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Squalene vs. Squalane: What They Are and Their Skincare Benefits
Skin Care

Squalene vs. Squalane: What They Are and Their Skincare Benefits

6 June 2025



What Is Squalene And What Are Its Skincare Benefits?

If you check the ingredients list of many skincare products, you will likely come across both squalene and squalane.

Though their names sound almost identical, that small difference in spelling actually signals a big difference in their properties and uses.

It’s easy to get confused, but once you understand these two molecules better, the picture becomes much clearer.

So, let’s dive in and explore what squalene really is and why it’s such a valuable ingredient in skincare.

What’s the Difference Between Squalene and Squalane?

Squalene is a natural lipid that is found in our bodies, primarily in the skin. It plays an important role in keeping skin looking youthful, soft, supple, and well-hydrated.

However, like many of the beneficial substances our bodies produce, the levels of squalene start to decrease as we age.

This decline often coincides with dry skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of skin aging.

The problem with using squalene directly in skincare products is that it is chemically unstable.

It easily oxidizes when exposed to air, which makes it unsuitable for inclusion in most cosmetic formulations.

To solve this issue, squalene undergoes a chemical process called hydrogenation, transforming it into squalane.

Squalane is a more stable and shelf-friendly version of squalene, which can be safely added to skincare products.

A helpful analogy is to think of squalene and squalane as twins. Squalene is the wild one who might party all night, while squalane is the responsible twin who goes to bed early.

Both have their benefits, but squalane is the one you’ll find in most skincare products because it is stable and effective.

Where Does Squalene Come From?

Historically, squalene was sourced from shark liver oil because sharks produce very high amounts of it.

However, this practice raised serious ethical and environmental concerns due to the impact on shark populations and ocean ecosystems.

Fortunately, modern skincare companies now mainly derive squalene from plant-based sources.

Common natural sources include olives, rice bran, and sugarcane, making the ingredient much more sustainable and cruelty-free.

This shift to plant-based squalene has made squalane an even more popular and desirable skincare ingredient.

You can feel good about using products that contain it, knowing they support both your skin and the environment.

Fast Facts About Squalene

Naturally produced by the human body, especially in the skin

Helps maintain skin hydration but decreases after age 30

Traditionally extracted from shark livers but now mostly plant-derived

Unstable in raw form, so it is hydrogenated to form squalane

Squalane is the stable, safe, and effective version found in skincare

Works as a powerful emollient and antioxidant for skin health

What Does Squalene Do for Your Skin?

Squalene is a powerful hydrating booster that enhances your skin’s moisture levels and promotes a radiant, healthy complexion.

Its antioxidant properties help combat free radicals—unstable molecules that cause damage to skin cells and accelerate aging.

By neutralizing these free radicals, squalene protects your skin’s texture, appearance, and overall functionality.

One of the key benefits of squalane-based skincare is its ability to help repair damage caused by sun exposure and environmental aggressors.

It can reduce the appearance of early signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness by supporting collagen production and maintaining skin elasticity.

Using squalane regularly can help keep your skin looking plump, smooth, and youthful while strengthening its natural barrier.

This protective barrier locks in moisture and shields the skin from irritants and pollutants.

Which Skin Types Can Benefit from Squalene?

One of the best things about squalene and squalane is that they are suitable for almost all skin types.

Dry skin benefits from its deep hydration and nourishing properties, making it an excellent substitute for heavier facial oils.

People with oily or acne-prone skin appreciate that squalane is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores or trigger breakouts.

Even those with sensitive or reactive skin, including conditions like rosacea and eczema, can benefit from squalane’s anti-inflammatory properties.

It helps soothe irritation and redness while reinforcing the skin’s protective barrier. Since squalane is typically odorless and gentle, it is unlikely to cause irritation.

However, as with any new skincare product, it’s wise to introduce it gradually and watch for any reactions.

How Do You Use Squalene or Squalane in Your Skincare Routine?

Squalane is found in a variety of skincare products, including cleansers, serums, facial oils, and moisturizers.

Because it is gentle and well-tolerated, many people can use multiple squalane-containing products throughout their daily routine.

If you’re concerned about overloading your skin, start with a serum or moisturizer that contains squalane.

These products tend to stay on the skin longer and deliver lasting hydration while helping to restore the skin’s youthful glow.

Applying squalane after cleansing and before heavier creams allows it to lock moisture into your skin effectively.

Squalane pairs well with other hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, creating a comprehensive moisture defense system.

Is Squalene Better Than Hyaluronic Acid?

Both squalene (or squalane) and hyaluronic acid are beloved skincare ingredients known for their hydration benefits, but they work differently.

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws water from the environment and deeper skin layers into the surface, helping skin retain moisture.

However, its ability to hold moisture isn’t long-lasting on its own.

Squalane, on the other hand, works by locking moisture into the skin and strengthening the skin’s barrier.

This allows it to hold hydration for longer periods, helping maintain softness and suppleness throughout the day.

When used together, these ingredients complement each other for optimal skin hydration and protection.

For a deep dive into hyaluronic acid benefits, you can check out skincare blogs dedicated to that ingredient, but rest assured squalane is a fantastic addition to any routine.

Are There Any Risks or Dangers to Using Squalene?

Generally, squalane and squalene are very safe ingredients with low risk of irritation or allergic reactions.

Nonetheless, it’s always advisable to perform a patch test when introducing any new product into your routine, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area and wait 24 hours to see if any redness, itching, or swelling occurs. If no adverse reaction appears, it’s safe to use.

The biggest concern when it comes to squalene is not a risk to your skin but the source of the ingredient.

Always check that the squalene or squalane you purchase is plant-derived rather than extracted from shark liver oil, as the latter raises ethical and environmental issues.

Final Thoughts

Squalene and squalane are remarkable skincare ingredients that provide deep hydration, antioxidant protection, and anti-aging benefits.

Thanks to advancements in sourcing and formulation, you can now enjoy all the perks of this natural molecule in a sustainable and cruelty-free way.

With its versatility and suitability for nearly every skin type, squalane is a wonderful addition to your skincare routine.

It helps keep skin younger-looking, healthier, and beautifully hydrated. While the names may be confusing at first, the results will make it all worthwhile.

So next time you see squalane or squalene on a label, you’ll know exactly what they mean — and how great they are for your skin!

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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