. It is non-sensitising and non-irritating and won’t disrupt the natural pH of the skin.

Suited to

This one is good for all skin types, however, it is probably most suitable for sensitive skin and those that don’t like anything too heavy or a foaming formula.

Read: The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser Review.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

The Ordinary Cleanser- The Squalane Cleanser
The Ordinary Cleanser- The Squalane Cleanser

What is it?

This one is a balm-to-oil like format designed to cleanse skin and remove makeup and impurities.

Texture

It uses plant-derived squalane and first dispense as a thick balm that needs to be melted down before use.

Suited to

This one is good for all skin types, however, it is probably most suitable for dry and mature skin types, or for more heavy makeup removal.

Read: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Review.

The Ordinary Cleanser FAQ

Which The Ordinary cleanser should I use?

All three of The Ordinary Cleanser are suitable for all skin types, so really it is down to preference and what you want to achieve.

Personally, I think the following will help you choose:
Dry skin – choose Squalane Cleanser or for heavy makeup removal
Normal to combination skin – choose either Glycolipid Cream Cleanser or Glucoside Foaming Cleanser (Squalane for makeup)
Oily skin – choose Glucoside Foaming Cleanser.

If you are double-cleansing, The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a great first cleanse, followed by either of the other two.

Is The Ordinary cleanser good?

All the cleansers from The Ordinary offer good quality cleansing without disrupting the skin barrier, at a very affordable price point.

What skin type is The Ordinary cleanser for?

All the Ordinary cleansers are suitable for all skin types however, the different texture lend themselves more to some skin types and what you want to achieve. See above for more information on which one to choose.

Is The Ordinary cleanser better for morning or night?

You can use The Ordinary Cleansers both day and night. The Squalane Cleaner is an obvious choice for nigh time as a first cleanse or if you are removing makeup and SPF.

The Glycolipid Cream Cleanser and the Glucoside Foaming Cleanser are great for light morning cleansing.

Where to buy The Ordinary Cleanser

Shop The Ordinary via the following links:

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