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).
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
