What is Squalene? And what are its benefits for skin care?

If you look at the ingredients in your skin care products, you’ll probably find both squalane and squalene in there. Yes, they may sound like the same ingredient, and technically they are, but believe it or not, one letter has a big impact on where you find it and how you use it.

Trust me, it’s going to get a lot more confusing before it all makes sense! But don’t panic, let’s learn more about this wonderfully moisturizing molecule.

What is the difference between squalene and squalane?

Squalene occurs naturally in the body and helps the skin look younger, softer, and more hydrated. Just like everything else produced in the body, it starts to deteriorate as we age, and the body is no longer able to keep the skin barrier’s moisture at the right levels, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and other issues.

Applying squalene to your skin should solve this problem. However, as effective as squalene may be, it’s not very stable and can’t be mixed into skin care product formulas unless it’s hydrogenated and processed into squalane, a stable form of the molecule. That’s why you’ll find that the powerful emollient in skin care products is actually squalane. The simplest way to think of it is this: Squalene and Squalane are twins, both are great, but Squalene will keep you clubbing until 6am because you have to work the next day, whereas Squalane, on the other hand, gets the job done at a reasonable hour.

While you get the skincare benefits of a moisturiser rich in Squalane, there is a downside to this moisturising ingredient: a few years ago, it was discovered that shark livers (yes, sharks, found in the sea) were rich in Squalene so it was thought that the emollient was used in skincare. In recent years, it has become harder to find products containing Squalene in the UK, instead Squalene derivatives are made from olives, rice bran and sugar cane.

Quick facts about Squalene:

Occurs naturally in the body

Moisturise skin, but effectiveness decreases after age 30

Found in shark livers, formerly used to make skincare products

Today, natural sources such as rice germ, olives and sugar cane are used as additives in skincare products

Very unstable and cannot be mixed into skincare formulas

Squalene must go through a hydrogenation process to become Squalane, which is then added to skincare products

What does Squalene do for your skin?

Squalene is the ultimate moisturizer, helping your skin retain moisture for a healthier, more radiant look. The antioxidant properties also fight any free radicals that can alter the appearance, texture, and function of your skin. Using squalane products like serums and moisturizers first can significantly reduce the appearance of sun damage and early signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and insufficient collagen production.

What skin types are suitable for with squalene?

You’ll find that all skin types can benefit from introducing squalene into their daily routine. Dry skin will love its extreme hydration, while oily and acne-prone skin will find squalene a great alternative to nourishing facial oils because it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. Even those with rosacea, eczema, and redness will find that the anti-inflammatory properties help soothe and calm their complexion. If you have sensitive skin, you won’t need to worry about this product causing irritation, as it’s unscented and gentle on the skin. However, as with any new product in your skincare routine (especially if you have sensitive skin), it’s important to be careful and build tolerance to the product over time.

How to Use Squalene?

You can find hydrogenated squalene (squalane) in many different products, from cleansers to moisturizers. Since squalene doesn’t cause irritation or other skin issues, you can use a wide range of products containing squalene in your daily routine.

However, if you’re worried that this is too much for your skin, it’s better to opt for a moisturizer or serum, as these products stay on the skin longer and squalene can lock in moisture for a more youthful, plumper complexion.

Is squalene better than hyaluronic acid?

As a seasoned skincare enthusiast, you may be wondering what the similarities are between squalene and hyaluronic acid and how they can benefit the skin. Hyaluronic acid can penetrate the skin and lock in moisture, but unfortunately it can’t lock in moisture for long-term results. You can find out more about the effects of hyaluronic acid in our blog post about the benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin care.

Squalene’s comparison to hyaluronic acid largely relies on its impressive ability to bind facial moisture and retain it in the skin, giving it enough time to be fully absorbed and infuse the protective barrier with glowing hydration.

What are the dangers of using squalene?

As mentioned before, there are no particular dangers to using squalene in your skin care routine. However, even if your skin has never shown signs of sensitivity before, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test. If there is no irritation or allergic reaction after 24 hours, you can use squalene.

The only real “danger” in using squalene is finding out where the ingredient is sourced from. When buying squalene, always make sure it’s plant-based and not extracted from shark livers, as this isn’t ethical, sustainable, or environmentally friendly.

This is another fantastic skin care ingredient worth trying. Because it can be incorporated into almost any skin care routine, the hydration will make your skin look younger and healthier. You have to admit, that makes up for the letter confusion of squalane and squalene, right? The results you’ll see will be worth it!

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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