Why I buy The Ordinary Squalane Lip Balm from the US to save money in Australia

February 09, 2026

Why everyone is chasing this specific lip balm

I have seen the viral reviews for The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm everywhere lately. This product has become a staple because it combines clinical-grade hydration with a very accessible price point. In the last week alone, the surge in interest has caused it to sell out across major retailers in Melbourne and Sydney. I found that the most reliable way to secure stock is by looking at us trends and purchasing directly from North American suppliers where stock levels are replenished more frequently.

Why I buy The Ordinary Squalane Lip Balm from the US to save money in Australia
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The formula uses squalane and a specific amino acid complex that mimics the skin's natural moisturizing factors. Because it is so lightweight yet effective, it has become a top-tier item for people like me who want clinical results without the high-end boutique price tag.

My strategy for shopping US stores from Australia

When I want to shop us ship international, I look at the total cost of the product plus shipping versus the inflated local prices in Australia. Often, even with the currency conversion, buying directly from a US retailer using a tax-free us address results in significant savings, especially if I am bundling several skincare items together.

I use a freight forwarder to bridge the gap between US-only shipping and my doorstep in Australia. This allows me to access sales on the DECIEM US site or Sephora US that aren't available to the Australian market.

Shipping estimates for the lip balm

I put together these estimates to help you plan your budget. Since this is a small beauty product, the individual weight is negligible, but we must account for the protective shipping box.

Metric Estimate
Box Weight Approx. 0.15 kg (0.33 lbs)
Box Dimensions Small (Approx. 12cm x 5cm x 5cm)
Volumetric Warning Minimal. This item is dense and small, so volumetric weight is rarely an issue unless you ship it in a massive, empty box.
Battery Check No batteries. No special dangerous goods restrictions apply.

I always suggest using the shipping calculator before you commit to a purchase. You can see the international shipping rates upfront so there are no surprises when the package reaches the warehouse.

How I handle stores that block Australian credit cards

I have encountered a common problem when trying to buy The Ordinary products from certain US retailers: they often block international credit cards or automatically cancel orders if the billing address doesn't match a US zip code. Stores like Sephora or the official DECIEM shop sometimes flag international transactions as high risk.

We use the "BuyForMe" service to get around this. Instead of me trying to use my Australian card, I provide the product link to comGateway, and they purchase the item using a US domestic credit card. This is the safest way to guarantee my order doesn't get cancelled at the last minute. It saves me the headache of dealing with declined transactions and ensures I get the viral products before they sell out again.

Australian GST and import tax considerations

I always keep an eye on GST/VAT regulations for Australia. Since 2018, the Australian government requires GST to be paid on low-value imported goods. Usually, for items under $1,000 AUD, the process is straightforward, but it is important to factor this 10% into your total cost. Check our guide on import duties to see how this might affect your specific 2026 shipment.

My shipping process using comGateway

If you are new to this, here is a step-by-step guide on how I manage my hauls. First, I sign up to get my US address. Then, I shop at my favorite US beauty stores and ship the items to that address. Once the package arrives, I get an email notification, I pay the shipping fees, and the package is on its way to Australia via DHL or FedEx. It usually takes about 5 to 8 business days to reach me in Brisbane.

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