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vegan
- vegan
- fragrance-free
Ingredient glossary
Squalane: What It Is and What It Does
Squalane is a stable, lightweight oil used in skincare as an emollient, meaning it sits on the skin to reduce moisture loss and improve softness. It is the hydrogenated, shelf-stable version of squalene, a lipid the skin produces naturally as part of its own sebum, and is commonly derived from plant sources such as sugar cane or olives.
What it does
Squalane forms a light, breathable layer on the skin's surface that helps reduce water loss without the heavy or greasy feel some plant oils have. Because it closely resembles a lipid the skin already produces, it tends to blend in and absorb quickly rather than sitting on top. It does not add active exfoliation, brightening or cell-turnover effects — its role is purely emollient, softening and smoothing the skin's surface and helping other ingredients in a formula feel more comfortable to apply.
Who it suits
Squalane is generally well tolerated across skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin, since it is considered non-comedogenic and lightweight rather than heavy or pore-blocking. It is particularly useful for dry or dehydrated skin seeking a softening, moisture-sealing finish, and is often layered over water-based serums such as hyaluronic acid to help lock hydration in.
Cautions
Squalane is one of the better-tolerated skincare ingredients, and irritation is uncommon. As with any new product, patch testing is sensible for reactive skin. It is a plant-derived oil today rather than the animal-derived version once common, but anyone avoiding all oil-based products for a specific skin concern should check with a pharmacist or dermatologist before adding it to a routine.
Products with Squalane
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Frequently asked questions
- Is squalane good for oily skin?
- Yes, despite being an oil, squalane is lightweight and considered non-comedogenic, so it does not typically clog pores or add heaviness the way some other plant oils can. Many people with oily or combination skin use a small amount as the final step to seal in a water-based moisturiser.
- What is the difference between squalane and squalene?
- Squalene is the naturally occurring, less stable lipid produced by human skin and found in some plants; squalane is its hydrogenated, shelf-stable form used in cosmetics. The hydrogenation process makes squalane far less prone to oxidising, so it keeps its texture and effectiveness for much longer once opened.
- Can squalane be used with retinol or acids?
- Yes, and it is a common pairing. Because squalane is purely emollient rather than exfoliating, it is often used to help offset the dryness that retinol or acids can cause, applied either mixed in or layered on top once other active steps are complete.
This is general information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice. It does not describe any specific product, and does not diagnose, treat or cure any condition. If you have a persistent skin or scalp concern, speak to a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist. See our editorial policy for how we handle claims.