All the benefits of squalane The secret ingredient for soft, hydrated skin

Have you ever heard of squalane? If you’re even a bit into skincare, this name is probably already familiar to you. But what is it for? Squalane is a true beauty ally: lightweight, moisturizing, extremely gentle even on the most sensitive skin, and excellent for strengthening the skin barrier. In short, a must-have ingredient to always keep in your beauty case!

What is squalane?

Squalane comes from a substance we naturally produce: squalene, found in our sebum and essential for keeping the skin soft and elastic. The problem is that squalene, when exposed to air, oxidizes quickly and loses its effectiveness. That’s why it is transformed in the lab into squalane, a more stable, lightweight version perfect for cosmetics. It used to be derived from shark liver (hence the name) but today it is extracted from plant sources such as sugarcane or olive oil, so no animals are harmed. The great thing about squalane is that it is so similar to our natural sebum that the skin recognizes and absorbs it immediately, without leaving that greasy feeling that can be annoying.

Squalane: properties and benefits

Squalane is truly a little beauty elixir: it helps the skin stay hydrated, elastic, and plumped, making it immediately more radiant without weighing it down. As Healthline describes in a dedicated article, it also has fundamental antioxidant properties that protect the skin from damage caused by pollution, stress, and external aggressors, thus slowing down aging. In addition, it is a natural anti-inflammatory that can soothe redness, irritation, and even conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea. Plus, it is truly suitable for all skin types, even oily or acne-prone skin, because it does not clog pores or leave the skin shiny or heavy.