Believe it or not, our bodies have these incredible systems to protect us and keep us safe from pollution, prolonged sun exposure, and even cancer. One of these systems is the intricate nature of our skin. Our skin comprises an oil component called squalene that acts as a natural buffer between our skin and the environment.
Products containing a processed version of squalene called squalane are quickly climbing to the top of must-have lists and are being praised by dermatologists and influencers alike, with the search for "squalane" on TikTok getting millions of hits. A once unheard-of oil is turning the beauty industry on its head as an all-in-one natural agent of moisture, a powerful antioxidant, and an anti-aging must-have.
What is Squalene?
Squalene is a natural oil compound found in plants, animals, and the lipids produced by our skin. Squalene is organically found in our skin and acts as a natural lubricant to protect our skin from damage and keep it smooth. As we age, our production of this oil slows down, making us more prone to wrinkles and dry skin.
Where does squalene come from?
Squalene can be found in shark livers and plants like olives and palm trees. Don’t worry; most squalene products are ethically sourced from plants instead of shark livers. Thought, it’s always a good idea to do your research before purchasing skin care products to ensure they’re made from ethical, safe sources.
Squalane vs Squalene: What’s the Difference?
Essentially, squalane is simply the hydrogenated version of squalene. Squalene (with an “e” instead of an “a”) is the name of the oil itself that can be found in natural sources. Squalane is the name given to squalene once it’s been processed to become shelf-stable.
Squalene oxidizes and can go rancid quickly as soon as it’s exposed to the air. To prevent this, squalene is made into a less reactive oil that can be used in beauty products. That viable oil is renamed squalane but still has all of the benefits of natural squalene.
6 benefits of squalene for skin
Prevents premature aging
Squalane has been credited as an excellent anti-aging emollient, helping turn back the clock and improve the overall appearance. Since it’s similar to our skin oils, squalane products can help restore a youthful glow.
Hydrated skin repels the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, allowing the skin to look younger and healthier. Loyalists of beauty creams containing squalene swear by it, crediting it for their restorative skin. The best way to prevent lines forming on your skin? Choose an overnight product containing squalane. Our top pick is the Renewing Night Cream, infused with vegan squalane and hyaluronic acid for maximum hydration, granting you that coveted supple, bouncy feel. Even better, it's charged with glacial glycoproteins to amp up the speed of skin regeneration and repair, meaning you'll literally be waking up fresh-faced each morning.
@sandandskyaus Our NEW Night Cream is infused with Glacial Glycoproteins derived from microbes in Antarctic Waters ❄️ Rejuvenate your skin, promote tissue regeneration and promote collagen production whilst you sleep 💤 Wake up GLOWING ✨ #nightcream #skincarenightroutine #nightdoneright #nightroutine #skincareroutine #skincare101 #beautytok #beautysleep #sandandsky #moisturebarrier #moisturizer #collagen #glowyskin #glycoprotein #fyp #skincare2022 ♬ original sound - Sand & Sky
Mimics our skin’s natural oil
Because squalane is found naturally in the lipids our bodies produce, it’s safe and effective for basically everyone. Squalane is also a component of our skin barrier, which is the part of our skin that protects it from environmental stressors and UV exposure.
Yes, this oil can help provide an extra barrier against carcinogens and give our sunscreen a power boost. It helps improve our appearance and protects our skin from further damage. It’s truly a win-win.
Hydrates the skin
Since our bodies slow down the production of squalene as we age, turning to a moisturizer featuring squalane oil can do wonders for the softness of our skin. Using squalane products helps restore that natural moisture our skin so desperately craves. Add squalane oil serum to your daily skincare routine for supple, dewy skin – our go-to is Dreamy Glow Drops.
Nourishes the hair for lustrous locks
The benefits of squalane oil reach beyond skin benefits, providing hydration for your hair. Using squalane oil for your hair can help protect it from damage caused by the environment, a poor diet, or heat styling.
Simply applying a small amount of the oil to your strands in the shower before rinsing can help heal split ends and restore luster. It’s very lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about excess oil in your roots.
@ilaydasherifi #ad my 2 day skin care routine to achieve poreless glass skin ✨🪞 the aussie skin care routine from @sandandskyaus containts the perfect products for a simple weekly routine. I use the cleanser daily, the exfoliator 3 times a week and the clay mask once a week to deeply detoxify and refine my skin 🧖♀️ #sandandsky #glassskin #skincareroutine #glassskinroutine #howtogetglassskin #porelessskin ♬ original sound - ci
It’s non-comedogenic, aka won't clog your pores
In addition to its ability to provide insane moisture, squalane is also non-comedogenic (it won’t clog your pores). Thanks to its close resemblance to our naturally occurring skin oils, products with squalane feel light on your skin.
Even better, those with acne-prone skin can enjoy the benefits of squalane oil without worrying about a breakout backlash. Our favourite way to incorporate this nourishing oil into a pore-cleansing routine is with the Deep Pore Cleanser, a 4-in-1 product that lifts impurities, exfoliates, unclogs the pores and moisturises.
It improves skin’s overall appearance
Products with squalane oil have been credited with helping even your skin tone and eliminating imperfections like dark spots or scars. The oil can also help reduce redness and soothe inflammation during an eczema flare-up.
