I have always despised the idea of using a facial oil on my face, due to the nature of my skin type — oily skin.
But unbeknown to me, the reason why the skin produces more oil is as a result of dehydration. The skin tends to produce more oil known as sebum when it’s dehydrated or dry to balance the skin pH level. And including facial oils into your skincare routine is another way to balance the skin oil production — thereby regulating oil production which in turn results in minimizing the rate of oil which the skin produces.
When I got hold of this knowledge, I decided to put it into a practical test, to see if the science behind this is true, and which facial oil did I go for? — squalane oil. Not only did the numerous positive reviews online made me go for it, but for the fact it’s super light-weight, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pore), and suitable for all skin types.
So, I decided to purchase Good Molecules Squalane Oil, to put it to the test for two (2) weeks, to enable me share my deepest and honest review about it. But before I go into that, I will love to educate you about squalane oil, just in case you’re coming across it for the first time.
What Is Squalane Oil?
Squalane is a plant derived or hydrogenated oil which is used in its pure form or in cosmetic formulations for moisturizing, hydrating and soothing the skin.
Traditionally, squalene (with an “e”) is derived from shark liver oil — yes, the shark you know (the ocean animal), it is also present in human skin, it is a lipid fat, that is naturally produced by the oil glands in our skin to hydrate and maintain the barrier of our skin. But because sourcing began endangering the shark species, a plant derived version of squalene was discovered, which is squalane (with an “a”).
This light-weight oil mimics our natural skin oil, which means, when it’s applied on the skin, the skin recognizes it and takes it as its own
Our skin understands and compliments it due to its lightweight and non-comedogenic nature. Therefore, if you’re scared or worried that a squalane oil is going to break you out, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about, because that may never happen.
According to Dr. Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC, squalane’s non-comedogenic quality is useful for balancing sebum production and regulating excess oil production in oily or acne-prone skin types. “Even oily skin types, which are often dehydrated from harsh, stripping products, can benefit from squalane since it won’t clog pores”.
Squalane oil is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and is suitable for use on all skin types. It has excellent emollient properties that keeps the skin hydrated and moisturized.
Squalane can be derived mostly from plants such as olives and sugarcane. It can also be derived from other plant oils such as amaranth seed, wheat germ, beets, and even rice bran. But mostly olives and sugarcane are two main sources that squalane is derived from. You can read about their differences.
Good Molecules Squalane Oil.
The Good Molecules is yet another magnificent skincare brand with quality and decent skincare products at a pocket friendly price suitable to everyone’s budget (just like The Ordinary & The Inkey List), this brand is from Korea. According to them “The world has enough products that don’t work and cost too much, we started Good Molecules to change this.”
They extended their diversity to produce quality products suitable for individual skin type, and their squalane oil is included. Contains 100% squalane oil derived from olives to deeply moisturize and nourish the skin, keeping the skin soft, supple and adequately hydrated.
Packaging.
The Good Molecules Squalane Oil comes tightly-sealed in a UV-protected glass bottle to shield the liquid from direct sunlight and extends its shelf-life.
Texture.
The texture is super light-weight, it glides smoothly on the skin and sinks in almost immediately, offering satisfactory hydration.
Size.
Good Molecules Squalane Oil comes in 13ml
Color.
Good Molecules Squalane Oil is colorless (just like water) and odorless.
Ingredients:
100% olive-derived squalane oil.
My Honest Review On Good Molecules Squalane Oil.
Was It Moisturizing?
Similar to my experience with The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane Oil, yes, it was Intensively moisturizing.
Following the skincare-layering-code, I apply it after applying my water-based skincare topicals. I apply it at the last-step of my skincare routine (after my moisturizer). Also, sometimes I mix in 3-4 drops into my moisturizer prior to application and everything feels smooth and absorbs fast into my skin while giving me that satisfactory hydration, without making my skin feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable greasy-feel.
The skin-soothing effect of Good Molecules Squalane Oil is top-notch. I’m always on tretinoin in my night-time routine and ever since squalane oil found its way into my skincare routine, I no longer feel dryness (or flakiness) on my face, (especially at the corner of my nose) when using tretinoin.
Did It Help Regulate Oil Production?
When it comes to minimizing oil production (I have an oily & sensitive skin) niacinamide has been my baby. But squalane made the work even more efficacious. My skin tends to be less oily and also well hydrated, smooth, soft and nourished.
Effect On Skin Texture.
My skin texture has been close to perfection since incorporating retinol/tretinoin and niacinamide into my skincare routine, but I can comfortably say squalane oil contributed to a more dewy, plump and supple skin — due to its extreme skin hydrating potential. What else can I say, but to thank goodness for the existence of this oil. Squalane oil will remain in my skincare routine till eternity.
In Conclusion.
I recommend squalane oil if you’re seeking to step-up your skin-hydration in your skincare routine, because it’s super light-weight, delivers sufficient hydration without clogging the pores or overwhelming the skin. It’s a weightless hydrating oil that every skin deserves.
From my experience with both The Ordinary and Good Molecules Squalane Oil, I can boldly say I enjoyed both products, regardless the one from The Ordinary is sourced from sugarcane and beets while the one from Good Molecules is sourced from olives. Regardless, both exhibited their hydration potentials and I love them both.
If you had or have a bad experience with olive oil (or extract), you can go for sugarcane sourced squalane oil, also do likewise if you’re allergic to sugarcane sourced squalane. Click here to read about their differences.
But nevertheless, squalane oil (regardless of its source) maintains its chemical structure, and is suitable for all skin types, but ensure to do a patch test prior to commencing full product application to test for allergies.
What I Like About Good Molecules Squalane Oil.
- It’s wallet-friendly.
- It’s light-weight.
- It’s fragrance-free.
- It’s 100% pure, organic and cold-pressed.
- It comes in a UV-protected packaging.
What I Dislike About Good Molecules Squalane Oil.
- Comes in a small size (13ml), I wish it came in a bigger size just like The Ordinary Squalane (30ml).
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: How did you use the Good Molecules squalane oil?
A: I use it at the last step of my night-time skincare routine (after applying water-based products and my moisturizer). Sometimes I mix 3-4 drops of it with my moisturizer prior to application for added skin hydration.
Q: Can I use the Good Molecules squalane oil both morning and night?
A: Yes, the Good Molecules Squalane Oil can be applied both morning (AM) and night (PM) for adequate hydration. But if you feel it will make your face appear oily during the day, you can subject its application or use to night-time only. However this oil can be used as needed or as required.
Q: Did it breakout your skin?
A: I never experienced any sort of breakouts or irritations while using the Good Molecules Squalane Oil, However irritations can still occur, as skin type differs so shall results differ too. I strongly recommend you should perform a patch test prior to commencing usage of this oil.
Q: Is this oil suitable for all skin types?
A: For the fact that squalane is non-comedogenic in nature and light-weight but very hydrating makes it recommendable and suitable for every skin type. But endeavour to do a patch test or consult your board-certified dermatologist before commencing full product application.
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BeautySparkReview utilizes every opportunity to use only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed and experimental research studies, to support the facts within our articles.
1. Dr. Nazarian, R., of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC.
https://www.schweigerderm.com/providers/rachel-nazarian-m-d/
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Disclaimer: This is my personal experience with the Good Molecules Squalane Oil, you may have a whole different experience as skin type differs so as result differs too.