Explore The Skincare Benefits of Squalane

Kiehl’s began formulating with Squalane in the 1970s. Since then, this ingredient has made products like our cult-classic Ultra Facial Cream and Midnight Recovery Concentrate an essential addition to skincare routines. If you’ve applied these formulas before and reaped the benefits, you may be wondering why Squalane is good for the skin. Find out more about this amazing substance below.

What is Squalane?

Squalane is in essence a very refined botanical lipid similar in structure to skin lipids (think non-soluble liquids like facial oils and fatty acids). Because of the similarities to our skin, this particular lipid is readily absorbed and leaves no greasy residue. Typically, Squalane is used as protection for the skin that seals in moisture. The result? Softer and smoother skin following application.

Why is Squalane good for your skin?

Squalane is naturally present in the skin, where it is found in abundance in the skin’s sebum up until our early 20s. As we age, Squalane depletes, leaving the skin prone to rough and dry patches. By using a lotion, serum or moisturiser formulated with Squalane, you’ll help restore the skin to a healthier, softer and smoother appearance.

Squalane vs. Squalene

There’s no denying the connection between Squalane and Squalene. Although they are related, Squalane is actually the hydrogenated form of Squalene, which is what sets them apart.

The origins of Squalene are in the skin, where it was first discovered and used in cosmetics and skincare. During this time, Squalene was found to be highly unstable and prone to oxidation – t darkened, became viscous and released an odour.

It was in 1916 that Squalene was first produced into Squalane, where it became stable against heat and oxidation, as well as clear and odourless. This new formulation was now ideal for skincare application and highly compatible with many skin types.

To summarise, the main differences between Squalene and Squalane are:

Squalene

Squalane

The Complete Benefits of Squalane

Squalane’s emollient characteristics benefit our customers by creating an overall softening and smoothing of the skin. At Kiehl’s, our formulas have been known to

Help skin maintain moisture
Help stabilise the skin’s barrier
Leave no greasy residue
Absorb with ease

Anti-Aging and Squalane

At Kiehl’s, we conducted testing on 100% Squalane and discovered new highly effective results. From this research, we determined that this beloved ingredient is clinically-demonstrated to:

Visibly minimise wrinkles around the eye area
Visibly minimise the appearance of crow’s feet
Help improve skin’s firmness and elasticity

Aside from the moisturising properties, the proven anti-aging benefits of Squalane give reason as to why we love infusing Squalane into our efficacious formulas.

The Most Popular Uses of Squalane

Kiehl’s & Squalane

Kiehl’s has extensive experience with Squalane – a journey that began in our old-world apothecary in the East Village of Manhattan where we used to sell 100% Squalane in apothecary bottles. The formulation of Squalane into our products began in the 1970s with the inception of the Creme de Corps body moisturiser and decadent Ultra Facial Moisturiser.

Specially Sourced

The Squalane used in all of our products at Kiehl’s is 100% plant-based. At all stages of production, including the initial sourcing phase, we employ extensive safeguards to ensure we use a quality ingredient derived from plants. Olives are often our primary source of Squalane due to their large quantities of this ingredient. The extraction process involves pressing olives to obtain oil, which is isolated and then converted to Squalene. Through a hydrogenation process, we transform the Squalene into Squalane that is later used to formulate our cult-status elixirs and creams. Where olives are not used, we use sugar-derived Squalane in many of our formulas.

Kiehl’s Skincare Products With Squalane

Ultra Facial Cream

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is a #1 worldwide customer favourite that provides 24-hour hydration for all skin types – including sensitive skin. Infusing this formula with olive-derived Squalane helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier to achieve smooth and softened skin that benefits from an ultra-lightweight texture upon application. Our beloved moisturiser also uses Glacial Glycoprotein, extracted from the micro-organisms in sea glaciers that adversely thrive in extreme climates. The end result is visibly healthier-looking skin that’s protected from the harsh elements.

Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Replenish and restore your skin with Kiehl’s night-time facial oil. Formulating this elixir with Squalane, Lavender Essential Oil and Evening Primrose Oil ensures that you wake up to younger-looking skin each morning. The luxurious scent also helps you drift off into the night and wake up feeling restored.

Creme de Corps

Formulated with Squalane, Kiehl’s cult-classic body moisturiser will soften and smooth your skin from head to toe. Decadence is achieved with the added benefits of Beta-Carotene, Cocoa Butter and Sesame Oil, ensuring you feel nurtured each and every time you use this beloved body lotion by Kiehl’s.

Creme de Corps Body Oil

Our spray-on body oil was inspired by our definitive moisturiser and will leave you with soft, supple and smooth skin after application. The formula is enriched with Squalane and infused with Grape Seed Oil. The end result is skin that’s luxuriously-soft and emanates a decadent aroma of vanilla and almond.