Squalane: The Skin Hydrator You Need in Your Life

Authored by: Tilottama Deb
Reviewed by: Kapil Dhameja 
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Table of Content

What is Squalane?

Squalane for skin

It's a light oil that has recently gained a lot of attention in the skincare world. Squalane oil is made from Squalene, which occurs naturally in the human body. The chemical composition mirrors our skin's natural oils. Therefore, it is a great hydrator, and most serum, moisturizers, and oils use it for that silky non-greasy feel in your products.

As a plant-derived ingredient, it’s typically sourced from olives, sugarcane, or even certain types of algae, making it a popular choice among environmentally conscious beauty enthusiasts. So, if you’re looking to enhance your skincare routine with a product that feels great and benefits your skin, squalane is definitely worth checking out!

What Does Squalane Do for Skin?

Squalane is like water in a glass to your skin. Some of the most notable advantages include the following:

1. Hydration: Squalane seals moisture to the skin. Your skin gets hydrated, without ever getting sticky or oily. It is quickly absorbed and ideal for every type of skin, from oily and acne-prone.

2. Protective Role as it reinforces the natural lipids barrier of our skin; squalene also protects the skin against the pollution, weather, and stressors due to the environment.

3. Rich in antioxidants and fights with free radicals thereby preventing premature aging. 

4. Healing Properties: Squalane is an anti-inflammatory agent. That is, it is very apt for sensitive or inflamed skin. It can reduce redness and speed up healing.

Science Behind Squalane Effects in Skincare - How Squalane Works

The magic of squalane lies in its molecular structure-it's a stable hydrocarbon absorbed right into the skin, since it's pretty much the same stuff that our body uses to naturally secrete this skin oil called sebum. The "squalane" manages to penetrate skin just below its outer layers to bring the much-needed moisture to the pore depth and a layer of elasticity across the entire dermal structure.

Studies have proven that squalane is very much effective for increasing hydration levels of the skin and also prevents trans epidermal loss, which is evaporation of water through the skin. Acting as a barrier, it prevents moisture loss from the skin, making it look plumpy and healthy in appearance.

 Ayurvedic Replacement of Squalane

Ayurvedic Alternatives to squalane are Sesame Oil and Coconut Oil.

Sesame Oil: This oil is packed with antioxidants. It hydrates and nourishes the skin.

Coconut Oil: Moisturizing, but at the same time, the strength of a more solidified barrier comes through in terms of its antibacterial properties. These oils can be great alternatives because they deliver the same hydration and nourishment but with an Ayurvedic flavor.

"Squalene" vs. "Squalane"

You may be confusing "squalene" with "squalane" as the two look similar; but no, they're not exactly alike.

Squalene is a natural lipid found in the skin. It is highly unsaturated and, therefore, highly unstable and readily oxidizes. It is usually derived from shark liver oil, but there's a plant source also.

On the other hand, squalane is the hydrogenated derivative of "squalene." Hydrogenation stabilizes it, and so it's shelf stable, and safe aesthetically for cosmetic use.

In a nutshell, though they serve almost similar purposes in skincare, "squalane" is better than "squalene" since it is stable and versatile.

How to Incorporate Squalane in Your Skincare?

It's really easy to add squalane into your routine! Here's how:

1. After Cleansing: Put a few drops of squalane right onto your damp skin after cleansing to help seal it all in.

2. Mix It Up: Mix squalane into your favorite moisturizer or foundation for that extra hydration and dewy finish.

3. Layering: Use squalane last in your nighttime routine as an occlusive barrier to lock in everything in your serums and treatments.

4. Spot Treatment: For dry spots or areas that may require more moisture, apply squalane directly for targeted hydration.

Squalane vs. Other Oils: Why It's the Go-To Choice

While there are numerous oils within the skincare universe, squalane is special because of the following reasons:

- Lightweight and Non-Greasy: Unlike heavy oils such as olive oil and castor oil, "squalane" is absorbed easily without causing a greasy residue.

- Versatile: It works for all skin types, making it a fantastic hydration booster without clogging pores.

- Stability: The fact that it does not become rancid within a short span of time, compared to some other oils, makes the latter a stable oil that would retain its efficacy over time.

Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing of Squalane

With the growing sense of sustainability among the consumer, it is now that production at the ingredient level, including squalane, has come under much scrutiny. Various brands have now switched to production based on sources not related to animals but on plant-based sources, such as sugarcane, to produce "squalane" instead of "squalene." This falls completely in line with the objective of a green movement and cruelty-free ethics.

When buying "squalane," look for brands that talk about their ethical sourcing and sustainability. This way, you are doing good for the environment through your skincare.

 

Fun Facts About Squalane!

1. Nature's Moisturizer: Did you know that "squalane" was originally derived from shark liver oil? Thankfully, most modern formulations are now plant-based!

2. Skin Savior: Squalane has been used for thousands of years in skincare, from ancient civilizations that knew its hydrating properties.

 3. Highly Compatible: It is so similar to our skin's natural oils that it is often referred to as a "skin twin," making it super effective for hydration!

And with many advantages and ease of applying it in any, squalane is surely one of those skincare superstars that people should look forward to. Be it in the fight of trying to remove dryness, be it for anti-aging, or you simply want a product that will feel great on your skin, squalane has got the goods!

References:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6253993/

https://www.healthline.com/health/squalane

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