If you’re someone who likes to look after their skin and seek out the latest beauty trends and skin-enhancing products, the chances are that you have heard of squalane. It’s not actually anything new, and you can find it listed as an ingredient in many popular favourites in the skincare aisle of any store. Despite the ingredient’s popularity, many people are confused about what it is and what squalane does for the skin. We’re here to break it down for you.
What is Squalane?
First of all, it is important to clarify that there are two different names that people will often mistake and mix up, squalane and squalene. That’s right, just changing one letter refers to a different ingredient.
Squalene has been used in cosmetics for a while and is surprisingly derived from shark livers. Shocking, we know!
Squalene is described as an ingredient that can be prone to instability and oxidation, so it isn’t as practical to use as its sister, squalane. The sebum that our skin produces already contains a portion of squalene, so while it may feel nice as a natural moisturiser, it also has the potential to clog pores and make acne worse as it oxidises.
Onto squalane. Squalane is a more stable form of squalene, making it more suitable for all skin types. It can be hydrogenated from shark livers or, a plant-derived squalane would come from olive oil.
What Does Squalane Do For Your Skin?
Let’s look into the benefits of squalane for the skin…
1. It’s a texture enhancer
Squalane acts as an emollient and skin conditioner. This means that squalane will soften rough, damaged skin and soothe it, keeping it nice and smooth and helping its elasticity.
2. It’s a highly effective moisturiser
Squalane is very similar to the skin’s natural sebum (the natural oil that your body produces). It’s a superb choice of emollient as it’s very light and silky in texture, it penetrates the skin rapidly without leaving a heavy, greasy feeling. The properties of squalane will help prevent TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss).
3. Suitable for all skin types
Squalane is very versatile and can be used on all skin-types, even acne-prone skin as it is light enough and non-comedogenic so it does not clog the skin’s pores.
Where You Can Find Squalane in Our Formulas?
We love the benefits of plant-derived squalane, so we included organic camellia seed oil in our face serum formula. Camellia seed oil contains natural levels of squalane, feels luxurious and light on the skin and is extremely moisturising due to its rich levels of oleic acid. Camellia seed oil is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and helps repair the skin and can reduce scarring and stretch marks. Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know about the launch of our skin-enhancing serum.