Squalane Oil For Skin — Everything You Need To Know

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The key to a beautiful skin is hydration, hydration and adequate hydration. But sometimes layering your moisture-rich skincare products won’t be enough or deliver intense or satisfactory hydration, especially to those with dry skin. That’s why you need a moisture-rich, skin hydrating emollient to help deliver that intense hydration to your skin, and that’s where squalane oil comes in. 

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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 the skin. But because sourcing began endangering the shark species, plant derived version of squalene was discovered, which is squalane (with an “a“). 

Squalane 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. So, if you’re scared or worried that squalane is going to break you out, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about, because that is never going to happen. Squalane oil is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and is suitable for use on all skin types. It has excellent emollient properties, meaning it can keep your skin hydrated and moisturized.

It exhibits excellent emollient potential and a great moisturizer as it easily absorbs and prevents water loss from the skin. One of the reasons why squalane is a great moisturizer and penetrates deep into the skin is because our skin recognizes it instantly and takes it in as one of its own.

Your skin needs every moisture it deserves to look its best. And if you should deprive it of its drink, not only will your skin hate you for it, but will look dehydrated, unsupple and unhealthy — this is something you wouldn’t want. So, if your skin hydrating and moisturizing skincare products isn’t giving your skin that satisfactory hydration, why don’t you incorporate squalane into your skincare routine? Trust me, your skin is definitely going to love it. 

Skin Benefits Of Squalane Oil.

Hydrates & Soothes The Skin.

Squalane being an emollient delivers intense hydration to the skin to help moisturize the skin, thereby replenishing it of lost moisture, soften skin, soothe dry or chapped skin, leaving the skin optimally hydrated and protected.  

Additionally, since it works to naturally seal in moisture, squalane can aid in skin-care problems wherein the skin barrier is disrupted and transepidermal water loss is an issue. These include things like eczema, acne, and even psoriasis.

Delivers Antioxidant Benefits.

Squalane helps protect skin’s oil from what’s known as lipid peroxidation, a process that damages skin’s surface and deeper in the pore lining where oil originates. This peroxidation is also believed to play a role in acne, as it can change the skin’s oil composition so it becomes inflammatory

Squalane also works with other antioxidants in skin to neutralize damaging oxygen molecules generated when skin is exposed to UV light.

Helps Lubricates The Skin.

Squalane supplies sebum-like lubrication to the skin. It helps lubricate skin so it feels comfortable without a greasy feeling or over-bugging the skin. It’s lightweight in nature which keeps it from feeling greasy, and it’s recognized by other lipids present in skin such as ceramides and cholesterol, where it works to visibly repair skin’s vital barrier, a process that can help skin look younger and become less reactive. 

Helps Minimize Skin Aging-Signs.

Squalane helps to prevent sun damage, which can have a premature aging effect on the skin. It serves as a moisturizer that increases the skin’s hydration. When your skin is well hydrated, it appears plumper and fuller, and wrinkles and fine lines are less apparent.

Helps Soothe Inflammation.

According to research, squalane has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and swelling. Soothe inflammatory irritation and blotchiness. 

What’s The Difference Between Squalane And Squalene?

Traditionally, squalene (with an “e“) is derived from shark liver oil (the ocean animal), which has been used in most cosmetic moisturizers and hydrators, but because sourcing began endangering the species, plant deprived version of squalene was discovered, which is squalane (with an “a“). That’s typically the difference between squalene (with an “e“) and squalane (with an “a“). 

However, squalene in its natural state isn’t very stable, which is why, for skin-care purposes, it goes through a saturation process to become squalane.

That is to say, the “e” turns into an “a” when squalene is converted into squalane through a process called hydrogenation. The reason why this procession phase is necessary is because, If squalene was not hydrogenated, it would oxidize when exposed to air and no longer have its benefits.

For the fact that majority of skin care brands using squalane are choosing a plant-derived, sustainable source, makes it a vegan ingredient, because It occurs naturally in olive, sugarcane, wheat bran, rice bran, and amaranth oils, unlike squalene which is shark liver oil driven. 

How To Use Squalane Oil For Skin.

You can enjoy the skin-potentials of squalane in its pure form, thanks to its extra light-weight nature, it won’t feel greasy on the skin. Try adding a few drops of pure squalane to your regular moisturizer or eye cream during times your skin is experiencing increased dryness. Or you can layer it after your moisturizer for increased hydration. 

You can as well enjoy its benefits from skin hydrators and moisturizers which includes squalane in their formulation. 

Squalane Oil Side Effects.

As with every skincare ingredient, there tend to be a side effect, even though the ingredient has been regarded safe for the skin. Skin differs, so results tends to differ too. 

