Updated on January 25, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser 31 ingredients
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser 31 ingredients
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients
Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Ingredients Side-by-side
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate is a cleansing agent. It can be naturally derived or synthetically-created.
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate is the sodium salt from the lauric acid of glutamic acid.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
5 Benefits
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate is a modified starch used to help thicken a product.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract comes from the fruit known as the fig. Figs are rich in antioxidants and helps hydrate the skin.
Laminaria Japonica Extract comes from a kelp more commonly known as 'sweet kelp'. It is commonly eaten in Japan, Korea, and China.
Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract comes from the false daisy plant. False daisy contains antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.
Lauryl Betaine is a surfactant. It helps cleanse your skin by gathering oil, dirt, and other pollutants to be rinsed away.
Helps with Anti-Aging
Camellia Sinensis Leaf is the leaf of the tea plant. These leaves are used to make white, oolong, green, and black tea.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Fructooligosaccharides is an alternative sweetener. It is often derived from the blue agave plant.
Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant and helps with skin conditioning.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Betaine, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Lauryl Betaine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Sodium Chloride, Polyquaternium-39, Decylene Glycol, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Fructan, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-Glucan, Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin
Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Sucrose Stearate is derived from stearic acid and sucrose (sugar). It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Isoceteth-20 comes from Isocetyl Alcohol. It is an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Antioxidant 4 Benefits May cause irritation
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone is a synthetically created molecule made to mimic ginger extract.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Malic Acid is an AHA derived from unripe fruit. The word "Malic" comes from the word "Malum". In Latin, "Malum" means apple.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Squalane, 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
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
When to use
B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser 31 ingredients
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser 31 ingredients
skinogre
I really do adore this cleanser, what people have said about this is extremely true. It smells of natural matcha, has an earthy light scent and...
I really do adore this cleanser, what people have said about this is extremely true. It smells of natural matcha, has an earthy light scent and contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and Centella extract. This makes my skin feel nourished while putting it on despite its cleansed feeling. I can definitely see how some people may find it too harsh as I too have had the same experience, especially when I first started using it, I had to oscillate between my soon jung whip cleanser which is a lot gentler. But it became something that my skin really needs in summer/spring so I’d definitely recommend it for people in hot climates or just oily skin/sweaty skin. One thing I love about this cleanser is that it feels so good to rub in, it has a consistency of like powdered chalk butter then once you rub it in your hands it feels like a glossy conditioner texture.
What did this do for my skin:
- cleans my skin properly without leaving a slimy residue
- after I use it I tried to experiment by not applying toner but instead letting my skin air dry, I’ve noticed it takes a longer time to dry (about 6 more mins) than other cleansers I use this could be due to the hyaluronic acid and ceramides preventing water loss
-less dead skin cells come off than other cleansers when I wipe it off with my toner pads afterwards
-really feels like a clean slate
-the harshest I can cleanse my skin without exfoliators in my cleanser and tight uncomfortable skin
- makes me feel like I’m in a spa because of the smell hehe
How it differs from other cleansers:
-fungal acne ingredients safe 🤩
- has natural substance of matcha in it, so it smells really nice too
-really lovely texture
-doesn’t froth or foam but more so lathers and glides on face
Drawbacks:
-can be harsh for dry skin because of how deep it cleans
-I’d feel really worried when I first used it if I didn’t have extra gentler cleansers laying around in my room because it was a little too much for my skin to get used to (got there eventually)
Who I’d recommend it for:
- oily skin
- combination skin
- people with lots of closed commodones
-hot climate/sweating users
-people who want a deeper thorough cleanser without exfoliants like salicylic acid
When do I use it/recommend it for:
-summer, humid or dense areas
-mornings are good evening feels even better
How long it lasts:
Will update, only had it for 1 month but there’s plenty left.
Water and oil based Cleansers are the basics that need to be perfected, I wouldn’t recommend this for your first starter cleanser but definitely for someone wanting to niche down their specific needs depending on their learnt skin behaviors
ChienYun_CY
Have been using this cleanser for about half a year. I switch between using the Cosrx LowPH cleanser and this depending on my routine. So far, this...
Have been using this cleanser for about half a year. I switch between using the Cosrx LowPH cleanser and this depending on my routine. So far, this cleanser has been pretty gentle on my skin and helps me to get rid of impurities. It has a slight matcha scent as well, pretty refreshing.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients
gemmajaws
Meh
It looks, smells, and feels like you are spreading Elmer’s glue all over your face although it does seem to work as a gentle cleanser. ...
Meh
It looks, smells, and feels like you are spreading Elmer’s glue all over your face although it does seem to work as a gentle cleanser. Packaging is good, simplicity of ingredients is nice, as is the price. I've not repurchased it though.
CustardBunny
Godsend for my acne
I previously had a different routine and didnt expect much from this brand as its cheap, but oh my god my acne cleared so much...
Godsend for my acne
I previously had a different routine and didnt expect much from this brand as its cheap, but oh my god my acne cleared so much from just a month of this set. Amazing.
