Squalane Oil is Underrated. Why You’re About to see it Everywhere & Our Top 3 Recommendations
Squalene oil has re-emerged as a must have addition to many moisturisers and a amazing all rounder to boost the skins moisturisation.
Known for it’s nourishing and hydrating properties- without the heavy coating feeling some richer oils can give, Squalane is very underrated, but is responsible for many of the elegant textures we enjoy in our products.
But first…You might notice different spellings of the ingredient, that’s because they aren’t identical!
Squalene vs Squalane
Squalane and squalene are both emollients that help hydrate and protect the skin, but they differ in stability and usage.
Squalene is a naturally occurring lipid found in human sebum and plant sources, but it's unstable and prone to oxidation, making it less ideal for skincare products.
Squalane, on the other hand, is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering the same moisturising benefits with greater stability and a longer shelf life, making it the preferred choice in modern skincare formulations.
Does it mean Squalene is bad or ineffective? No! But it’s a bit of a fussier ingredient.
Majority of skincare uses Squalane.
Both squalene and squalane can be vegan, but it depends on their sources.
Plant-derived versions from olives, rice bran, or sugarcane are vegan, while those from animal sources, such as shark liver oil, are not.
With the industry’s shift towards sustainability and ethical practices, most commercially available squalane is vegan.
Why we Love it
Squalane oil is known for it’s ability to deeply hydrate and moisturise the skin without leaving a greasy residue. It absorbs quickly, making it ideal for both dry and oily skin types.
Naturally rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps combat free radicals that can lead to premature ageing.
Its lightweight texture makes it non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores, making it suitable even for acne-prone skin.
For dry skin, squalene oil provides intense hydration, helping to replenish moisture levels and restore suppleness.
It soothes irritation and reduces flakiness, making it a go-to choice for those struggling with skin sensitivity.
Who is it Good for?
Squalene oil benefits a wide range of skin types, from dry and sensitive to oily and acne-prone.
Dry skin benefits from its intense hydration, while oily skin types appreciate its ability to balance sebum production.
It soothes sensitive skin and helps repair the skin barrier, addressing concerns such as dehydration, fine lines, and uneven texture.
How Should I use it?
It can be used as a standalone oil as a last step to a routine, or mixed with your favourite moisturiser for an extra hydration boost.
Use a few drops in the morning and evening, gently massaging into the skin until fully absorbed as last step in the PM, and the last step before SPF in the AM.
Alternatively, there are many moisturisers on the market that are supercharged with Squalane.
Moisturisers we Love That Have Squalene
"Squalane: Derived from sugarcane, it mimics body's natural hydrating oils to provide weightless moisture to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin and prevent over-drying."
Boasting 4% Squalane, "Squalane doesn't just hydrate; it's like a chameleon for your skin, adapting to banish dry patches, plump fine lines and target acne-prone skin. With its non-clogging, light-as-air feel, squalane is loaded with antioxidants to deliver glowing, radiant skin."