Curious about squalane? We’ve got the information you need about this hydrating skincare superstar, including whether it’s right for you and how to incorporate it into your beauty routine.
What is squalane?
Squalane is a moisturizing ingredient often used in skincare products. It works by coating the skin’s surface to assist in moisture retention. It’s rich in antioxidants and skin-replenishing fatty acids.
What’s the difference between squalane and squalene?
Squalene is a lipid produced naturally by your own skin cells. As we age, however, we begin producing less of it. (This is one of the many reasons many of us struggle with dry skin more often as we grow older.) By itself, squalene is not particularly stable and will oxidize, becoming unusable. However, it can be modified into
squalane, a lighter and more stable version of squalene. It essentially mimcs your skin’s natural oils, helping you reclaim a youthful glow.
What does squalane do for your skin?
Squalane has been shown to soften skin and smooth its surface, promoting a healthier look and feel without leaving a greasy or sticky finish.
Who should use squalane? Does squalane cause acne?
Because squalane so closely resembles our skin’s natural oils, it’s a great ingredient for nearly everyone—even those with oily or acne-prone skin. (Even though it’s an oil, it’s non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores.) In fact, because squalane is fast-absorbing and non-greasy, it’s an excellent alternative for anyone who finds that other oils are too heavy for their skin.
As when testing any new skincare product or ingredient, we recommend performing a patch test to ensure your skin reacts well.
When and how should you use squalane?
While it’s possible to purchase 100% pure squalane for skincare use, many products also include it alongside other beneficial ingredients. Squalane is most commonly found in facial skincare products and accordingly has found its way into many skincare routines. When applying these products, the general rule is to layer your products based on consistency—from thin to thick. Because squalane is a so emollient, you’ll probably want to apply it after any serums or toners. Of course, your dermatologist knows best!
In our opinion, the rest of your skin deserves the same high-performing ingredients as your face. That’s why we included squalane in our
Body Soufflé, a lightweight, fast-abosrbing
moisturizer that also contains argan, avocado, and macadamia seed oils to help build skin’s natural defense and moisture repair.
