Squalane
A lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient oil derived from squalene — a lipid naturally produced by human sebaceous glands. Squalane (the hydrogenated, stable form) mimics the skin's natural oils, making it an excellent moisturizer that rarely causes breakouts. It softens skin, reduces water loss, and has antioxidant properties. Increasingly sourced from sugarcane and olives rather than shark liver.
Concentration & Usage
Can be used pure (100% squalane oil) or in formulations. Apply 2-3 drops after water-based products. Can be mixed with moisturizer. Safe for morning and night use. Non-comedogenic rating: 0-1 (very unlikely to clog pores).
Application
Topical (oil, serum, cream ingredient). Apply as the last step of skincare (after water-based products) or mix into moisturizer.
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Mechanism of Action
Squalane is the fully hydrogenated form of squalene—a C30 isoprenoid hydrocarbon. As a saturated branched-chain hydrocarbon, squalane forms a non-occlusive emollient film that fills intercellular lipid spaces and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by approximately 20-30%. Squalene comprises ~12% of human sebum (synthesized via mevalonate pathway); squalane's structural similarity confers high biocompatibility and minimal comedogenic potential. Hydrogenation of squalene's six double bonds eliminates oxidative susceptibility—squalene peroxidizes with UV exposure while squalane remains stable. Squalane penetrates the stratum corneum and may support barrier lipid organization. Plant-derived squalane (sugarcane, olive) is structurally identical.
Ingredient Interactions
Squalane is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and helps offset retinol dryness. Apply retinol first, then squalane or mix a few drops into your moisturizer.
See our full Ingredient Interactions Guide for more combinations and timing strategies.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient. Available OTC worldwide. Plant-derived squalane (sugarcane, olive) is the ethical standard.
Risks & Safety
Common
Essentially none. May cause breakouts in a small percentage of people despite low comedogenic rating.
Serious
None.
Rare
Allergic reaction is extremely rare.
Compare Squalane With
Research Papers
10Published: October 16, 2022
AI Summary
Addition of squalane to phenolic compounds decreased the permeability coefficients (Kp = 4.1-5.9 × 10-3 cm-2 h-1), indicating that squalane increased the retention of polyphenols in the skin.
Published: February 24, 2012
AI Summary
Several studies exhibited results that prove certain bioactivities for squalene and squalane. According to promising results from recent studies, squalene and squalane are considered important substances in practical and clinical uses with a huge potential in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.
Published: December 22, 2024
AI Summary
There was also a significant difference in the improvement of skin hydration outcomes between both groups (p < 0.05). The severity of the disease using Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the experiment group and the control group after 2 weeks of intervention.
Published: February 26, 2010
AI Summary
LF-SQ did not appreciably defend against hydrogen peroxide, though LF-SQ effectively defended against tert-butylhydroperoxide, a type of the intermediate hydrophilicity-lipophilicity degree out of other reactive oxygen species.
Published: April 28, 2025
AI Summary
The functional significance of squalane activities was found in a model of wound healing in HDFs. These results demonstrate the ability of squalane to counteract UVA-induced cell damage and suggest its potential to support skin regeneration, highlighting its application in anti-aging, post-sun repair, and regenerative care formulations.
Published: October 2, 2017
AI Summary
The upregulation of glycine was also observed, which may indicate a perturbation to the skin's natural moisturising factor production. This provides a valuable non-invasive approach for scientific and clinical studies in dermatology, particularly around dermatological disorders associated with compromised barrier function.
Published: May 1, 2021
AI Summary
Safety of the active ingredients and high efficacy in a one-time single-dose treatment with a brief treatment application time are key issues for consumer use and effective compliance. The results indicate that at both time points, 100% mortality rate of head lice crawling stages and late-stage eggs was achieved.
Published: December 15, 2025
AI Summary
Squalane-based O/W nanoemulsions significantly enhance the stability and dermal delivery of vitamin E, with the V.E 0:3 formulation demonstrating superior release kinetics and skin permeation. These findings support the potential of squalane-based nanoemulsions for effective topical delivery in cosmetic applications, warranting further in vivo s...
Published: June 11, 2023
AI Summary
The decadic logarithm logKsc/m ranged from -0.43 to +0.69 and showed a trend to higher values for PAH with higher molecular masses. Moreover, our data suggests that the s.c./viable epidermis boundary layer represents the most relevant barrier for the skin penetration of higher molecular mass PAH.
Published: April 30, 1991
AI Summary
Squalane levels in skin, liver, adipose tissue and small intestine on the day 70 were also reduced compared with that on the day 42. These results suggested that absorbed squalane was gradually excreted through feces and skin in dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Squalane used for?
A lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient oil derived from squalene — a lipid naturally produced by human sebaceous glands. Squalane (the hydrogenated, stable form) mimics the skin's natural oils, making it an excellent moisturizer that rarely causes breakouts. It softens skin, reduces water loss, and has antioxidant properties. Increasingly sourced from sugarcane and olives rather than shark liver.
What are the side effects of Squalane?
Common: Essentially none. May cause breakouts in a small percentage of people despite low comedogenic rating. Serious: None. Rare: Allergic reaction is extremely rare.
How is Squalane administered?
Squalane is administered via topical (oil, serum, cream ingredient). apply as the last step of skincare (after water-based products) or mix into moisturizer..
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