Squalane
What is squalane?
Your skin makes its own oil, and one of the main ingredients in that oil is squalene. It helps keep skin soft and protected. The trouble is that squalene breaks down quickly when it meets air and light, so it is hard to use in skincare.
Squalane, with an "a", is the stable form. It behaves like the oil your skin already makes, but it does not spoil. The result is a clear, weightless oil with no scent that sinks in almost immediately.
Squalane vs squalene
| Squalene | Squalane | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A natural oil your skin produces | The stable form of squalene, made for skincare |
| Stability | Breaks down quickly in air and light | Stable, with a long shelf life |
| Feel | Part of your skin's own oil | Light, silky and non-greasy |
Why we chose it
The most common worry about face oils is that they will feel heavy or greasy. Squalane is our answer. Because it is so close to the oil your skin already makes, it helps the richer botanicals in our elixirs spread evenly and absorb quickly, leaving skin soft rather than shiny. It is in both elixirs for that reason.
What does the research show?
A 2009 review in the journal Molecules describes squalene as a major part of the skin's surface oil and explains why squalane, its stable form, is so widely used in skincare: it softens skin, is well tolerated, and does not break down the way squalene does.
How we use it
- Bio Retinol Elixir, our day face oil, uses squalane alongside bakuchi, rosehip and marula.
- Night Repair Elixir, our night face oil, uses squalane alongside tamanu, black seed and hemp seed.
Neither contains water or synthetic fragrance.
Frequently asked questions
Is squalane good for oily skin?
Yes. Squalane is one of the lightest oils used in skincare and absorbs quickly without a greasy finish, which is why it suits oily and combination skin as well as dry skin.
What is the difference between squalane and squalene?
Squalene is the oil your skin makes naturally. It breaks down quickly in air and light. Squalane is its stable form, made for use in skincare.
Can I use squalane with other actives?
Yes. Squalane works well with almost any routine. Apply water-based serums first, then press in your face oil.
Which Sapphire Botanics products contain squalane?
Both: Bio Retinol Elixir and Night Repair Elixir. Try them together in the Discovery Set or Power Couple.
Sources
- Huang ZR, Lin YK, Fang JY. Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: potential uses in cosmetic dermatology. Molecules. 2009;14(1):540-554.