Why You Should Add Squalane to Your Skin-Care Routine, According to an Expert

There are plenty of skin-care ingredients that have hero qualities. Vitamin C boosts brightness, hyaluronic acid can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, and retinol speeds up cellular renewal, which has a whole host of skin benefits. But there’s a less buzzy ingredient that is not only super easy to use but also works wonders by adding hydration into your skin and hair routine. That ingredient is squalane.

“The process of creating squalane oil occurs when the similarly named squalene oil undergoes the process of hydrogenation, leaving a clear, odorless oil,” Kate Bancroft, a skin-care expert at Face the Future, tells POPSUGAR. She explains that, “squalene is sourced from plants such as wheat germ, palm trees, and olives, but it’s the hydrogenation process that leaves us with the super-light oil” that is “suitable for use on all skin types including acne-prone and super sensitive skin.” A win win.

Ahead, learn exactly how squalane can benefit your skin. Once you’re convinced to give it a go, shop some of our recommendations.

The Benefits of Squalane

If you have particularly dry patches, eczema, or other skin conditions, squalane is great for soothing and regenerating the skin. The oil is nonirritating and Bancroft says that it can help reduce irritation. It may feel lightweight, but it packs a punch when it comes to skin hydration. If our skin is feeling particularly dehydrated, we like to apply a little squalane oil on top of a light moisturizer at night; this gives the skin maximum moisture without the risk of spots or breakouts. And if you hate regular, thick oils, you’re in luck. Squalane absorbs at a rapid rate into the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling.

It even helps protect against environmental factors and free radicals. This can reduce pigmentation in the skin, signs of aging, and increase skin cell renewal. That doesn’t mean it’s a replacement for sunscreen, though. Always, always use an SPF.

Plus, it’s not just for skin care. You can even use squalane at the ends of your hair when it feels very dry. It’s a versatile little bottle of oil.

Who Should Use Squalane?

Squalane is non-comedogenic, meaning it is among the oils least likely to clog your pores. “It’s safe even for oily and acne-prone skin,” Bancroft says. This versatile oil can be used by everyone, including those with dry skin, aging concerns, and even acne.

Ahead, keep scrolling to shop some of our favorite beauty products with squalane.

– Additional reporting by Renee Rodriguez