Often overshadowed by hyaluronic acid in the hydration stakes, squalane cropping up in everything from cleansers to body lotions. While hyaluronic acid helps to attract water to the skin, squalane is a powerhouse when it comes to keeping that moisture in.
By keeping the skin’s hydration levels topped up and steady, squalane can help tackle all kinds of moisture related skin woes, including fine lines, dryness and dehydration. But the benefits don’t stop there, squalane even has antibacterial properties, making it a solid choice for acne-prone skin.
But can it really work for everyone? Here are 5 things you need to know RN.
1. It’s not actually an oil.
Although it has the appearance and slick feel of a facial oil, squalane is an oil derivative rather than an actual oil.
This is why it feels so light on the skin and sinks in rapidly, making it a great choice for combination skin types – or anyone who dislikes the lingering greasy feeling some facial oils can leave behind.
Squalane contributes to the addictive cushion-y feeling of our Thirst Class Rich Moisturiser. This silky cream offers all skin types a comforting hydration hit with zero heavy or filmy residue.
2. No sharks were harmed.
A bit like retinol and retinoids, squalene and squalane are same-but-different.
Squalane (with an “a”) is a hydrogenated form of squalene. While hydrogenated fats can be bad news for our health, this process protects squalane against oxidisation, meaning the product on your bathroom shelf can offer mega skincare benefits for longer without going rancid.
And those sharks? The amazing results squalene can offer lead to some rather unethical harvesting practices, sometimes being derived from shark livers. The good news is squalene is now sourced from fish-friendly sources like olive and amaranth.
3. You’re making it right now.
Like our sharky friends, the oil glands in our skin naturally produce squalane. However this starts to deplete significantly when we hit 30 years old.
Introducing squalane into your routine, with a moisturiser like Day One Light Moisturiser helps keep levels topped up, to ward off fine lines and dehydration.
4. One size fits all.
Although a bit of a catch-all term, squalane really can work for all skin types.
Thanks to its oil-but-not texture and the love that it shows to weakened skin barriers, just about everyone can reap the benefits of squalane in their skincare routine.
In fact, squalane is a good choice for any skin concern where the skin barrier is disrupted, including acne, dry skin and even eczema and psoriasis.
5. It’s odourless and colourless.
On the sensitive side? Thanks to the presence of squalane in our skin and its odourless, colourless nature, squalane is unlikely to upset even the most sensitive skin types.
Just watch out for added fragrance (or parfum) when shopping for skincare and patch test if you’re very reactive.
