What is Squalane and How Does it Benefit Your Skin?
A staple skincare ingredient, squalane is renowned for its ability to comfort and nourish the skin. You may have already heard of this moisturising oil – or even use it in your current routine. What you might not know is how many squalane benefits there are for all skin types.
So, what does squalane do? To help you get the most out of this supportive oil, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to all things squalane. Below, unlock the key to skin hydration with a range of squalane benefits, uses and products.
What is squalane?
A plant-derived oil, squalane is classified as an emollient and is used frequently in moisturisers, facial oils, body oils and even cleansers. Technically termed a ‘refined botanical lipid’, squalane skincare is effective because of its similarity to our own skin.
Squalane is the saturated version of squalene, which is naturally present in our sebaceous glands. However, our natural lipid levels start to deplete as we enter our 30s, which can make it harder for skin to stay hydrated and supple. What squalane does, then, is mimic our skin’s natural oils – helping to achieve smoother, softer, healthier-looking skin.
Squalene vs squalane – what’s the difference?
Perhaps you’ve heard squalane and squalene interchangeably, but there are a few key differences between the two.
Squalene: This lipid is produced naturally in the skin’s sebaceous glands and can be found in other natural sources, most notably in shark liver. Squalene is highly unstable and prone to oxidation – meaning that it darkens in colour and decreases in efficacy when it is exposed to air. When squalene undergoes hydrogenation (a saturation process), it creates the more stable squalane.
Squalane: A derivative of squalene, squalane is sourced from more ethical alternatives like olives and rice bran. The benefits of squalane oil for skin include a longer shelf life and being stable against heat and oxidation.
Top 5 squalane benefits for your skin
We’ve answered the question, ‘what is squalane?’, but it’s time to delve a little deeper into this star emollient. So, what does squalane do for skin?
Below are five of the top squalane skin benefits, which include:
- Supporting the function of the skin moisture barrier.
- Softening and smoothing the skin for a more supple complexion.
- Regulating the skin without blocking pores.
- Comforting sensitive and allergy-prone skin types.
- Reducing the appearance of visible ageing concerns.
Read on as we guide you through each of these key squalane benefits for skin.
Strengthens the skin moisture barrier
A healthy complexion begins and ends with the skin moisture barrier.
Located within the stratum corneum, this all-important layer is responsible for keeping the skin well-lubricated with lipids and water, while blocking out harmful skin stressors like UV rays, pollution, and other environmental stimuli.
There are a number of factors that can cause a damaged skin moisture barrier: including harsh skincare products, exposure to extreme weather conditions, sun damage and stress.
Now, what does squalane do for the skin moisture barrier? Well, this is where squalane-infused skincare products can intervene and act as a second shield for your skin’s outermost layer: locking in your natural oils and mitigating dryness and transepidermal water loss.
Softens and smooths skin
Squalane is one of the most effective ingredients you can include in a skincare routine for dry skin. Squalane skincare benefits can be largely attributed to its status as an emollient. Emollients work by forming a protective layer over the skin, effectively locking in hydration. This improves the feeling of your skin – making it bouncier and softer to the touch – and, by enhancing and adding to its natural oils, ensures your skin stays hydrated for longer.
Regulates skin without clogging pores
For those with oily skin, it might seem counter-intuitive to apply more oil to the skin. In reality, though, excessive oil production, shiny skin, and breakouts are often the result of skin imbalances. And one way to help keep your oil levels regulated is by consistently applying moisturiser as part of your skincare routine.
One of the major benefits of squalane is that it is a non-comedogenic ingredient – meaning it won’t clog your pores. This makes squalane still efficacious for oily and combination skin types because it can moisturise your skin – without exacerbating breakouts.
Comforts sensitive and allergy-prone skin
We could spend all day waxing lyrical about the benefits of squalane for dry skin. But squalane can also provide a great sense of relief for other skin types, too – especially those with sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
Those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin are more susceptible to inclement weather and stringent skincare products, which can lead to tightness, redness and prickling sensations.
As an emollient, squalane can help prevent water loss from the skin moisture barrier that exacerbates the look and feel of distressed skin. This alleviates feelings of sensitivity and leaves the skin feeling bouncy, supple and comfortable.
Diminishes visible signs of ageing
Since the skin’s natural oils decrease with age, skin dehydration becomes a common concern for ageing and mature skin. Dehydration can make textural concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, rough patches, and sagging skin appear more pronounced. Squalane benefits ageing skin by smoothing texture and increasing suppleness. In turn, this can help:
- visibly minimise wrinkles around the eye area
- visibly reduce the appearance of crow’s feet
- improve the skin’s firmness and elasticity
How to use squalane in your skincare routine
To reap the benefits of squalane in your skincare ritual, there are several iconic Kiehl’s products that feature squalane at the heart of their formulas. From cleansing your face to washing your body, read on for our top squalane-infused recommendations.
Cleanser: A squalane-rich cleanser strikes the perfect balance between eliminating impurities and supporting hydration. Our pick is the Ultra Facial Cleanser, a foaming cleanser that removes debris and impurities from your skin, without reducing its natural oils. Suitable for all skin types, this gentle cleanser combines the benefits of squalane with avocado oil and apricot kernels to further nourish and refresh your skin.
Toner: Toning is an important step in ridding the skin of any remaining impurities and maximising absorption of subsequent products. So, after cleansing, use the Ultra Facial Toner to hydrate and comfort your skin while refining skin texture. This squalane-based toner is formulated for all skin types – even sensitive.
Facial oil: A facial oil is a great way to imbue the skin with additional moisture. After toning, apply two to three drops of Midnight Recovery Concentrate Face Oil over your face and neck. This evening facial oil combines squalane’s skin benefits with lavender essential oil and evening primrose oil – to promote softer, younger-looking skin.
Moisturiser: As a key component of nourished skin, moisturiser helps support the function of the skin moisture barrier. Our cult favourite, squalane-infused Ultra Facial Cream, has a lightweight texture that settles comfortably into the skin to encourage softer, smoother texture and protect the complexion – no matter your skin type.
Body: It’s important to support your body’s hydration as well as your face. Enter: Crème de Corps. Formulated with squalane, this body moisturiser provides deep nourishment to your skin – without leaving a greasy residue. Suitable for all skin types (including particularly dry skin), our body moisturiser also includes cocoa butter and shea butter for a luxurious feel.
Now that we’ve answered the question ‘what is squalane in skincare?’ and explored its top benefits, you can put this beloved ingredient into practice to help care for dry skin in winter.
Shop this article
Ultra Facial Cleanser
A hydrating face cleanser that is suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. The foaming formula helps to remove the excess oil from the skin's surface without drying out the skin, revealing a refreshed and hydrated complexion.
Ultra Facial Toner
A gentle, alcohol-free facial toner for all skin types.
Midnight Recovery Concentrate Face Oil
A nighttime anti aging face oil that visibly restores skin while you sleep.
Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane
Our number one squalane moisturiser for ultra-lightweight, 24-hour hydration. The perfect daily moisturiser for all skin types, including sensitive. Help recover the skin barrier, and leave your skin softer, smoother and healthier with the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. Paraben-free and fragrance-free.
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