The £11 Cleanser That’s About to Be Your New Skincare Staple: A Deep Dive into The Ordinary’s Glycolipid Cleansing Cream
If there’s one universal truth among beauty editors, it’s this: a good cleanser is the cornerstone of a great skincare routine. You could own the most expensive serums on the market or the latest celebrity-backed moisturizers, but if your cleanser isn’t doing its job properly? You’re not only wasting your time, but your money, too.
A facial cleanser does more than just rinse off dirt. It’s the gateway product — the unsung hero that determines whether your actives actually penetrate the skin or just sit on top of a cocktail of sunscreen, makeup, sebum, and pollution from your day. That’s why finding a formula that thoroughly cleanses without stripping the skin is crucial.
And thanks to brands like The Ordinary, CeraVe, The Inkey List, and Byoma, we now have access to cleansers that are both effective and wallet-friendly. While luxury brands still dominate glossy magazine pages, the real gems often come from under-£15 tubes sitting quietly in your bathroom cabinet.
The Rise of The Ordinary’s Cleansers
If you’re already a fan of The Ordinary, you’re probably familiar with its now-iconic Squalane Cleanser (£8) — a silky, balm-like formula that melts off makeup with the ease of a cleansing oil, but without the residue. Dermatologists love it. TikTok loves it. Your skin barrier? Really loves it.
Then came the Glucoside Foaming Cleanser (£11.10), a more traditional foaming option that packed serious cleansing power. It quickly became the go-to for removing stubborn SPF and waterproof mascara.
But now, there’s a new contender in town: the Glycolipid Cleansing Cream (£11.10). On paper, it might sound like just another cleanser in a sea of options. But trust me — this one’s different. And after weeks of testing it morning and night, it may be my favorite cleanser The Ordinary has ever released.
First Impressions: Texture, Scent, and Feel
Let’s talk texture, because it’s what sets the Glycolipid Cleansing Cream apart from the rest. It’s not a foaming cleanser, nor is it an oil-balm hybrid like the Squalane Cleanser. Instead, this formula sits somewhere in the middle: a lightweight gel-cream that feels more like a lotion than a traditional face wash.
It spreads easily, doesn’t foam (which your skin barrier will thank you for), and rinses off without any greasy film or tightness. It’s water-based, making it suitable for every skin type — dry, oily, sensitive, acne-prone, you name it.
There’s no strong scent, no artificial fragrance, and no stinging sensation around the eyes. It’s gentle — but not “too gentle” like some cleansers that barely do anything. It hits that perfect balance of being thorough but not harsh.
What Exactly Are Glycolipids?
Before we dive into performance, let’s break down what makes this cleanser so unique: glycolipids.
Glycolipids are naturally occurring lipids (fats) that contain a carbohydrate group. In your skin, they play a key role in maintaining moisture, softness, and structural integrity. They help strengthen your skin’s protective barrier by keeping cells connected and hydrated. That means fewer breakouts, less irritation, and a more even complexion over time.
In this cleanser, glycolipids act as ultra-mild surfactants—they help remove dirt, excess oil, pollutants, and even long-wear makeup without disrupting your skin’s delicate pH or microbiome. Think of them as the gentlest bouncers ever: they escort impurities off your face while keeping all the good stuff (natural oils, moisture) in.
Performance: How Well Does It Actually Work?
I test a lot of cleansers in my job, and I rarely finish a full tube or bottle before something new arrives on my desk. But this one? I squeezed every last drop, to the point where I contemplated cutting the tube open to scrape out what was left. That says a lot.
Compared to other drugstore favorites like CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser (£11.50), the Glycolipid Cleanser holds its own — and then some.
Where CeraVe leaves your skin soft and clean (especially for dry or sensitive types), The Ordinary’s Glycolipid Cleanser goes a step further. It dissolves makeup — including mascara — in one pass, which is something CeraVe struggles with unless you double-cleanse.
This alone is a game-changer. Anything that shortens my nighttime routine and still gets the job done earns a permanent spot on my shelf.
A Skincare Editor’s Dilemma: Price vs Performance
Just before The Ordinary’s cleanser landed on my desk, I had been testing a £42 cleanser from a premium brand favored by dermatologists. While it had some nice ingredients, it took forever to break down my foundation, stung my eyes, and honestly felt like a letdown at that price point.
In contrast, this £11.10 Glycolipid Cleanser not only worked better — it was far more enjoyable to use. It’s proof that price doesn’t always equal performance. Sometimes, the best product is also the most affordable.
For All Skin Types — Yes, Really
Despite having combination skin with an oily T-zone and the occasional blackhead, I’m more cautious than ever about what I use on my face. In the age of skin barrier awareness, we’re finally moving away from harsh foaming cleansers that leave your skin feeling squeaky — and stripped.
This cleanser supports that new approach. It’s gentle, hydrating, and barrier-friendly. My skin didn’t feel desperate for serum or moisturizer afterward. In fact, it felt soft and supple — like I had already done the second step of my routine.
Even my partner, who has sensitive, acne-prone skin and usually sticks to his minimalist skincare lineup, fell in love with this cleanser. We shared one tube (not ideal, I know), and it was gone in less than a month.
The Only Downside? I Wish It Came in a Bigger Tube
At 150ml, the Glycolipid Cleanser is standard size, but when you’re using it twice daily — and sharing it — it runs out fast. I’d love to see a larger size in the future, maybe a 300ml pump version for devoted fans like myself. Until then, I’ll keep repurchasing and stashing backups in my bathroom drawer.
Final Thoughts: A Future Cult Classic?
The Ordinary’s Glycolipid Cleansing Cream isn’t flashy. It doesn’t promise to transform your skin overnight or come in a high-gloss bottle. But what it does offer is a simple, effective, gentle cleanse that fits seamlessly into any routine — and performs better than some products triple its price.
With a price tag of just £11.10, it’s an absolute steal. And given the brand’s history (remember how quickly the Squalane Cleanser and Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum went viral?), I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes the next cult favorite.
Whether you’re dealing with redness, breakouts, dryness, or just looking for a no-fuss cleanser that actually does what it promises, this one is worth adding to your rotation.
Final Verdict: 9.5/10 — almost perfect (just make the tube bigger, please).
