Versus

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Versus Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream

Face Cleanser
General Moisturizer
Canadian Brand Canada
American Brand United States

Updated on January 25, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream

Water

Skin Conditioning

Propanediol

Solvent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

C13-15 Alkane

Solvent

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

C9-12 Alkane

Solvent

Prunus Domestica Seed Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Terminalia Ferdinandiana Seed Oil

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconOil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Davidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Powder

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Podocarpus Elatus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Polyglutamic Acid

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Pleiogynium Timoriense Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Epilobium Fleischeri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

Skin Conditioning

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Xylitylglucoside

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Isononyl Isononanoate

Emollient

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Anhydroxylitol

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Arginine

Masking
Good for Scar Healing IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Chloride

Masking
Can worsen Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Xylitol

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide

Emulsion Stabilising
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate

Eclipta Prostrata Extract

Skin Conditioning

Glucose

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Potassium Phosphate

Buffering

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hydroxypropylcellulose

Emulsifying
1 / 0

Alaria Esculenta Extract

Skin Protecting

Sodium Phosphate

Buffering

Potassium Chloride

May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin Icon

Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Corallina Officinalis Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract

Emollient

Gluconolactone

Skin Conditioning
PHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

Emollient
0-2 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Curcuma Longa Root Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract

Tonic

Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning
Good for Dark Spots Icon

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

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.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan?

This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Is squalane an oil?

Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.

The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.

While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.

Learn more about Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin 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 Glycerin
Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (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.

When to use

2,389 Routines
34% use in am
66% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
391 Routines
56% use in am
44% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients

4.2 /5
from 33 ratings
Works Well (14) No Scent (12) Great Value (11)
wthtay's avatar

Taynara Motta

12 months ago
Review

I've struggled with fungal acne for the longest time and used to ran away from cleasing oils, but decided to give this one a try and has been working beautifully on my skin. It doesn't have many potential FA triggers on it, plus the main ingredient is squalane. Definitely a good option for FA sufferers who are looking to incorporate cleasing oils in their routines.

#hydrating
#light
#no scent
#works well
Jacob's avatar

Jacob

10 months ago
Review

Been using this for a couple years now - I find it to be a light non-drying cleanser.

Would recommend for people with dry/sensitive skin!

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#works well

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream 64 ingredients

4.1 /5
from 8 ratings
Expensive (3) Strong Scent (2) Hydrating (2)
Lapaki's avatar

Lapaki

2 years ago
Review

Goodie-filled moisturizer
This cream has a very nice texture, best described as a whipped, leightweight gel. It absorbs quickly, is super moisturizing, doesn't pill, and is filled with goodies - Plum, Alpine Willowherb, Polyglutamic Acid, five molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid, etc. What I personally also like, are the algae extracts (Corallina Officinalis and Alaria Esculenta). The Show more

asav's avatar

asav

2 years ago
Review

Best hydrating morning moisturizer ever. Smells nice, feels good, gentle, everything I could ever want for a morning moisturizer