Squalane has become a popular ingredient in skincare—and for good reason. It helps keep your skin soft, smooth, and hydrated without feeling oily. You’ll find it in all kinds of products, from face oils to creams.
But don’t confuse it with squalene. Even though the names look similar, they’re not the same. One is stable and safe for skincare (that’s squalane), while the other needs to be changed before it can be used. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right products for your skin.
What Is Squalane?
Squalane is a lightweight, moisturizing oil that closely mimics your skin’s natural sebum. It’s known for being non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and incredibly gentle—even for sensitive skin. But to understand where it comes from, we first need to look at squalene (with an e).
Squalene is a natural oil found in our skin, as well as in plants and animals. It plays a key role in keeping skin soft and protected. However, squalene is unstable—it easily goes bad when exposed to air, making it unsuitable for use in skincare as-is.
That’s where hydrogenation comes in. Through this process, squalene is turned into squalane, a more stable, shelf-safe version that still offers the same skin-loving benefits. This small change makes a big difference—it means squalane won’t oxidize or lose its effectiveness in your products.
In the past, squalene was mostly sourced from shark liver oil, which raised serious environmental and ethical concerns. Thankfully, most modern skincare brands now use 100% plant-based squalane, typically derived from olives, rice bran, or sugarcane—a much more sustainable and cruelty-free option.
Key Benefits of Squalane for Skin
Deep Hydration Without Heaviness
Squalane delivers lasting moisture without the greasy feel that some oils leave behind. It absorbs quickly into the skin and helps maintain hydration throughout the day. This makes it a go-to choice for both dry and combination skin types.
Mimics Natural Sebum and Strengthens the Skin Barrier
Because it’s similar to your body’s own oils, squalane is easily recognized and accepted by the skin. It helps strengthen the moisture barrier, preventing water loss and dryness. This makes it especially helpful for people with damaged or dehydrated skin.
Non-Comedogenic: Safe for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Although it’s an oil, squalane is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. It provides needed hydration without contributing to breakouts or shine. Many with oily or acne-prone skin find it balances their skin nicely.
Anti-Inflammatory: Soothes Redness and Irritation
Squalane has calming properties that help reduce irritation, redness, and inflammation. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and can help relieve discomfort from flare-ups. This makes it a smart choice for people with conditions like rosacea or eczema.
Antioxidant-Rich: Fights Free Radical Damage
Rich in antioxidants, squalane helps protect the skin from environmental stress. It fights off free radicals, which can speed up signs of aging like fine lines and dullness. This protection keeps your skin looking healthier and more youthful over time.
May Support Collagen Production and Firmer Skin
Some research suggests squalane may help support collagen production in the skin. This means over time, it may help improve firmness and reduce visible signs of aging. It’s a gentle way to promote smoother, more elastic skin without irritation.
Safe for Sensitive and Eczema-Prone Skin
Squalane is incredibly gentle and non-irritating, making it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin. It provides moisture without harsh additives like fragrance or alcohol. Even people with eczema or dermatitis can use it safely in their routines.
Squalane for Hair Care
Restores Moisture and Shine
Squalane is an excellent hydrator for dry, damaged hair. It helps lock in moisture and restore softness without making hair feel greasy. With regular use, it adds a natural, healthy-looking shine that makes your hair look and feel smoother.
Helps Reduce Breakage and Split Ends
By coating the hair shaft, squalane creates a lightweight protective layer that reduces breakage and split ends. It strengthens fragile strands, improves elasticity, and helps tame frizz—especially useful if your hair is exposed to heat tools or coloring.
How to Apply to Scalp or Strands
For best results, warm a few drops of squalane oil between your palms. Apply it to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair or directly to dry areas. You can also massage it into the scalp to soothe dryness and flakiness, then rinse or leave it in depending on your routine.
How to Use Squalane in Your Skincare Routine
Layering Tips: Apply After Serums, Before Heavier Creams
When layering skincare products, think lightest to heaviest. Squalane should be applied after water-based serums but before thick moisturizers or creams. This allows it to seal in hydration without blocking the absorption of active ingredients underneath.
Standalone vs. Mixed Into Other Products
You can use squalane as a standalone oil—just a few drops massaged into the skin works well. It’s also commonly blended into moisturizers, serums, or even foundations to boost hydration. If you’re keeping your routine simple, pure squalane alone can act as both a hydrator and barrier support.
Suitable for Both Day and Night
Squalane works well in both yourmorning and evening routines. It’s light enough for daytime wear and plays nicely under makeup. If used during the day, always follow with broad-spectrum sunscreen, as it helps protect skin from moisture loss but not UV rays.
Works Well with Retinol and Other Actives
One of the best things about squalane is its compatibility with potent actives like retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids. It helps reduce irritation and dryness that sometimes come with these ingredients. Using squalane alongside actives can keep your skin balanced, hydrated, and glowing.
Is Squalane Safe for Everyone?
Patch Test Recommendations for First-Time Users
Squalane is known for being gentle and non-irritating, but it’s still smart to be cautious when trying any new product. If it’s your first time using squalane, do a simple patch test—apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours. This helps check for any unexpected reactions before using it on your face or scalp.
Watch Out for Added Ingredients
While pure squalane is generally very safe, it’s important to look at the full ingredient list. Some products may include fragrance, preservatives, or other additives that can cause irritation—especially if you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. Always choose products that are fragrance-free, dye-free, and labeled for sensitive skin if you’re unsure.
Common Skin Concerns Squalane Helps With
Acne and Oily Skin
If you have acne-prone or oily skin, using oils might sound risky—but squalane is different. It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores, and its lightweight texture helps balance oil without adding extra shine. Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties can help calm redness and irritation caused by breakouts.
Eczema and Dry Patches
Squalane is a great option for soothing dry, flaky skin, especially in people with eczema. It strengthens the skin barrier, locks in moisture, and helps reduce itchiness and tightness. Because it’s so gentle, it can hydrate without causing any stinging or irritation on sensitive areas.
Rosacea, Dermatitis, and Psoriasis
People with rosacea, dermatitis, or psoriasis often deal with chronic redness and inflammation. Squalane’s calming effect makes it a helpful addition to routines that aim to reduce flare-ups. It delivers moisture without triggering sensitivity, helping skin feel more balanced and less reactive.
Squalane vs. Other Face Oils
Lightweight Feel vs. Heavier Oils Like Argan or Coconut
Many oils, like argan or coconut oil, can feel rich and heavy on the skin. That’s fine for some, but not ideal if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Squalane is different—it’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and gives your skin a smooth, hydrated feel without leaving any greasy residue.
Because of its silky texture, squalane works well in both day and night routines, and it’s even great under makeup. If other oils have felt too thick or shiny for you, squalane is a great alternative.
Stability and Shelf-Life Comparison
One major benefit of squalane is its stability. While some oils go bad quickly when exposed to air or light, squalane stays fresh much longer. It doesn’t oxidize easily and keeps its quality over time.
That means you don’t need to refrigerate it or worry about it spoiling. For anyone looking for a low-maintenance, reliable oil, squalane is a solid choice.
Conclusion
Squalane is a gentle, lightweight oil that helps keep your skin and hair hydrated, smooth, and healthy. It’s great for all skin types, even if you’re oily, acne-prone, or sensitive. With added benefits like anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support, it’s an easy way to boost your routine.
When choosing squalane, look for plant-based sources and always do a quick patch test if you’re trying it for the first time. Have questions or want help creating your own skincare line with squalane? Contact Zicail—we’re here to help you build products that your customers will love.
