The Skinny on Squalane

Yes, I’ll go ahead and confirm that there seems to always be a new skincare buzzword going around (did someone just yet again reference walnut shells?) and I can barely keep up. Something new comes on the scene before you can even start seeing results of the last new product, which is typically around 12 weeks. Squalane is showing up in products ranging from The Ordinary’s cleansers and oils to Kylie Jenner’s vanilla milk toner. It’s likely here to stay and might solve your hydration needs.

Let’s go back to skincare basics about moisturized and dehydrated skin. Did you know there was a difference? I didn’t, until my girl Jessica gave me her lesson. Dehydrated skin appears dull and rough, likely occurring if you aren’t drinking enough water—your whole body is lacking water in this case, including your skin. Dry skin is dry and flakey, requiring a topical solution like moisturizer (and mostly cured by humectants, or products that draw in moisture from the environment). You can have moisturized skin that’s dehydrated, and hydrated skin that’s dry. All of this is what comes into play for oily skin in need of moisture and hydration, as your skin might have come to a point where it’s actually overproducing natural oils (sebum) due to such a lack of moisture. Oily skin can return back to normal once a good moisturizing routine is adopted.

So, what’s the deal with squalane? It’s a naturally occurring hydrocarbon and lipid that your skin already produces. While I personally hate sebum, it has a purpose (when under control) in protecting and lubricating your skin.  We want to use moisturizer to lock in good, healthy oils on our skin (both our own sebum as well as additional oils from serums). Squalane is non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores) and helps your skin maintain soft and supple texture. What’s not to like?

Great question.

Squalane is found in plants, animals and humans, which is cool. What’s not cool is the collection of squalane from it’s most common source for cosmetics, shark liver oil. Brands like The Ordinary have 100% plant-derived squalane, so it’s a good idea to verify where your ingredients are coming from in the event you prefer vegan products. Luckily, the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database rates squalane incredibly low in terms of overall hazard to health.

I have personally found success with The Ordinary’s squalane product. I love the texture and the swiftness in which it soaks into the skin. Squalane is a great finishing step in routines morning and night as it rarely conflicts with other ingredients (if any). Overall, it soothes. Over time, squalane can aid in lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, dry patches, and fights free radicals. It can also be utilized on hair and can work as a heat protectant.

How do you use your squalane?