Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid: Two Hydration Heroes, One Perfect Routine

Squalane vs. Hyaluronic Acid: Which One is Better for Your Skin?

In the vast world of skincare, squalane and hyaluronic acid have both risen to prominence as two of the most sought-after ingredients. From serums to moisturizers, face washes, and even eye creams, these two ingredients are hailed as miracle workers when it comes to hydrating the skin. But despite their widespread use, they have distinct characteristics that can make one more suitable than the other depending on your skin’s needs. So, how do you decide which one is better for your skin? Let’s break down the differences, benefits, and optimal ways to incorporate them into your skincare routine.

What is Squalane?

Squalane is a hydrogenated version of squalene, a naturally occurring lipid found in our skin’s sebum. This substance is vital for maintaining healthy skin because it plays a key role in hydration, providing the skin with necessary moisture. However, while squalene itself is incredibly beneficial, it has one major drawback: it is an unstable molecule. That’s where squalane comes in.

Squalane is a more stable, synthetic version of squalene that has been processed for cosmetic use, making it much more durable in skincare formulations. This transformation allows squalane to retain the beneficial properties of squalene while being less prone to oxidation. The stability of squalane makes it an excellent choice for skincare products.

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, explains that squalane acts as an emollient, meaning it softens and smoothes the skin’s texture while sealing moisture in. It also helps protect the skin’s barrier and has antioxidant properties that shield the skin from free radical damage, which is often caused by environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays, and harsh weather conditions.

Squalane is particularly helpful for individuals experiencing dry skin, as it mimics the body’s natural oils and replenishes lost moisture. It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, making it safe to use even for people with acne-prone skin. Additionally, squalane is lightweight compared to other oils, making it an excellent option for those looking for hydration without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, primarily found in the skin, eyes, and joints. Its main role is to act as a humectant, a substance that draws moisture from the environment and helps the skin retain it. Hyaluronic acid has the remarkable ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it one of the most hydrating ingredients in skincare.

According to Dr. Rebecca Marcus, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD, hyaluronic acid has an immediate plumping effect on the skin. By attracting moisture and binding it to the skin, hyaluronic acid helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a smoother, firmer appearance. As a result, it has become a staple ingredient in hydrating serums, moisturizers, and eye creams.

Hyaluronic acid is particularly known for its ability to hydrate oily and acne-prone skin. Since it doesn’t clog pores and doesn’t add any heavy oils to the skin, it’s a great option for individuals with oily or combination skin types who are looking for a lightweight, non-greasy way to stay hydrated.

Squalane vs. Hyaluronic Acid: The Key Differences

While both squalane and hyaluronic acid offer incredible benefits to the skin, they work in different ways. Let’s explore these differences in detail:

Chemical Composition:

The most significant difference between the two ingredients is their chemical structure. Squalane is a lipid, a fat-based molecule, while hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan, which is a long chain of sugar molecules. These differences influence how the two ingredients interact with the skin.

Mode of Hydration:

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin from the environment. It’s excellent for giving the skin an instant boost of hydration. However, because it pulls moisture from the air, it requires an occlusive agent to lock that moisture in. That’s where squalane comes into play.

Squalane, on the other hand, acts as an emollient, meaning it forms a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss. It helps to seal in hydration and protect the skin’s natural moisture.

Skin Types:

Both ingredients are suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. However, there are certain skin types that might benefit more from one over the other.

Hyaluronic Acid: Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin because it hydrates without clogging pores or causing breakouts.

Squalane: Best for dry skin because it helps replenish moisture and supports the skin’s barrier function.

Application Frequency:

Both squalane and hyaluronic acid can be used daily. However, since squalane provides a barrier against moisture loss, it’s often used as a final step in a skincare routine (especially in the evening), while hyaluronic acid is often applied earlier in the routine to draw moisture into the skin.

Can Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid Be Used Together?

Yes! In fact, using squalane and hyaluronic acid together can be extremely effective. Since they work in different ways, combining them ensures that your skin gets both an immediate boost of hydration (from hyaluronic acid) and long-lasting moisture retention (from squalane).

Here’s how to use them together:

Layering Order: When using both ingredients, start by applying hyaluronic acid first. Since it’s a humectant, it draws moisture into the skin, which is why it should go on first when the skin is still slightly damp.

Follow with Squalane: After applying hyaluronic acid, follow up with squalane to lock in all the moisture and keep your skin hydrated for hours.

Whether you choose to use two separate products or a single serum that contains both ingredients, layering them in the right order can provide maximum hydration benefits. Additionally, many products on the market are now formulated with both hyaluronic acid and squalane to take advantage of their complementary properties.

Which One Is Better for Your Skin?

The decision to use squalane or hyaluronic acid depends on your skin’s needs:

If you’re dealing with dry skin, squalane might be more beneficial because it will help replenish lost moisture and prevent further dehydration.

If you need instant hydration and are looking to reduce fine lines and plump up the skin, hyaluronic acid is a great option.

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, both ingredients are suitable, but you might prefer hyaluronic acid if you’re looking for something light and non-comedogenic.

In most cases, however, combining both ingredients into your routine can give you the best of both worlds: deep hydration and long-lasting moisture retention.

Conclusion: Hydration Heroes for Every Skin Type

Squalane and hyaluronic acid are both incredible skincare ingredients that can hydrate, nourish, and protect your skin. Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin, both ingredients have unique benefits that cater to a wide range of skincare needs.

Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your individual skin concerns and preferences. If you’re looking for a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer, hyaluronic acid may be the answer. If you want something more nourishing and protective, squalane might be more suited to your needs.

By understanding how these ingredients work and how they can be incorporated into your routine, you can better address your skin’s hydration needs and achieve a smoother, more radiant complexion. Both ingredients are highly effective on their own but can work even better when used together in the right order for ultimate hydration and protection.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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