If you’ve ever noticed a skincare ingredient called “squalane” in your products and perhaps googled it, you may have come across both the words “squalane” and “squalene”. If you thought they were the same ingredient, then you’re wrong. This single letter has a major impact on the stability of the compound. So, before we start describing the effects of squalane, let’s talk about the difference between squalane and squalene.
Squalane is a hydrogenated form of squalene. Squalene is a lipid (fat) found naturally in the skin and secreted by our sebaceous glands. However, squalene is not stable enough for use in skincare products, so it is modified to make it last longer. This modified version is called squalane – and you can find it in both skincare and haircare products.
Characteristics of squalane
Since the squalane in skincare products mimics our skin’s own natural oils, it is highly effective. It is a premium anti-ageing hydrating ingredient for all skin types. It is also an incredibly lightweight oil, which is a great addition to your skincare routine. It is non-greasy and provides moisture without the added weight that some oils and oil-based products create.
Effects of squalane on the skin
Softens and smooths the skin.
Helps support the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Soothes dry and irritated skin and helps with redness.
Hydrates, locks moisture in the skin by forming a protective barrier on the skin’s surface.
Regulates sebum production, making it suitable for people with oily skin that’s prone to acne.
Thanks to its powerful antioxidant properties, squalane is also great for evening out skin tone, which includes making dark spots fade.
Effects of squalane on the hair
Helps lock moisture in the hair and hydrates dry hair without weighing it down.
Provides heat protection for your hair when straightening and curling it, or when out in the sun.
Helps strengthen hair and contributes to increased shine.
Skincare products with squalane
The most popular skincare product is squalane oil. Make sure you always look for 100% squalane oil and avoid unnecessary additives. Squalane serum, masks and eye creams are also very popular. You can use squalane daily on cleansed, toned skin. If you include it in your morning routine, don’t forget to apply an SPF cream afterwards.
Squalane is great for dry, irritated and sensitive skin and dry hair. As it is a non-comedogenic oil, it is suitable for all skin types – including oily and problem skin.
Tip: If you use retinol, squalane can be applied beforehand to reduce potential skin irritation.
The use of squalane used to be controversial in the beauty industry – shark liver oil was used for this purpose in the past. However, most beauty companies now only work with plant forms of squalane, which are extracted from olives, rice or sugar cane. This means it is also a vegan ingredient.
Make your skin soft and protect it against unfavourable external factors with products that contain squalane! Discover other skincare product ingredients such as niacinamide, peptides and ceramides.
