Dermatologists love this ingredient for its moisturizing properties. The world of skin care is big, and there are always new products and trending ingredients to talk about. Sometimes it’s just hype. Sometimes, however, there’s truth to the claim.
According to the dermatologists we spoke to, squalene, a natural substance produced by the body to moisturize the skin, falls into the latter category. Squalene moisturizes the skin and leaves your complexion feeling soft.
At the same time, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe redness and inflammation, says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at
Cornell University.
Many skin care products on the market today actually use squalane instead of squalene. Squalane with alpha is another form of squalene that has similar moisturizing properties. Squalane can be obtained directly from plants or made by adding hydrogen to squalene.
It also has a longer shelf life than squalene, which is why it’s often used in skin care products. To help you decide if your skin could benefit from the extra moisture squalene provides, we spoke to a board-certified dermatologist about the benefits of squalene, who should use it, and the best serums, moisturizers, and essential oils.
Here’s how we picked the best squalene products for 2023. We spoke to a board-certified dermatologist about their favorite products containing squalene. We also asked her for tips and tricks on how to incorporate squalene-rich products into your skincare routine. Things to consider when shopping:
Formula: The dermatologists we spoke to recommend choosing squalane over squalene when it comes to skin care. “[Squalane] is more stable than squalene and doesn’t oxidize when exposed to air,” says Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
So we focused on products containing squalane. Product type: Squalane works best in products that hydrate the skin, Garshick says. “It really helps hydrate without leaving the skin feeling greasy or oily.”
While squalane is found in many products (like face washes, foundations, and more), we’ll focus on products that focus on hydration. Skin Type: According to Garshick, squalane is generally non-irritating and suitable for all skin types, and people with sensitive skin should be able to use it, too.
Squalene and Squalane. Before buying beauty products containing squalene, our experts recommend familiarizing yourself with some important information. Choose squalane over squalene. Squalene is produced naturally by your body (specifically the sebaceous glands) and helps keep your skin soft and moisturized. Squalene is also found in some plants. Squalane, on the other hand, is also found in plants and is usually obtained from squalene by adding hydrogen. Garshick says squalane is more stable and easier to use in skincare. Most squalane used in beauty products comes from plants like olive trees, sugar cane, and rice bran. Like squalene, squalane is also a plasticizer. “It smooths out small cracks and crevices that can cause your skin to feel rough,” says Kemp. Not only does it soften skin, it can also help soothe redness and irritation, Garchik says. It’s suitable for most skin types. “Squalane is safe for most skin types. It can help moisturize dry skin or
“balance sebum production for acne-prone skin,” says Camp. Garshick adds that it’s also safe to use during pregnancy. Since squalane can reduce inflammation and fight redness, it’s often helpful for people with sensitive skin
See Skin.
However, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist before using any new products. Our experts also recommend incorporating new ingredients into your skincare routine slowly, especially if you have sensitive skin.
If you have very oily skin, squalene-rich products may not be for you. This is because if you have oily skin, you may not need as much extra. They need moisture, and squalane provides that, says Garshick.
Works well with other ingredients Gashik says that cosmetic brands often combine squalane with other ingredients to increase tolerance for aggressive ingredients.
“Because it’s both hydrating and soothing, it pairs particularly well with ingredients that can cause dryness or irritation, like retinol,” Camp says. Retinol is a vitamin A , which increases cell production. This can help clear clogged pores, exfoliate the skin, and boost collagen production, but can irritate and dry out the skin. Camp says squalane can counteract this problem.
Get to know our experts At Select, we work with experts who have expertise and authority through appropriate training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert opinions and recommendations are provided independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell University. Dr. Brendan Camp is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. Why trust Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributing writer and reporter for NBC Select, regularly covering beauty, home, and lifestyle topics. For this story, she spoke with two board-certified dermatologists to get their advice on what to look for when buying beauty products containing squalene.
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.