If you’re using squalane for the first time, don’t apply over a large area of your body. Test the oil on a patch of skin like your inner arm to ensure you aren’t allergic to it. Signs of an allergic reaction include:

  • itching. 
  • redness.
  • swelling.

Best 100% Plant-derived Squalane Oils.

1. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane.

Best The Ordinary products for dry skin

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A 100% plant-derived cold-pressed squalane oil, to help support the skin with hydration, avoid moisture-loss that impairs dermal suppleness. Thereby increase skin superficial hydration for a adequately hydrated and moisturized skin. Read the full review here

2. Biossance 100% Squalane Oil.

Squalan oil for skin

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Squalane oil from Biossance brand is one of the most raved squalane oil on the internet (behind The Ordinary brand). Derived from sugarcane to deliver intense hydration to the skin and balance skin oil production. 

3. The Inkey List Squalane Oil.

Squalane for skin

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A 100% plant-derived and cold-pressed squalane oil, this time from another reputable brand similar to The Ordinary. — The Inkey List. This formula contains 100% plant-derived squalane oil for superhydration, healthy, glowing and supple skin. 

4. Good Molecules Squalane Oil.

Squalane oil for skin

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An 100% plant-derived squalane oil from Good Molecules brand to support weightless superficial hydration and improve the looks of fine lines and wrinkles, with an overall glowing, supple and hydrated skin. Read the full review here

5. Timeless Skin Care Squalane Oil. 

Squalane for skin

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You must have heard about the all popular timeless vitamin C serum, right? They’ve got their plant-derived squalane oil, sourced directly from olives to deeply hydrate chapped skin and regulate oil production.

6. Peter Thomas Roth Oiless Oil 100% Purified Squalane.

Saualane oil for skin

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Formulated with 100% plant-derived squalane that is derived from sustainable sugar cane, it penetrates deep into your skin to provide intensive hydration that absorbs quickly, yet still allows your skin to breathe, while leaving your skin nourished with improved elasticity for a firmer, smoother and more youthful-looking complexion.

7. Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil.

Squalane oil for skin

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100% squalane oil from the finest source (olive driven), to help hydrate the skin, improve the appearance of texture and tone without leaving the skin greasy. 

8. BeautyStat Universal Moisture Essence.

Squalane oil for skin

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A 100% pure squalane from sustainable sugar plants, which penetrates the skin barrier helping to boost moisture retention and relieve dryness while also helping to reverse UV damage, fade hyper-pigmentation and reduce wrinkles. 

The Best Products With Squalane.

9. BIOSSANCE Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil.

Squalane oil for skin

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Here’s a combination of squalane and an all-known powerful antioxidant — vitamin C. The formula contains an oil-soluble vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) not only offers antioxidant benefits to the skin, but also brightens the skin, and prevents future discoloration. This serum is a double antioxidant hitter, a hydrator and skin brightener. 

Possible Questions & Answers.

Q: How Is Squalane Oil Derived From Its Sources?

A: Squalane oil is mostly derived from two main source, Olives and Sugarcane.

  •  Olives: During olive oil processing, squalene is extracted from the olive pulp, skin and pits, and then combined with hydrogen to become squalane.
  • Sugarcane: Rather than being extracted directly from the sugarcane itself, squalane is produced by bioengineered yeast that feed on the sugarcane.

Q: Can I apply squalane oil on my lips.

A: Squalane oil isn’t only beneficial to the skin, it also extends its Intensive hydrating potentials when applied on chapped lips, it optimally hydrates and nourishes it, leaving your kisser adequately hydrated and soft. Place 1-2 drops into the palm of your hand, using your finger tip, apply on your lips for hydration and nourishment. 

Q: Can I apply squalane into my hair?

A: Squalane isn’t only for the face and body. You can also apply the oil to your hair. Infact, oiling your hair is a good way to keep your hair healthy

Squalane can replenish your strands and protect your hair from further damage. Place a few drops of squalane oil into the palm of your hand and massage into your hair to boost moisture. 

Q: Can squalane oil be used on the nails and cuticles?

A: Aside the hair, face and body, you can as well use squalane oil on your nails and cuticles. Squalane helps fight excessive dryness that lead to symptoms such as, cracked cuticles, and chipped nails.

Q: How does squalane oil smells or tastes like?

A:  Squalane is completely, tasteless, and odorless oil. 

Q: What’s the difference between olive-derived squalane & sugarcane-derived squalane?

A: The chemical structure of squalane oil is the same regardless of the source.
However, the difference between the two comes from their impurities after hydrogenation. Olive has impurities of sterol esters and paraffin, while sugarcane has impurities of isosqualane and monocyclosqualane. Click here to read more on squalane source difference.

UP NEXT: Rosehip Oil For Skin – The Skin Liquid-Gold.

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