19 August 2024

Squalane Oil Explained: Benefits, Uses & Top Picks for Hydrated Skin

Squalane oil has quietly re-emerged as a must-have ingredient in modern skincare – and it’s about to be everywhere.

Often found in moisturisers and facial oils, squalane is an impressive all-rounder that boosts hydration without the heavy, greasy feel some richer oils can leave behind. It’s also responsible for many of the elegant, lightweight textures we’ve come to expect from today’s skincare formulas.

Yet despite its benefits, squalane remains surprisingly underrated.

Before we go any further, there’s one important thing to clear up – you may have noticed different spellings of the ingredient. That’s because they’re not the same thing.

Squalene vs Squalane – What’s the Difference?

Squalene and squalane are both emollients that help hydrate and protect the skin, but they differ significantly in stability and how they’re used in skincare.

Squalene is a naturally occurring lipid found in human sebum, as well as in certain plant and animal sources. While it’s highly effective at moisturising, it’s unstable and prone to oxidation – which makes it less suitable for finished skincare products.

Squalane, on the other hand, is a hydrogenated form of squalene. This process makes it far more stable while delivering the same moisturising benefits. Thanks to its longer shelf life and better performance in formulations, squalane is the preferred choice in modern skincare.

Does this mean squalene is bad or ineffective? Not at all – it’s simply a fussier ingredient to formulate with.

This is why the vast majority of skincare products now use squalane instead.

Is Squalane Vegan?

Both squalene and squalane can be vegan – it depends entirely on their source.

• Plant-derived versions (from olives, rice bran, or sugarcane) are vegan
• Animal-derived versions (most notably shark liver oil) are not

With the industry’s shift towards sustainability and ethical sourcing, most commercially available squalane today is plant-derived and vegan.

Why We Love Squalane Oil

Squalane oil is known for its ability to deeply hydrate and moisturise the skin without leaving a greasy residue. It absorbs quickly, making it suitable for both dry and oily skin types.

Other key benefits include:

• Naturally rich in antioxidants to help combat free radicals linked to premature ageing
• Lightweight and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores
• Helps soothe irritation and reduce flakiness
• Supports the skin barrier, improving softness and suppleness

For dry or compromised skin, squalane helps replenish moisture levels, while sensitive skin types appreciate its calming, non-reactive nature.

Who Is Squalane Best For?

Squalane benefits a wide range of skin types – from dry and sensitive to oily and acne-prone.

• Dry skin benefits from long-lasting relaxing and softening
• Oily skin appreciates its ability to balance sebum without heaviness
• Sensitive skin finds relief from irritation and dehydration
• Dehydrated or ageing skin benefits from improved texture and softness

It’s one of those rare ingredients that genuinely works across the board.

How to Use Squalane Oil

Squalane can be used in a few different ways, depending on your routine:

• As a standalone facial oil, applied as the final step in your evening routine
• Mixed into your favourite moisturiser for an extra hydration boost
• Used morning and night – apply a few drops and gently massage into the skin

In the morning, use it as your final skincare step before SPF. In the evening, apply it as the last step to seal everything in.

Alternatively, many moisturisers on the market are already formulated with squalane, making it easy to incorporate into your routine without adding an extra step.

Moisturisers We Love That Contain Squalane

• Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Balancing Gel Moisturiser
• Urban Jungle Crème De La Crème Face Cream

Our Top 3 Squalane Oil Infused Picks

Barrier Restore Nutrient Oil 100ml – This award-winning oil is an ultra-lightweight, multi-tasking formula designed to nourish, balance, and repair sensitive, reactive and acne prone skin.