When skin is dry, it needs moisture — like, yesterday. Getting quick hydration all comes down to having the right ingredients in a serum, face oil or moisturizer. There are some ingredients that appear to plump skin, but they can leave complexions dehydrated and patchy hours later. Then there are other ingredients that moisturize skin, but they’re just too rich and cause breakouts or milia. Enter: squalane, an effective ingredient that will nourish skin and keep it hydrated without leaving behind any slimy residue to clog your pores.
What Is Squalane?
You might have also seen the word “squalene” associated with skin care. It’s not a case of spelling variations. Dr. Iris Rubin, dermatologist and co-founder of SEEN Hair Care, says that squalane is a derivative of squalene, a natural lipid that’s found in sebum (skin’s natural oil). Squalane is more stable, which makes it a better choice for skin care products. As we age, the natural production of squalene in skin slowly decreases, according to Heather Wilson, licensed esthetician and director of brand development at InstaNatural. This negatively impacts skin’s moisture levels. Applying squalane topically replenishes skin and prevents uncomfortable tightness.
A well-known kind of squalene comes from shark liver oil, per The Lab & Co. founder Julie Pefferman. Thankfully, most of the squalane on the market today is derived from olives or sugarcane, making finished products vegan.
Squalane Benefits
Squalane can be compared to oils like jojoba, rosehip and argan, but it differs due to its weightless finish. Its molecular size makes it absorb easily and feel weightless on skin, says Wilson. The moisturizing ingredient separates itself from other hydrating ingredients because of how it mimics the skin’s natural processes. Squalane is a fantastic emollient that improves skin’s elasticity, promotes wound-healing and is an anti-inflammatory, says Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salons and skin care collection. Another reason to love squalane is that it’s noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores), per Rubin. This makes it suitable for all skin types, including oily skin.
Click through the gallery to see squalane-packed products that are great hydrators for all skin types.
[ Next: Witch Hazel Is Set to Be the Next Skin Care Superstar ]
Squalane Is the Hero Moisturizing Ingredient Skin Needs
-
The Ordinary
100% Plant-Derived Squalane, $7.90 at The Ordinary
This is nothing but pure, plant-derived squalane that is Ecocert-approved. Apply a few drops of the vegan treatment after water-based skin care steps to seal in moisture. Alternatively, try mixing it into your moisturizer. The serum easily fits into a regular routine, or it can be used as a booster when skin needs extra hydration.
-
Biossance
Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer, $52 at Biossance
Biossance is based around sustainability and science and it has a full range of 100-percent plant-based squalane skin care products. Those who need hydration should dab on this weightless sugarcane-derived squalane gel moisturizer. The cruelty-free product also minimizes the appearance of pores, reduces redness and boosts radiance.
-
Herbivore Botanicals
Emerald Cannabis Sativa Hemp Seed Deep Moisture Glow Oil, $48 at Herbivore Botanicals
Is your skin dehydrated and stressed AF? Apply a few drops of Herbivore Botanicals' cruelty-free "green goddess" facial oil. It combines trendy cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil with Ayurvedic plants and a trio of oils, including olive-derived squalane. They work to soothe irritation caused by environmental stressors. Redness is replaced by beaming, hydrated skin.
-
Blithe
Inbetween Hydro Priming Cream, $45 at Glow Recipe
This hybrid cream is a moisturizer and primer in a bouncy gel-cream formula. It is packed with ceramides and squalane to thoroughly nourish skin. Plus, it has bifida ferment extract, a probiotic that shields skin from environmental aggressors and locks in moisture. The formula creates a smooth base for makeup, but works just as well as a night treatment.
-
Joanna Vargas
Rescue Serum, $150 at Net-a-Porter
This is a heavy-hitting vitamin C serum that's suitable for all skin types. The pared-down ingredient list makes the most of skin-softening vitamin E, detoxifying elderberry extract and moisturizing squalane and fatty acids. The formula strengthens skin on a molecular level for a more radiant, moisturized complexion.
-
Kiehl's
Ultra Facial Cream, $30 at Kiehl's
Kiehl's best-selling facial cream has a new-and-improved formula that offers 2.3 percent more hydration, even on the scaliest spots. It's formulated with olive-derived squalane and glacial glycoprotein. The latter ingredient is known for thriving in extreme temperatures so it helps protect skin from moisture loss. The lightweight formula doesn't feel greasy and it won't lead to breakouts.
-
Indie Lee
Squalane Facial Oil, $34 at Indie Lee
This is the face oil for people who dislike greasy facial oils. It's simply olive-derived squalane. The product is suitable for all skin types and won't clog pores. It can be used morning and night to balance oil production, counteract dry patches and refine skin's texture.
-
Youth To The People
Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask, $48 at Youth To The People
See the benefits of squalane while masking with this overnight mask packed with vitamin C and a proprietary superberry blend featuring prickly pear, goji berry, acai and maqui. Apply before bed and wake up to brighter, smoother, silkier skin.
-
Caudalie
Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, $79 at Sephora
This oil-free serum is powered by olive-derived squalane and patented viniferine. The latter is a natural ingredient from grapevine sap and reportedly 62 times more effective at brightening than vitamin C. The vegan formula tackles a myriad of skin care woes, including sunspots, acne scars, dullness and dehydration.
-
Equal by Nature
100% Pure Squalane Oil, $12.99 at The Lab & Co.
Prevent skin from getting uncomfortably tight by applying a few drops of this pure vegan squalane after cleansing. Faces drink it up so they're left feeling soft and looking dewy, but not greasy.
