Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
A cream cleanser that removes makeup and daily buildup while respecting the skin barrier and helping skin stay comfortable.
A strong choice for dry or sensitive-leaning users who want a more makeup-removing cleanser without the stripped feel of harsher washes.
Most cleansers at this price point use harsher surfactants that work fine for normal or oily skin but feel punishing on drier types. The glycolipid system here delivers real cleansing performance without requiring your moisturizer to immediately repair the damage your cleanser just did.
First step — both morning and evening. Can be used as a standalone cleanser or as the second cleanse in a double-cleansing routine after an oil or micellar water.
Anyone with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin who has struggled to find a cleanser that actually removes makeup without leaving their face feeling tight or reactive afterward.
If you have oily skin that needs deep pore cleansing after a day of sunscreen and activity — this is on the softer end and may not be enough. Oily skin types may prefer the Glucoside Foaming Cleanser for a more thorough cleanse.
One of the safest cleansers you can use during a flare. It does not strip the barrier or introduce irritating actives. If your routine needs to be stripped back, this cleanser can stay.
- A lightweight hyaluronic acid serum applied immediately after while skin is still damp
- A gentle niacinamide moisturizer to follow up with balanced hydration
- The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution a few evenings a week for deeper pore support if your skin can handle it
Best For
- Dry skin
- Sensitive skin
- Makeup removal
- Non-stripping cleansing
- Barrier-conscious routines
How to Use
Massage onto dry or damp skin, working into a light lather. Rinse thoroughly with water. Can be used once or twice daily.
Key Ingredients
Glycolipids cleanse the skin by attracting and removing oil, makeup, and surface buildup — similar to conventional surfactants, but with a significantly milder impact on the skin barrier. Unlike sulphate-based cleansers, glycolipid surfactants preserve the skin's natural lipid layer and maintain post-wash comfort.
Full Ingredient List
About This Product
The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser is built around a glycolipid-based cleansing system — sugar-derived surfactants known for their gentle, barrier-respecting cleansing action. Unlike sulphate-based cleansers that strip the skin's lipid layer, glycolipid surfactants cleanse effectively while keeping the barrier intact. The cream texture suits dry, normal, and sensitive-leaning skin, offering genuine makeup removal without the stripped, tight post-wash feeling that many cleansers produce. It fits The Ordinary's approach of honest, functional formulation without unnecessary fragrance, harsh preservatives, or aggressive cleansing agents.