What Is Squalane and Why Should You Be Using It?

Squalane might not be as popular as some other skincare ingredients, but it definitely deserves attention. If you haven’t heard of it, today’s your lucky day, as it is an absolute game-changer. In this article, we'll explain squalane and how it can benefit your skin. Enjoy!

Squalene (note the letter 'e' instead of 'a' in the second half of the word) is a naturally occurring sebum produced by the body. It creates a protective coat for the skin and helps maintain moisture. Manufacturers add hydrogen atoms to squalene (with an 'e') to turn it into squalane (with an 'a') to improve its uses as a skincare product. If your skin is dry, it's most likely due to a damaged skin barrier. Luckily, squalane can help. It retains moisture in the skin, which makes it more hydrated and, therefore, eliminates dry patches. Squalane oil is also very lightweight compared to other face oils.

This one depends on your skin type but is still worth mentioning. Squalene is a part of sebum, which, in excess, leads to acne. Therefore, If your skin is normally oily, you might want to skip it. However, if you're dealing with dehydrated and acne-prone skin, squalane will bring it back to life without causing irritation.

Wrinkles are often caused by dry skin, which again is something squalane helps with. As you get older, your skin produces less oil, so make sure to incorporate a product with this ingredient included. Finally, squalane can also help relieve eczema symptoms like dryness, cracking, and flaking thanks to its barrier-supporting qualities. However, it can't heal eczema completely, so be sure to also consult with a dermatologist.