Squalene vs. Squalane: Which Is Better for Your Skin?
The skincare world can be a maze, especially when it comes to ingredients that sound so similar yet serve different functions. Take squalene and squalane, for example.
These two names are easy to mix up, but understanding their differences can help you make better choices for your skin. Let’s break down each ingredient, how they work, and which one might be best for you!
Is Squalane the Same as Squalene?
At first glance, squalene and squalane may seem like the same thing. They share a similar name, but their properties and uses are distinct. Here’s the main breakdown:
Squalene
Naturally Occurring: Squalene is a lipid (fat molecule) produced naturally in the skin’s sebaceous glands, helping to maintain the skin’s oil balance and barrier.
It plays a key role in producing sebum, the natural oil that keeps the skin moisturized.
Antioxidant Power: It is a natural antioxidant, protecting the skin barrier against free radicals caused by pollution, UV rays, and environmental damage.
It also helps with skin’s repair and reducing the appearance of fine lines and sun damage.
Stability Issues: While squalene has great skin benefits, it’s unstable when exposed to air and light.
This means it has a shorter shelf life, so it needs to be stabilized to be used effectively in skincare products.
Squalane
Hydrogenated Version of Squalene: Squalane is derived from squalene through a process called hydrogenation. This makes it more stable and allows it to have a longer shelf life.
Source: Originally, squalane was extracted from shark livers, but today it’s primarily derived from plant oils like olive oil, rice bran, and sugar cane, making it a more ethical choice.
Skin Benefits: Like squalene, squalane is known for its hydrating and anti-aging properties. It helps to replenish lost moisture, reduce dry patches, and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
It also works well for reducing fine lines, improving skin texture, and promoting a youthful appearance.
What Does Squalane Do for Your Skin?
Squalane is a highly effective moisturizer that helps balance your skin’s oil production, particularly when your skin’s natural oils are out of balance due to aging, harsh weather, or skin conditions. Some key benefits of squalane include:
Hydration: Squalane helps to lock in moisture by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface without clogging pores.
Improves Skin Tone and Texture: It can help create a smoother, more even skin tone and texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dry patches.
Protects Against Environmental Stressors: Squalane has antioxidant properties that protect your skin from the effects of UV exposure, pollution, and environmental damage.
Supports Skin Barrier Health: By mimicking the skin’s natural oils, squalane supports the health of the skin’s barrier, allowing it to retain moisture and defend against irritants.
Is Squalane Better Than Hyaluronic Acid?
This is a tricky comparison because both squalane and hyaluronic acid are excellent at hydrating the skin, but they work in different ways. Here’s how they compare:
Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that draws moisture into the skin from the environment.
It helps retain water in the skin, which is especially useful for people with oily skin or those suffering from dehydration. It works best for providing an instant hydration boost and plumping the skin.
Squalane: A moisturizer and emollient, which works to lock in moisture and support the skin barrier.
It’s particularly effective for dry or mature skin, as it helps maintain the skin’s oil balance and hydration levels.
Squalane is great for people who need a little more nourishment to keep their skin soft, hydrated, and healthy.
Which one to choose?
Oily skin: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might prefer hyaluronic acid, as it draws moisture without adding extra oils.
Dry skin: For drier or more sensitive skin, squalane can be more beneficial since it helps replenish lost oils and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier.
The best part is, you can use them together! Applying hyaluronic acid first to hydrate and then following up with squalane to lock in that moisture creates a powerful, balanced hydration routine.
Can I Use Squalane and Vitamin C Together?
Yes! Squalane and Vitamin C are a dynamic duo when it comes to skincare.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens the skin, reduces dark spots, and helps with collagen production, while squalane keeps your skin hydrated and smooth.
How to Layer: Apply Vitamin C first (usually in the form of a serum), as it helps brighten your skin and treat pigmentation.
Afterward, apply squalane as the last step to lock in moisture and give the skin a smooth, nourished finish.
Why it works: Vitamin C’s brightening effects are enhanced by squalane’s hydration and skin barrier support.
This combination is particularly great for tackling uneven skin tone, dryness, and signs of premature aging.
Does Squalane Go Before or After Moisturizer?
Squalane is usually applied after your serum and before your moisturizer (if you’re using both). Here’s the general order for your skincare routine when using squalane:
Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup.
Tone: Use an exfoliating toner (e.g., AHA or BHA) if needed.
Serum: Apply your targeted treatments, like Vitamin C or niacinamide.
Squalane: Apply a few drops of squalane to seal in hydration and help lock in your serum’s benefits.
Moisturizer: Finish with a moisturizer to add another layer of hydration.
Sunscreen: Don’t forget sunscreen during the day!
If your squalane is part of a moisturizing cream or oil, you can skip the moisturizer or apply it after for an extra dose of hydration.
Which is Better: Squalene or Squalane?
In conclusion, squalane is generally the better option for skincare due to its stability, longer shelf life, and versatility.
It’s great for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin, and can be easily incorporated into most routines.
While squalene is a fantastic natural ingredient that your skin produces, its unstable nature makes it difficult to use effectively in skincare products, which is why squalane has become the preferred option.
Squalene is better for your skin in its natural form (produced in your body) but is not as effective when used directly in skincare products.
Squalane is the more stable, effective, and accessible form of the ingredient, ideal for most skincare routines.
So, if you’re looking for an ingredient to hydrate, protect, and nourish your skin, squalane is your go-to choice!
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.
