Squalane is not Sqaulene
Understanding the Difference in Skincare
When navigating the complex world of skincare ingredients, it's easy to come across names that sound strikingly similar but differ significantly in their properties and applications. Squalane and squalene are two such ingredients, often confused for one another due to their nearly identical names. Despite the close resemblance, these two compounds serve different roles in skincare, and understanding the distinction can make a difference in your choice of products. In this post, we’ll explore what squalane and squalene are, how they differ, and why squalane has gained recognition as a celebrated skincare ingredient, especially in its vegan form.
What is Squalene?
To start, let’s talk about squalene. Squalene (with an "e") is a naturally occurring lipid found in human skin, as well as in certain plants and animals. It’s a key component of sebum, which is the oil your skin produces to keep it hydrated and protected. Our bodies produce squalene in abundance during our younger years, but production declines as we age, leading to drier and less elastic skin.
For centuries, squalene has been harvested from shark liver oil, where it exists in significant concentrations. Historically, this made it a common ingredient in moisturizers and anti-aging products due to its skin-replenishing properties. However, this form of squalene, derived from sharks, has raised ethical concerns as it contributes to the overharvesting of endangered shark species.
In addition to ethical issues, squalene, in its natural state, is highly unstable. It oxidizes quickly when exposed to air, which means it can lose its efficacy and even become a skin irritant over time.
Enter Squalane: The Stable, Ethical Alternative
This brings us to squalane (with an "a"). Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene, meaning it’s chemically altered to become a fully saturated oil. The process of hydrogenation stabilizes squalene, making squalane a more suitable ingredient for skincare products. Unlike squalene, squalane doesn’t oxidize when exposed to air, which significantly extends its shelf life and improves its performance as a moisturizer.
More importantly, modern formulations of squalane often come from plant-based sources, such as olives, rice bran, or sugarcane, providing a vegan alternative to shark-derived squalene. This vegan option not only aligns with more sustainable and cruelty-free practices but also ensures that the ingredient maintains the same nourishing benefits for the skin.
Why is Squalane a Skincare Superstar?
Squalane’s rise to fame in skincare isn’t just about its ethical and sustainable sourcing. It’s a multitasking powerhouse when it comes to skin health, offering a variety of benefits for all skin types. Here’s why squalane has earned a spot in so many skincare formulations:
1. Exceptional Moisturizer:
Squalane is an excellent emollient, meaning it helps lock moisture into the skin. Its lightweight texture makes it ideal for hydrating the skin without feeling greasy or heavy. Since squalane mimics the natural oils in our skin, it absorbs quickly, making it suitable for dry, oily, and sensitive skin alike.
2. Non-Comedogenic:
One of squalane’s standout features is that it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. This makes it an ideal moisturizer for people with acne-prone skin who want hydration without triggering breakouts.
3. Antioxidant Properties:
Squalane acts as a potent antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals that damage skin cells and contribute to premature aging. This helps in preventing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving skin a smoother, more youthful appearance over time.
4. Soothing and Calming:
For those with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea, squalane is known to have soothing properties. It helps to reduce redness and irritation while providing the necessary hydration to maintain skin barrier integrity.
5. Oil Control for Oily Skin:
It may seem counterintuitive, but adding oil to oily skin can actually help regulate sebum production. Squalane’s lightweight and fast-absorbing nature means it hydrates without adding excess oil, which can signal to your skin that it doesn’t need to overproduce sebum.
6. Compatibility with Other Skincare Products:
Squalane plays well with others! It’s often found in a variety of skincare products because of its compatibility with other ingredients. It enhances the absorption of active ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and AHAs, making your skincare routine more effective.
Squalane vs. Squalene: The Key Differences
Though closely related, squalane and squalene differ in several key aspects:
Why Squalane is the Preferred Choice in Modern Skincare
As the beauty industry shifts towards more sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients, squalane has become the preferred choice for formulators and consumers alike. Its stability, coupled with its universal skin benefits, make it an ideal addition to modern skincare routines. The ability to harvest squalane from plant-based sources like sugarcane ensures that no harm comes to wildlife, aligning with the growing consumer demand for vegan and cruelty-free products.
Beyond its ethical implications, the hydrogenation process that turns squalene into squalane significantly enhances its effectiveness. Squalane remains a stable, highly bioavailable ingredient that integrates seamlessly with the skin’s lipid barrier, providing long-lasting hydration without any risk of oxidation. In contrast, squalene’s instability makes it less suitable for use in formulations, particularly for products intended to last months or even years on store shelves.
Biossance- Squalane + Rose Vitamin C Rose Oil Available at: Sephora
Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream Available at: Mecca
Tata Harper - Nourishing Oil Cleanser Available at Sephora
Herbivore Botanicals - Orchid Facial Oil Available at Revolve
Samson & Charlie - Famous 24K Glow Available at Samson & Charlie Skincare
Sunday Riley - CEO Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream Available at Mecca
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Squalane for Your Skincare
With a deeper understanding of the difference between squalene and squalane, it’s clear why squalane has become the star ingredient in modern skincare. Whether you’re looking to boost hydration, reduce irritation, or simply enjoy an all-around versatile skincare oil, squalane delivers. Its plant-based sourcing, stability, and ability to work for all skin types make it a top choice in today’s world of clean beauty.
When selecting products, be sure to look for those containing plant-derived squalane from sources like olives, sugarcane, or rice bran, which offer the same benefits as shark-derived squalene—without the ethical baggage. In the evolving landscape of skincare, squalane stands out not just for its performance but for its potential to support a more sustainable and conscious beauty industry.
