My bathroom sink looked like a crime scene. Makeup-stained washcloths everywhere.
The real issue? My sunscreen was ghosting me — leaving a film no single cleanser could bust through.
Biossance‘s Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil. $30. They claim it melts makeup without stripping skin. I was skeptical — oils usually break me out.
Squalane-Based
Derived from sugarcane, not olives, so it’s non-comedogenic.
No Fragrance
Zero essential oils or perfumes — a win for reactive skin.
Antioxidant Blend
Fights free radicals during the one minute it’s on your face.
Photo: Kaeme / Unsplash
It’s a short, smart list. The hero is their signature sugarcane squalane, which mimics your skin’s own moisture. The antioxidants are there to do a little work while everything dissolves.
- Squalane: Hydrates while it cleanses — doesn’t just strip
- Olive-Derived Emollients: Help the oil rinse completely clean
- Lingonberry Seed Oil: Packed with omegas to soothe
- Vitamin E: A classic antioxidant that stabilizes the blend
Photo: Alexandra Tran / Unsplash
It’s lighter than most cooking oils — more like a silky slip. Spreads over a dry face easily, even over waterproof mascara. The emulsification is instant magic with water.
After two weeks, my skin felt softer in the AM. The surprise? No new congestion. My pores didn’t feel like they’d been packed with wax.
My makeup removal is faster. My single cleanser works better now. But my hormonal breakouts? Still arrived right on schedule. This isn’t a cure-all.
Double cleansing isn’t necessary for everyone. But for city living and serious SPF? It’s a non-negotiable upgrade. This oil makes the extra step feel luxurious, not tedious.