# The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/combination-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the Netherlands.

Brand: [The Ordinary](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/the-ordinary)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for combination skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate moisturizing benefits for your combination skin, as squalane provides emollient action and barrier repair to address oily shine.
- The high concentration of squalane ensures excellent hydration and enhances barrier resilience, making it generally suitable for your skin type.
- The product is safe for your combination skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing squalane.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/oily-skin): Low
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/combination-skin): Average (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Squalane

## What the research says

- Application of squalene/phosphotungstate calcium nanowires (Sql/PWC) oleogel on UVB-irradiated skin decreased epidermal thickness, increased dermal thickness, and promoted the expression of elastin, collagen, and skin barrier markers through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. ([Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40001122/))
- Topical application of a vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate significantly increased epidermal thickness, type III collagen production, and glycosaminoglycans production in human skin explants compared to free vitamin C and vitamin C-palmitate. ([Scientific Reports, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33037252/))
- 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, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/))
- Plant-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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40722956/))

## What reviewers say

Based 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.

- Liked: Excellent value (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight hydration (often mentioned)
- Liked: Soothes sensitive skin (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Versatile multi-use (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Greasy residue (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Insufficient moisture (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this moisturizer in your AM and PM routine every day to control shine. Always pair with SPF in the morning.
- Apply this moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your morning SPF.
- Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin and avoid harsh rubbing. Let it ⏳absorb for a minute.
- Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help it lock in moisture better. This keeps your combination skin balanced.
- Avoid the eye area when applying the moisturizer. Do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does The Ordinary Squalane work for combination skin?

This moisturizer works reasonably well for your combination skin by offering moderate moisture and helping to control oily shine without causing irritation. However, a product of this type for combination skin needs to include brightening ingredients, multiple peptides, and natural moisturizing factors to deliver optimal hydration and address multiple skin concerns effectively.
Sources: [Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40001122/), [Scientific Reports, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33037252/)

### Which ingredients make this moisturizer a good fit for combination skin?

Squalane makes this moisturizer a good fit for combination skin because it provides moderate moisture and helps repair the skin barrier to address oily shine. To work even better for this skin type, a moisturizer of this type needs brightening ingredients, multiple peptides, natural moisturizing factors, soothing agents, and antioxidants.
Sources: [Molecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/), [Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40001122/)

### What does Squalane do for combination skin?

Squalane helps keep combination skin soft and smooth by locking in moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. It supports the skin barrier and provides lightweight hydration that works well for both dry and oily areas.
Sources: [Skin Health and Disease, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39355739/), [Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40001122/)

### Where does this moisturizer go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This moisturizer goes after your hydrating toner in the morning and after your treatment in the evening. It helps keep your skin soft and balanced without clogging pores.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/)

### Can I use it with retinol, and in what order?

You can use The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane with retinol by applying the moisturizer after your retinol treatment to help soothe the skin and lock in moisture. Using a barrier-enhancing moisturizer alongside retinoids is unlikely to cause irritation and may help your skin tolerate the treatment better.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/), [Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40001122/)

### How often should I use this moisturizer?

You can use this moisturizer daily in your morning and evening routines. It helps keep your skin soft and hydrated while being gentle enough to avoid irritation.
Sources: [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/), [Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40001122/)

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This moisturizer is unlikely to irritate your combination skin, though reviewers sometimes mention breakouts or a greasy residue. To work best for this skin, a product of this type needs lightweight ingredients that balance moisture without feeling heavy.

### Can I use this moisturizer around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this moisturizer around the eyes and on your body because its gentle formula is safe and unlikely to cause irritation. However, combination skin often needs a product that also balances oil and delivers lightweight hydration across different areas.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/natural-moisturizing-factors-ha/for/combination-skin) — High fit — €13.02 at Amazon
- [Anua Heartleaf 78% Soothing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/anua/heartleaf-78-soothing-cream/for/combination-skin) — High fit — €25.29 at Amazon
- [ANUA Heartleaf 70% Soothing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/anua/heartleaf-70-soothing-cream/for/combination-skin) — High fit — €25.29 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/amino-acid-gentle-bubble-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €16.50 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €36.00 at Amazon
- SPF: [make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/make-p-rem/uv-defense-me-blue-ray-sun-cream/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €33.70 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.nl: €11.95 (https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0719WNNK4?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Notino: €12.00 (https://www.notino.nl/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane-hydraterende-serum/p-16204763/)
Prices checked 13 Oct – 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Squalane
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-ordinary/100-plant-derived-squalane/for/combination-skin