Benefits of squalane oil for skin: How to use squalane oil in your skin care routine.

What is squalane?

When it comes to skincare ingredients that are best for dry skin and anti-aging, we often see popular ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and retinol. There are endless ingredients to choose from, and it doesn't seem very easy. My advice is that if you know your skin concerns and know which ingredients are good for that, you can reduce the risk of being overwhelmed. I will help you to reduce that risk by highlighting the one ingredient that may help you with most of your skin concerns, especially dryness and antiaging. There is one missing piece that can boost lots of benefits for dryness and antiaging, and most people are not familiar with it: it is “squalane.” I will explain each and everything about this hidden gem, its benefits, where it is derived from, and how to use it correctly in this blog. Please read this blog till the end to find out about squalane.

How is squalene made?

Squalane is a stable, skin-loving ingredient that originates from the hydrogenated form of squalene. While squalene, found naturally in human sebum, is prone to oxidation. So, it transforms the naturally unstable lipid into a durable, non-oxidizing skincare oil to make it more suitable for most skin types. That’s why converting into squalane enhances its stability, shelf life, and suitability for cosmetic use. Squalane oil is initially sourced from shark liver oil, but it needs to produce one ton, which may require thousands of sharks. It is a major environmental and ethical concern. Today, the beauty industry predominantly turns to plant-based alternatives, using sustainable methods such as olive oil extraction and grape seed and sugarcane fermentation.

How does squalane work?

Our skin naturally produces squalane-like squalene by itself from our sebum, which allows for excellent compatibility and rapid absorption into the skin’s lipid barrier. It acts as an emollient and occlusive agent by creating a seal on the skin that prevents transepidermal water loss while ensuring long-lasting hydration without greasy residue. It also reinforces the skin’s protective layer by helping to guard against environmental irritants and supports the skin barrier. Squalane has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is also helping to reduce redness, calm irritated or dry skin, and protect against oxidative damage, contributing to a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion.

Are squalane and squalene the same?

Even though "squalane" and "squalene" sound identical, they are different from one another. Squalene is a natural lipid found in the skin’s sebum, and it is sourced from plants and, historically, shark liver, but it’s chemically unstable and oxidizes rapidly. To overcome this, the chemist did hydrogenation, the formulation of the squalene to produce squalane. Squalane is a saturated compound that retains moisturizing and barrier-supporting benefits while offering far greater stability. It is so lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbable. Squalane is perfect for modern skincare.

Why is squalane oil good for the skin?

Squalane oil is a lightweight, highly effective moisturizer that deeply hydrates without leaving a greasy residue because it mimics the skin’s own natural oils; it’s instantly recognized and absorbed. I will explain each benefit of the squalane.

Exceptional hydration without greasiness

Squalane can help deeply moisturize the skin by mimicking its natural oils because it's lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly.

Strengthens the skin barrier & reduces water loss

Squalane supports the skin’s lipid matrix, helping to prevent transepidermal water loss, improve moisture retention, and protect from external irritants. It also helps to soften and smooth the skin.

Non-comedogenic and universally suitable

Even though squalane is an oil, squalane won’t clog pores and is well tolerated across skin types, including oily, acne-prone, sensitive, and mature skin.

Anti-inflammatory and soothing

Its calming properties help reduce redness and irritation, making it useful for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and other sensitive-skin concerns.

Antioxidant protection & anti-aging support

Squalane acts as a lipid-soluble antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, combat oxidative damage, support collagen production, and smooth the appearance of fine lines

Versatile and compatible with other treatments

It layers well with active ingredients like retinoids or hyaluronic acid, buffering potential irritation and enhancing overall skin resilience.

Will squalane make you break out?

While the squalene has oxidized, and it can turn to peroxide, which can lead to inflammation for oily and breakout-prone skin. However, its derivative version, called squalane, is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types due to its non-comedogenic properties. You can use squalane without worry, even if you have acne-prone and sensitive skin.

How to use squalane oil for the best results?

To get the most benefits from squalane oil, apply it after your water-based products (like cleansers, toner, and serums) and before your moisturizer or sunscreen. For deeper absorption, try the “oil sandwich” method, like applying squalane and then layering your moisturizer on top to enhance delivery and lock in hydration. You just need a few drops to apply because overapplication can feel heavy on the skin. Squalane is gentle enough for twice-daily use, but in humid climates or for oily skin, once a day or using a serum formulation may be sufficient. It blends beautifully with active ingredients, and you can apply it after retinol to reduce irritation. It is also useful beyond your face: massage it into your body or cuticles, or use it as a hair serum to tame frizz and add shine.

Pro tips: Mix with your favorite foundation for a dewy glow

Who should use squalane oil?

Squalane oil is gentle and suitable for a wide range of skin types. If you have dry or mature skin, it will be so beneficial due to its deep hydration, strengthening of the skin barrier, and imparting of soft suppleness. Even if you have sensitive or reactive skin, including conditions like eczema or rosacea, you will appreciate its soothing, anti-inflammatory qualities. Squalane is a kind of oil, but it is lightweight and non-comedogenic, making it surprisingly effective for oily and acne-prone skin, helping regulate sebum without clogging pores. It’s also ideal for combination skin, balancing dry and oily zones seamlessly.

Who should avoid squalane oil?

Squalane oil is widely regarded as safe and beneficial for most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. However, if you have allergies to squalane, you should follow the caution and perform a patch test before full application. Additionally, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you should monitor your skin's response, because you may experience breakouts or clogged pores. When combining squalane with potent active ingredients like AHAs or retinol, it's essential to observe for any signs of irritation or dryness. So, you need to adjust the usage. Lastly, if you have specific skin conditions, you should consult with a healthcare professional before introducing new products into your skincare regimen.

Best Squalane oil from Japan

CUSTOM No.333 by New York is high-purity squalane, with a purity of over 99%, and uses shark-derived ingredients that are especially skin-friendly.

With super moisturizing power, just 1-2 drops are enough to protect your skin from dryness. It can instantly penetrate the stratum corneum and make the skin softer and more supple. Japanese gentle skin care, simple and additive-free. There is no thickener, no colorant, no alcohol, no mineral oil, no petroleum-based surfactants, and no parabens.