Which is better, Squalene or Squalane?

We’ve already talked about how stressful the skincare industry can be, especially when you consider two very similar-sounding ingredients that have come out today. But don’t worry, I’m here today to clear the air and put an end to any confusion you may have when trying to figure out which is better, Squalene or Squalane. So, armed with that knowledge, let’s get started!

Are Squalane and Squalene the Same?

Here’s a quick overview of the differences between Squalene and Squalane:

Squalene

Naturally found in the body, helps produce sebum (the skin’s natural oil)

Is a natural antioxidant that protects the skin barrier

Reduces fine lines and sun damage

Known to be unstable and have a short shelf life

Squalane

Formerly derived from shark liver, now made from vegetable oils

Can also be derived from Squalene through a hydrogenation process

More stable and has a longer shelf life than Squalene

Helps reduce signs of premature aging and dry skin patches

Squalene (with an “e”) is actually produced in the sebaceous glands of the skin inside the body. This is where sebum (the oil found in the body) is released to the surface of the skin, and the amount of oil on the surface can be determined based on your skin type. This means that oily skin produces more sebum than other skin types, but the general rule is that the skin needs a certain amount of sebum to remain healthy and function properly. Since squalene is a lipid, it can help maintain the health of the skin barrier by repairing damage while fighting free radicals (such as those caused by UV radiation and pollution).

However, squalene also has downsides: after the age of 30, squalene production decreases, causing the skin to show signs of premature aging and potentially become dry. To counteract this natural process, you can add additional moisturizing ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. There is also an interesting factor to consider with these two ingredients: Although squalene is in its natural form, it is very unstable, which is why many formulas have been developed to produce squalene versions. In order to create squalane with an “a”, it must undergo a hydrogenated state. This means that squalane has a longer shelf life and can be exposed to air without worrying about it oxidizing and losing its effectiveness.

As for squalane itself, it has been used in products for several years after being extracted from shark livers. For obvious reasons, people have turned to more ethical sources, resulting in squalane now coming from plants such as olive and rice bran, as well as other vegetable oils such as amaranth seed, wheat germ and sugar cane.

What does squalane do for your face?

It is estimated that squalene produces up to 12% of the skin’s natural oils and is essential for maintaining the health of the skin barrier. With its highly effective moisturizing properties, it keeps the skin looking and feeling hydrated. Squalane can significantly reduce the signs of ageing and dry patches by maintaining the overall health of the skin’s protective barrier by keeping natural water and oil levels at the right levels, allowing the skin to protect itself from free radical damage. This damage is caused by pollution, sunlight, central heating and other environmental aggressors that come into contact with the skin on a daily basis. With the help of squalane, your skin will become more plump, healthy, with an even texture and tone, and full of youthful elasticity.

Is squalane better than hyaluronic acid?

Similar to squalene, hyaluronic acid is also produced naturally in the body, but its production also decreases with age. Deciding which one is better is much more difficult, as both have impressive hydrating effects on the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, i.e. it can penetrate the skin and bind water to skin cells. This allows moisture from the product and surrounding facial areas to be absorbed into the skin, keeping the surface barrier fully hydrated and healthy.

Squalane can have a similar effect, but you’ll find that people with dehydrated and dry skin particularly benefit from squalane, as it can stimulate sebum production and keep the protective barrier looking and feeling healthy. Hyaluronic acid is a more effective ingredient for people with oily skin, as oily skin can show signs of uneven skin tone, and the appearance of acne scars can be significantly reduced.

Can Squalane and Vitamin C be used together?

In fact, yes, there are some serums and ingredients that work well together, and Vitamin C and Squalane is one of them! Serums usually have a lightweight consistency, so they are easy to apply, and can penetrate into the lower layers of the skin to reach areas of the skin that need more hydration or other treatments, from signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles to uneven skin tone. When applying Vitamin C and Squalane together, it’s best to apply Vitamin C first to treat dark spots and dull skin, and then apply Squalane for hydration.

Should Squalane be applied before or after moisturizer?

This depends on the product that incorporates Squalane. If it’s included in a face wash, serum, or toner, it should be applied before moisturizer. For best results, I recommend using an exfoliating toner with an AHA like glycolic or lactic acid to cleanse the skin and remove dead skin cell buildup. Once this barrier is removed, you can then apply a serum enriched with Squalane to nourish and moisturize cleansed skin. If you’re using this routine during the day for important UV protection, you can apply moisturizer, eye cream, and SPF sunscreen.

I hope today you have a better understanding of which ingredient is better and how to determine which is best for you and your skin type. If you’d like to learn more about Squalane and Squalene, you can read our blog post. Don’t forget to visit us on Instagram for daily posts, product launches, and giveaways!

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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