Squalane For Skin: What Is It (plus 3 Clean Beauty Products To Try)

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In the world of skincare products, there’s always a new ingredient being added to the formula that is supposed to boost hydration, reduce inflammation, and combat blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles. But, there’s one such ingredient that’s making a huge difference and you’ve likely heard of it…well, it’s unethical version anyways.

We’re talking about squalane and squalene, the former being the new, all-natural option and the latter being the one taken from sharks.

Curious? Read on to find out the difference and the benefits of squalane in skin care.

Squalane vs. Squalene: What’s the Difference Between The Two?

The first thing you should know is that squalene is produced naturally by the body via your sebaceous (oil) glands in your skin. It is found in the sebum that your sebaceous glands produce in the form of triglycerides, was esters, and squalene.

What is it? A fat.
Its job? To moisturize, hydrate, and maintain a barrier against your skin.

Unfortunately, after the age of thirty, the production of it slows significantly which is why you want to use skincare products with it. The second thing you should know is that squalene (with an e) turns into squalane (with an a), through hydrogenation. This is necessary because squalene is unstable and oxidizes when exposed to air, eliminating all of its benefits.

The difference between the two is that squalene can clog up your pores and it goes bad very quickly because it is unstable. The hydrogenated form, squalane is stable, skin-friendly, and is absorbed rapidly as its molecular makeup is very similar to our own skin’s cell membrane.

Plus, squalene is traditionally extracted from shark livers, whereas, squalane is derived from plant sources such as olive oil and sugarcane. The latter being a much more ethical source.

What Are The Benefits of Squalane For Skin Care

You can expect the following benefits of squalane oil:

Your skin will readily receive the oil, so you will get superior hydration.
It works on all skin types and is lightweight.
It penetrates deep into your skin’s pores, benefiting you at a cellular level.
It fights off free radicals and fights aging.
It balances your skin’s oil production to keep it clear and healthy.
It has anti-inflammatory benefits to help with acne & blemishes.
Boosts blood circulation & improves collagen production.

3 Clean Beauty Products Featuring Squalane

If you don’t already have a skincare product with squalane in it, check out these 3 clean, beauty products.

1. Alypn Beauty – PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer. This is a weightless, firming product that gives the skin a velvety finish using ceramides and squalane to fortify the skin’s moisture barrier. Contains vitamin C to brighten up your skin and help protect against free radical damage and fine lines disappear with bakuchiol. Contains wild actives to help nourish the skin, aloe for soothing purposes, and glycolic acid for a gentle exfoliation.

2. Herbivore Lapis Facial Oil. This facial oil from herbivore looks at targeting acne and blemishes, hydrating your skin without clogging your pores, and preventing your skin from producing excess oil that it doesn’t need. The lapis facial oil contains blue tansy, which soothes dry skin, reduces skin irritation, and balances out the skin complexion.

3. AnnMarie Skincare Probiotic Serum With Tremella – Bio Facial Elixir. The probiotic serum with Tremella by AnnMarie is perfect for those looking to hydrate, restore, and calm down sensitive skin. It uses ingredients like olive leaf extract and astaxanthin to shield the skin from harmful elements that cause free radical damage. It also contains Tremella which has the same benefits as hyaluronic acid, giving the skin deep hydration. Perfect for all skin types.