Squalane

What is squalane?

Squalane is the stabilised form of squalene, a lipid our skin makes itself: squalene accounts for around 12% of sebum. Because squalene oxidises quickly when exposed to air, it is hydrogenated for cosmetics – creating stable squalane. Today, squalane mostly comes from plants such as olives or sugar cane.

How does squalane work on the skin?

• Prevents moisture loss: squalane forms a light film on the skin and slows evaporation.
• Softens and smooths: as an emollient, it smooths rough patches.
• Doesn’t feel greasy: squalane absorbs quickly and leaves no heavy film.
• Stable and mild: it hardly oxidises and is considered low in comedogenicity.

Which skin types is squalane suitable for?

• dry skin – see skincare for dryness
• sensitive skin, as squalane is hardly irritating
• combination and oily skin that tolerates a light oil
• mature skin, which produces fewer of its own lipids with age

How to use squalane

1. Squalane is found in many creams and serums – simply use them as usual.
2. Apply pure squalane oil as the last skincare step; 2 to 3 drops are enough.
3. Squalane is also good for cushioning a retinol routine or treating dry patches.

What can you combine squalane with?

• Ceramides for a strong skin barrier
• Hyaluronic acid binds moisture, squalane keeps it in the skin
• Panthenol soothes
• Retinol: squalane eases dryness during a course of retinoids

Squalane vs. squalene – what’s the difference?

Squalene is the natural, unsaturated lipid found in sebum. It oxidises easily, which can contribute to breakouts. Squalane is the saturated, stable form and therefore better suited to cosmetics. Squalene used to be sourced from shark liver; today most brands use plant-based squalane.

Squalane in Korean skincare

From our range: the Aqua Squalane Moisturizing Cream by S.NATURE with 15% squalane, the Squalane Skin Booster Moisturizer by Meditherapy, the Dynasty Cream by Beauty of Joseon with 2% squalane, the Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream, the Oat-In Calming Gel Cream and the Dermide Cica Barrier Sleeping Pack by Purito, and the Double Up Cream Ectoin & Panthenol by epii. You’ll find more creams in our face creams & moisturisers collection.