The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Versus The Ordinary "B" Oil
Updated on March 05, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients
The Ordinary "B" Oil 19 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
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients
The Ordinary "B" Oil 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Squalane
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientEthyl Macadamiate
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sucrose Laurate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantSucrose Dilaurate
Emollient
Sucrose Trilaurate
Emulsifying
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingIsoceteth-20
Emulsifying
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Malic Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
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
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Emollient
Isochrysis Galbana Extract
Skin ConditioningAdansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Emollient
Rosa Canina Seed Oil
Emollient
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Humectant
Oenocarpus Bataua Fruit Oil
Emollient
Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
Emollient
Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil
Emollient
Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
Antioxidant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Isochrysis Galbana Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Oenocarpus Bataua Fruit Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 SqualaneThis 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 TriglycerideTocopherol (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.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolHydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone is a synthetically created molecule made to mimic ginger extract.
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to soothe skin.
According to one study, it is an HA booster, antioxidant, and anti-irritant.
In this study, this ingredient was able to stimulate higher hyaluronic acid levels of the dermal and epidermal layers on a skin-like model. Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant, which means it helps attract moisture to your skin. Humectants help keep skin hydrated.
As an antioxidant, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone is able to fight off damage from free-radical molecules.
Learn more about Hydroxymethoxyphenyl DecanoneIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients
The Ordinary "B" Oil 19 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients
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.
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!
The Ordinary "B" Oil 19 ingredients
Love it! Use it every evening and find it to be super hydrating.
If you are okay with oils, are on the dry side and don’t like the feeling of squalane - this will change your life. I use it on the occasions when I want an occlusive, a product that you use last in your routine to help retain moisture in your skin. Has definitely strengthened my skin barrier, doesn’t irritate.
