Dermatologists love this ingredient for its moisturizing properties. The world of skin care is big, and there are always new products and trending ingredients to talk about. Sometimes it’s just hype. Sometimes, however, there’s truth to the claim.
According to the dermatologists we spoke to, squalene, a natural substance produced by the body to moisturize the skin, falls into the latter category. Squalene moisturizes the skin and leaves your complexion feeling soft.
At the same time, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe redness and inflammation, says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at
Cornell University.
Many skin care products on the market today actually use squalane instead of squalene. Squalane with alpha is another form of squalene that has similar moisturizing properties. Squalane can be obtained directly from plants or made by adding hydrogen to squalene.
It also has a longer shelf life than squalene, which is why it’s often used in skin care products. To help you decide if your skin could benefit from the extra moisture squalene provides, we spoke to a board-certified dermatologist about the benefits of squalene, who should use it, and the best serums, moisturizers, and essential oils.
Here’s how we picked the best squalene products for 2023. We spoke to a board-certified dermatologist about their favorite products containing squalene. We also asked her for tips and tricks on how to incorporate squalene-rich products into your skincare routine. Things to consider when shopping:
Formula: The dermatologists we spoke to recommend choosing squalane over squalene when it comes to skin care. “[Squalane] is more stable than squalene and doesn’t oxidize when exposed to air,” says Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
So we focused on products containing squalane. Product type: Squalane works best in products that hydrate the skin, Garshick says. “It really helps hydrate without leaving the skin feeling greasy or oily.”
While squalane is found in many products (like face washes, foundations, and more), we’ll focus on products that focus on hydration. Skin Type: According to Garshick, squalane is generally non-irritating and suitable for all skin types, and people with sensitive skin should be able to use it, too.
Squalene and Squalane. Before buying beauty products containing squalene, our experts recommend familiarizing yourself with some important information. Choose squalane over squalene. Squalene is produced naturally by your body (specifically the sebaceous glands) and helps keep your skin soft and moisturized. Squalene is also found in some plants. Squalane, on the other hand, is also found in plants and is usually obtained from squalene by adding hydrogen. Garshick says squalane is more stable and easier to use in skincare. Most squalane used in beauty products comes from plants like olive trees, sugar cane, and rice bran. Like squalene, squalane is also a plasticizer. “It smooths out small cracks and crevices that can cause your skin to feel rough,” says Kemp. Not only does it soften skin, it can also help soothe redness and irritation, Garchik says. It’s suitable for most skin types. “Squalane is safe for most skin types. It can help moisturize dry skin or
“balance sebum production for acne-prone skin,” says Camp. Garshick adds that it’s also safe to use during pregnancy. Since squalane can reduce inflammation and fight redness, it’s often helpful for people with sensitive skin
See Skin.
However, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist before using any new products. Our experts also recommend incorporating new ingredients into your skincare routine slowly, especially if you have sensitive skin.
If you have very oily skin, squalene-rich products may not be for you. This is because if you have oily skin, you may not need as much extra. They need moisture, and squalane provides that, says Garshick.
Works well with other ingredients Gashik says that cosmetic brands often combine squalane with other ingredients to increase tolerance for aggressive ingredients.
“Because it’s both hydrating and soothing, it pairs particularly well with ingredients that can cause dryness or irritation, like retinol,” Camp says. Retinol is a vitamin A , which increases cell production. This can help clear clogged pores, exfoliate the skin, and boost collagen production, but can irritate and dry out the skin. Camp says squalane can counteract this problem.
Get to know our experts At Select, we work with experts who have expertise and authority through appropriate training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert opinions and recommendations are provided independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell University. Dr. Brendan Camp is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. Why trust Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributing writer and reporter for NBC Select, regularly covering beauty, home, and lifestyle topics. For this story, she spoke with two board-certified dermatologists to get their advice on what to look for when buying beauty products containing squalene.
