What Does Squalane Do for Skin?
What does squalane do for skin? Discover all the benefits of squalane oil for skin and shop the best products featuring this powerhouse skincare ingredient.
Squalane is a master moisturizer that can work wonders for dry skin. While it doesn’t get as much credit as the likes of ceramides and hyaluronic acid, squalane still deserves a shout out for its slew of skincare benefits.
Ahead, everything you should know about squalane, from what it is to what it is does and how to use it for plump, hydrated, radiant-looking skin.
What is Squalane?
Squalane is a naturally-occurring oil and a key component of sebum (the oil secreted from your sebaceous glands). It is a powerful hydrator that mimics your skin’s natural oils, keeping skin hydrated and preventing moisture loss while supporting your skin barrier.
Squalane is an emollient that’s lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic. This makes it suitable for all skin types, even those with oily skin or acne-prone skin.
You will find squalane in a range of moisturizing skincare products like serums and creams for dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis.
What Does Squalane Do for Skin?
Squalane is specifically know for its hydrating effects on the skin. It works like your skin’s natural oil to prevent moisture loss, diminish dryness, and restore suppleness.
That being said, all skin types can benefit from using squalane. Dry skin especially, since squalane is an excellent hydrator. However, sensitive skin types can benefit too as squalane is a gentle moisturizer that hydrates and eases irritation.
Even people with oily and acne-prone skin can enjoy the benefits of squalane for skin. Because it is lightweight and non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn’t clog your pores), it deeply hydrates the skin without causing breakouts.
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Benefits of Squalane for Skin
So, what does squalane do for skin? Here are the top benefits of squalane that you definitely don’t want to miss.
#1: It’s a Powerful Hydrator
Applied topically, squalane oil improves skin hydration, reduces moisture loss, and keeps your skin soft and smooth. If you have dry skin, you’ll notice a significant improvement with regular use of a squalane moisturizer. However, all skin types can benefit from using squalane as a daily moisturizer.
#2: It Supports Your Skin Barrier
According to dermatologists, squalane seals water into the skin and ultimately strengthens the outer layer of your skin, which makes it hard for water to evaporate. As a result, skin stays hydrated for hours. By supporting your skin’s moisture barrier, squalane helps keep your skin soft, supple, and healthy.
#3: It Won’t Clog Your Pores
While squalane is an oil, it is non-comedogenic, which means it will not clog your pores or contribute to breakouts. Skincare products with squalane tend to be lightweight, non-greasy, and perfect for all skin types, including oily and blemish-prone skin.
#4: It May Reduce Signs of Aging
Squalane targets skin aging in two different ways. First, by intensely hydrating the skin to plump out fine lines and wrinkles. And second, by encouraging collagen production which improves skin’s elasticity, firmness, and suppleness. It’s not a widely known anti-aging ingredient but it’s definitely helpful both at preventing and treating signs of aging.
#5: It Soothes Itching and Irritation
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and barrier-supporting superpowers, squalane can soothe redness, irritation, and itching. It can even manage symptoms of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis because of its hydrating properties.
Best Squalane Skincare Products
Whether you’re after hydration or anti-aging benefits, these squalane products will leave you smooth, plump, and glowing all over.
If you have dry skin or uneven skin texture, watch your skin transform with this silky squalane serum. It’s formulated with an exfoliating blend of lactic and glycolic acid to smooth and brighten, along with squalane and plum oil to plump and hydrate your skin.
Get a luminous sunkissed glow with just a few drops of this luxury bronzing oil. It targets dullness, dryness, and signs of aging with its antioxidant-packed blend of cocoa extract, turmeric, and squalane. Lightweight, non-greasy & fragrance-free.
Perfect for sensitive skin types, this soothing serum instantly calms redness and irritation with its nourishing blend of acai, matcha, and rosewater. It’s the secret to soothed, healthy skin that glistens!
Squalane vs Squalene: What’s the Difference?
While they are related, squalane and squalene are not the same.
Squalene is a lipid naturally produced by your skin to help keep it moisturized. With age, the production of squalene decreases. Squalene is a great moisturizer and protectant but it is also highly unstable and prone to oxidation. In order for it to have a shelf life, squalene needs to be hydrogenated which turns it into—squalane.
Squalene was traditionally sourced from shark liver but due to environmental concerns, it is now commonly derived from olive oil, sugar cane, and rice bran.
Squalane is the saturated form of squalene. It goes through a process known as hydrogenation, which makes it stable against heat and oxidation. Consequently, squalane is ideal for skincare formulations because it’s more stable and has a longer shelf life.
How to Use Squalane in Your Skincare Routine
Everyone can enjoy the benefits of using squalane in their skincare routine. As a lightweight, plant-derived oil, it mimics your body’s natural sebum and works wonders at locking in moisture. Use it as the final step in your nighttime routine by applying a few drops after cleansing and moisturizing. This not only seals in hydration but also strengthens the skin’s barrier and supports healthy skin cells.
In the morning, mix a drop of squalane with your moisturizer or apply it directly to your skin’s surface for an instant glow. It pairs beautifully with SPF, ensuring your skin stays smooth and shielded from free radicals throughout the day.
You’ll find squalane in everything from cleansers and serums to eye creams, toners, body lotions, and haircare products. With its blend of fatty acids, this plant-derived ingredient delivers hydration and resilience to both skin and hair.
Does Squalane Pair Well With Other Skincare Ingredients?
Pairing squalane with complementary ingredients can supercharge your skincare routine. Known for its hydrating and soothing properties, squalane enhances the effects of many actives while reducing irritation and improving skin barrier function.
Squalane pairs especially well with retinol, helping to buffer irritation and keep skin hydrated. Apply squalane before retinol in your skincare routine for best results. It’s also a fantastic partner for vitamin C, stabilizing the antioxidant and enhancing its brightening effects. Use this duo in the morning with your sunscreen to combat free radicals and environmental stressors.
For hydration, layer squalane with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture to your skin, while squalane seals it in, preventing water loss. Similarly, niacinamide works with squalane to calm redness and inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Is It Okay to Use Squalane Every Day?
Yes, it’s perfectly okay—and even recommended—to use squalane every day. Thanks to its lightweight and non-irritating nature, squalane is gentle enough for daily use, no matter your skin type.
Incorporating squalane into your morning and nighttime routines can keep your skin hydrated, protected, and glowing. Use it as a stand-alone oil, mix it with your moisturizer, or layer it over serums to seal in hydration. Daily use can also help maintain your skin barrier and prevent moisture loss, making it a staple for keeping your skin youthful, radiant, and healthy.
Can Squalane Be Used on all Skin Types?
Yes, squalane is suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, acne-prone, combination, and sensitive skin. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula ensures it hydrates without clogging pores or causing irritation.
What does squalane do for skin? Squalane is a superstar skincare ingredient known for its hydrating and protective benefits. Regardless of your skin type, you can reap the benefits of squalane. Whether you’re experiencing dry skin, eczema, irritation or signs of aging, squalane can help replenish your skin.
