The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane for acne-prone skin
Squalane
Average
- SuperiorCombination Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
Works for acne-prone skin; other moisturizers fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers moderate hydration for your combination skin, as squalane provides emollient action and supports barrier resilience, though it does not directly target acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- The formula is well-suited for combination skin due to squalane's ability to moisturize without clogging pores.
- The product is safe for your acne-prone skin, with no risks of irritation from harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing squalane.
How to apply
- Use your moisturizer twice a day in your AM and PM routines. Apply it daily to help keep breakouts under control.
- Apply after your cleanser and toner, and make sure to use your SPF right after in the morning.
- Gently spread a small amount of moisturizer over your face using soft motions. Let it absorb into the skin for a minute before getting dressed or applying makeup.
- Apply on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture. This keeps your combination skin balanced without feeling heavy.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use. Stop using if you feel any irritation.
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 2.3k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, users consistently praise this product as a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that effectively hydrates dry and sensitive skin without clogging pores. While the vast majority find it versatile for both face and hair, a small minority of users with specific skin sensitivities experienced breakouts or found the texture too greasy for daytime use.
Highlights
Excellent value Often Mentioned
- “unbeatable price point”
- “bottle lasts forever”
- “cheap but effective”
- “better than expensive oils”
Lightweight hydration Often Mentioned
- “sinks in immediately”
- “doesn't feel heavy”
- “perfect non-greasy moisture”
- “leaves a healthy glow”
Soothes sensitive skin Sometimes Noted
- “stopped retinol irritation”
- “no stinging or redness”
Versatile multi-use Sometimes Noted
- “tames hair frizz”
- “mixes well with moisturizer”
- “great cuticle oil”
- “use on dry elbows”
Greasy residue Sometimes Noted
- “sat on top of skin”
- “too oily for day”
- “made me look shiny”
- “didn't absorb well”
Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
- “gave me cystic acne”
- “clogged my pores”
- “caused tiny whiteheads”
- “skin texture got bumpy”
Insufficient moisture Rarely Noted
- “still had dry patches”
- “felt too thin”
- “needed a cream on top”
- “disappeared too fast”
Packaging issues Rarely Noted
- “dropper cap broke”
- “bottle leaks easily”
- “hard to close tightly”
- “messy to travel with”
Sources: lovi.care, ulta.com, sephora.com, spacenk.com, target.com, makeupalley.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane work for acne-prone skin?
This moisturizer works reasonably well for your acne-prone skin because squalane hydrates without clogging pores, though it does not directly target breakouts. An acne-prone skin moisturizer needs ingredients that actively help with blemishes, soothe irritation, and support hydration without clogging pores.
Which ingredients make this moisturizer a good fit for acne-prone skin?
Squalane makes this moisturizer a good fit because it moisturizes skin without clogging pores and supports your skin barrier without causing irritation. Acne-prone skin needs a moisturizer that also includes active ingredients targeting blemishes and soothing extracts for complete care.
What does Squalane do for acne-prone skin?
Squalane may help keep acne-prone skin soft and smooth, but peroxidated forms can trigger inflammation in skin cells. For a better fit on acne-prone skin, products need non-clogging, soothing ingredients that balance oil without causing irritation.
Where does this moisturizer go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?
This moisturizer goes as the last step in your morning routine before sunscreen, and after your treatment in the evening. Squalane helps moisturize your skin without clogging pores, though acne-prone skin also needs targeted blemish-fighting ingredients to address breakouts directly.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020
Can I use it with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this moisturizer with retinol, applying it after your retinol treatment to help soothe your skin and keep it soft. Using a gentle moisturizer alongside strong treatments helps reduce irritation and dryness while supporting your skin barrier.
How often should I use this moisturizer?
You can use this moisturizer daily in both your morning and evening routines to keep your skin soft and balanced. It helps moisturize without clogging pores, though acne-prone skin also needs products that directly target blemishes and breakouts.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Health Science Reports, 2021
Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?
This moisturizer is unlikely to clog your pores because squalane moisturizes without blocking them, though some reviewers have reported occasional breakouts. An acne-prone skin type usually needs ingredients that directly target blemishes and breakouts while keeping the skin calm and clear.
Can I use this moisturizer around the eyes or on my body?
Yes, you can use this moisturizer around the eyes and on your body because squalane moisturizes without clogging pores and is safe for sensitive skin areas. The skin is very thin around the eyes compared to most body areas, but this gentle formula is unlikely to cause irritation.
What the research says
Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts.
Molecules, 2025Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway.
Antioxidants, 2025
Why other moisturizers fit acne-prone skin better
Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.
Molecules, 2023A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024A facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesions compared to placebo in 66 participants with mild-to-moderate maskne over 12 weeks.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
Ingredients
Squalane
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.