The Ordinary Glycolipid Cleanser: A Deep Dive Review for Dry and Sensitive Skin

Hi everyone, I'm Oluchi, a makeup artist and esthetician. Today, I'm excited to share my in-depth review of The Ordinary Glycolipid Cleanser. I've been incorporating this cleanser into my daily routine for a while now, and I'm ready to give you the full rundown – the good, the bad, and everything in between. If you're considering adding this to your skincare arsenal, keep reading!

The Ordinary Glycolipid Cleanser is a gentle, creamy cleanser designed to effectively remove makeup – from foundation and mascara to lipstick – without stripping your skin of its natural oils. The star ingredients here are plant-derived glycolipids, which help maintain the skin's natural pH balance. This makes it suitable for all skin types, but particularly beneficial for those with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin.

This cleanser, like any other, is the first step in your skincare routine, prepping your face for the rest of your products. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use it effectively:

1. Dispense: Start by squeezing a small, pea-sized amount of the cleanser onto your dry palms. A little goes a long way with this product, so avoid using too much.
2. Warm and Distribute: Gently rub your palms together to warm the cleanser and distribute it evenly. This helps to activate the formula and prepare it for application.
3. Apply to Dry Face: This is crucial! Apply the cleanser directly to your dry face. Because it’s a creamy formula, applying it to a wet face dilutes its cleansing power and prevents it from effectively breaking down makeup and impurities.
4. Massage Thoroughly: Take your time and gently massage the cleanser all over your face, using circular motions. Pay special attention to areas where makeup tends to accumulate, such as around the eyes and nose. Include your lips (being careful not to get it in your mouth!) to remove lipstick. If you're wearing heavy makeup, really work the cleanser into your skin to break down the products. Even if you’re not wearing makeup, spend a good 60 seconds massaging to ensure a thorough cleanse.
5. Rinse: Once you’ve thoroughly massaged the cleanser into your skin, rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as this can strip your skin of its natural oils. Ensure all traces of the cleanser are removed.

If you wear a lot of makeup or sunscreen, I highly recommend incorporating the Glycolipid Cleanser as your first cleanse in a double cleansing routine. This involves applying the Glycolipid Cleanser first, massaging it in, rinsing it off, and then following up with a second cleanser. For my second cleanse, I typically use a foaming cleanser like The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser, but you can use whatever cleanser you prefer. This two-step process ensures a truly thorough cleanse and removes every last trace of makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities.

If you’re not wearing makeup and just want a general cleanse, you can simply use the Glycolipid Cleanser on its own, following the steps outlined above.

For an even deeper cleanse and extra-soft skin, I love using the Glycolipid Cleanser with a muslin cloth. After massaging the cleanser into my skin, I dampen a muslin cloth (or any soft cloth you use for removing cleansing balms) with lukewarm water and gently wipe away the cleanser. This method provides gentle exfoliation and leaves my skin feeling incredibly smooth and refreshed.

While The Ordinary claims this cleanser is suitable for all skin types, I believe it truly shines for those with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin barriers. Its gentle, non-stripping formula respects the skin's natural pH and won't leave your face feeling tight or dry. If your skin is feeling irritated, perhaps from over-exfoliation or the use of strong actives like retinoids, this cleanser can be a lifesaver, providing soothing relief and helping to restore your skin's balance.

For those with oily skin, I wouldn't recommend using this as your sole cleanser. While it can be effective as a first cleanse to remove makeup, it might not be enough to thoroughly cleanse oily skin on its own. Following up with a foaming cleanser is key for oily skin types to effectively remove excess oil and prevent breakouts.

The Ordinary Glycolipid Cleanser comes in a 115ml bottle and costs £11.50. I've been using it for almost three weeks now, cleansing almost daily, and I estimate it will last me another two weeks or more. I use a pea-sized amount each time, which demonstrates how efficient this product is. Its affordability and longevity make it a great value for the quality.

Pros:

• Gentle and Non-Stripping: Ideal for dry, sensitive, and compromised skin.
• Effective Makeup Removal: Dissolves makeup without harsh rubbing or tugging.
• pH-Balanced: Respects the skin's natural pH, preventing disruption and irritation.
• Affordable: Excellent value for the quantity and quality.
• Fragrance-Free: Suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
• Non-Comedogenic: Won't clog pores, reducing the risk of breakouts.
• Vegan: A great option for those who prefer vegan skincare.
• Alcohol-Free: Avoids further drying the skin, maintaining hydration.

Cons:

• May not be sufficient for oily skin as a sole cleanser. Oily skin types may require a second cleanse with a foaming cleanser for optimal results.

The consistency of the Glycolipid Cleanser is light and lotion-like, almost like a very lightweight moisturizer. It’s not greasy at all and has a smooth, creamy texture that glides effortlessly over the skin. It absorbs easily and rinses off cleanly without leaving any residue.

This cleanser is always the first step in your skincare routine. After cleansing, follow with your treatments, serums, moisturizers, and finally, your SPF. It’s that simple! Remember, this is a cleanser, not a moisturizer, so don’t skip your moisturizing step.

Overall, I'm genuinely impressed with The Ordinary Glycolipid Cleanser. It's a gentle yet effective cleanser that's perfect for those with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin. While it might not be the best choice for oily skin as a standalone cleanser, it can still be a valuable addition to a double cleansing routine. Its affordability, gentle formula, and effective cleansing power make it a worthwhile addition to any skincare routine.

I hope you found this review helpful! If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences with this cleanser, please leave a comment below. I'd also love to hear your suggestions for future cleanser comparisons.

Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in my next post!