Squalane oil is a very interesting skincare ingredient. Squalane is a light oil called an emollient which is a type of compound that works like your skin’s own oil called sebum to help prevent moisture loss. In the world of chemistry, it is labelled as a hydrocarbon and skin-friendly hydrocarbons include petrolatum and mineral oils so if you wish to avoid these then squalane oil is a good alternative. 

What’s the difference between squalane and squalene?

Squalene oil is naturally produced in our skin. Unfortunately, its production declines with age with production slowing down by mid-30s. Squalene is not only made by us, it is found in olives, sugar cane, rice bran and is also found in shark livers. Both animal and plant squalene are too unstable to be used in skincare products. This light oil turns rancid very quickly.  

Before squalene is used in skincare, it undergoes a process called hydrogenation which turns squalene into squalane (with an a) which is very stable, increases its shelf-life and makes the product skin-friendly. The squalane used these days is a vegan product usually derived from olives.  

Squalane oil and its benefits for skin

Squalane oil has superb moisturising benefits for skin and additionally it is an oil-soluble antioxidant which means that it works not only to moisturise skin but protects skin from damaging radicals that are produced when skin is exposed to UV radiation which occurs daily. As mentioned earlier, squalene production declines with age and so squalane can take its place instead and offer the same protection.  

Squalane oil's sebum-like feel means it can moisturise skin to keep is soft to touch, however unlike too much sebum, its lightweight feel means that it does not feel greasy, nor does it clog pores. And another plus is that skin recognises squalane oil like it does ceramides and cholesterol, where it works to help repair the skin’s barrier, which can help to keep skin looking hydrated, younger, and less reactive. Squalane oil's resemblance to squalene means that it is highly unlikely to irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction.  

DoSe by VH Squalane Face Oil is obtained from olives using a method of extraction that provides a super-light, non-greasy oil that deeply moisturises and hydrates skin without clogging pores. 

How to use Squalane oil

Caring for skin is not about one single ingredient because skin is composed in simple terms of water and oil, so you need to hydrate and moisturise it. Additionally, there are other components such as peptides, collagen, ceramides and numerous other compounds within skin, so it is best to blend squalane face oil with other helpful compounds such as retinol, peptides, vitamin C as well as other moisturisers such as shea butter. One pump of pure squalane oil can be added to, for example, Fulvic Face Cream or your favourite face cream to not only provide additional benefits but to also moisturise dry and very dry skin. Squalane can be added to your cleanser to prevent it stripping skin of its natural oils.  

Squalane oil is also an excellent addition to your favourite body lotion such as Fulvic Body Lotion to restore suppleness to skin.  

Squalane oil is not only about face and body. You can apply the oil to your hair to moisturise dry hair helping to prevent breakage. Place a few drops of squalane and massage into your hair or onto the scalp to address a dry & irritated scalp.  

As your body produces less squalene as you age, dry skin and dry hair become more common concerns. Natural ingredients such as Squalane Oil mimic sebum and so help to moisturise skin without irritation.  

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions and information expressed in this article and on Victoriahealth.com Ltd are those of the author(s) in an editorial context. Victoriahealth.com Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or for any consequences arising from the use of the information contained in this editorial or anywhere else on the site. Every effort is made by the editorial and content team to see that no inaccurate or misleading information, opinion or statement appear, nor replace or constitute endorsement from medical bodies or trials unless specified. Victoriahealth.com Ltd accept no liability for the consequences of any inaccurate or misleading data, information, opinion or statement. Information on Victoriahealth.com Ltd and in the editorials is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this website or in the editorials for diagnosing or treating a health concern or disease, or for the replacement of prescription medication or other treatment.