Squalane: The moisturising skincare ingredient that everyone can use

Squalane is a compound that can be found in humans, animals and plants. The earliest source of squalane came from sharks, with the richest source being their livers. Obtaining squalane from sharks has since ceased as researchers have found ways to extract them from plants such as olives and rice bran and add them to skincare.

In addition, squalane is an important component of sebum. But with age, squalane production level drops. Applied topically, squalane provides a moisturising effect to the skin, repairs the skin barrier and fights stress from oxidation and ultraviolet rays. It is no wonder then that squalane has since become a popular ingredient in skincare.

Here's why:

1) It provides antioxidative protection

Due to its composition as part of sebum, squalane is quickly absorbed and forms a protective film. As such, it can inhibit the oxidation of skin lipids. Squalane can also penetrate deep into the skin and aid the proliferation of skin basal cells, which is especially helpful in improving dull skin and delaying ageing.

2) It can moisturise and balance skin

Again, due to its proximity to the skin structure, squalane can be easily absorbed to improve the health of sebum. This is especially for those who suffer from insufficient sebum secretion as squalane can help retain moisture and improve concerns of skin dryness and dehydration.

3) It helps to repair skin

In addition, squalane can promote blood circulation, thereby enhancing cell metabolism and helping skin repair and renewal.

Who should try squalane?

Firstly, people with sensitive skin can adopt the ingredient. As it is part of the sebum make-up, the skin generally doesn't reject squalane so chances of irritation are lower. Secondly, those who have thinner stratum corneum and impaired skin barriers can start using squalane too. Finally, dry skin sufferers should add squalane into their routine stat.

Here are five squalane-containing skincare products to try now:

Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum, $108, Biossance

Credit: Biossance

1/5

This plumping serum combines three clinically tested ingredients - hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid and squalane - together with copper peptide to deeply hydrate skin and promote collagen production. This vegan formulation is also friendly to the environment.

PS: Most of Biossance's skincare contains squalane.

Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, $15, The Ordinary

Credit: The Ordinary

2/5

This squalane serum is definitely one of the most cost-effective on the market. It also contains 0.5 percent retinol, which the brand has purposefully combined with squalane in order to buffer the potential irritation retinol can cause.

Oilless Oil 100% Purified Squalane, $68, Peter Thomas Roth

Credit: Peter Thomas Roth

3/5

This product is a bottle of pure 100 percent plant squalane derived from sugarcane. It is free of preservatives, fragrances and chemicals. And as its name suggests, the facial oil doesn't feel greasy on the skin while providing a moisturising, skin-replenishing effect that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator, $80, Aesop

Credit: Aesop

4/5

This lightweight moisturiser contains ginger root and bisabolol that works in conjunction with squalane to calm redness and soothe sensitive skin.

Squalane Facial Oil, $36, Indie Lee

Credit: Indie Lee

5/5

This lightweight, easily absorbed facial oil is suitable for all skin types to improve skin texture, tone and elasticity. It is made completely of 100 percent olive-derived squalane and is a vegan option.





This article was first published in NUYOU. Translation by Ho Guo Xiong.