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Everyone wants glowing, healthy-looking skin, and creating a skincare routine unique to our skin's needs is the best way to achieve that goal. One ingredient that has been making headlines lately is squalane. Squalane is used in moisturizers, serums, and even repair treatments. But what is squalane, and what does it do for your skin? If you're interested in learning more about this skin-benefiting oil, our Skin Health Experts at Kate Somerville are here to help you better understand this super hydrating ingredient and how you can incorporate it into your skincare regimen.

What Is Squalane?

Though squalane may be a new term to you, your skin is already up-to-date on the benefits of this ingredient—in fact, it produces it naturally! Squalene is a natural oil that exists in the epidermis of your skin.1 When added to skincare ingredients, it becomes squalane and is a crucial component of healthy-looking skin. Daily application of squalane offers all kinds of benefits ranging from anti-aging to moisturizing.

Benefits of Squalane for Skin

What does squalane do for skin? One of its best-known benefits is its ability to provide your skin with a more youthful look by smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and softening the texture of your skin. Using squalane regularly may also help minimize the formation of new wrinkles, causing your skin to look and feel better than ever.

Squalane Is a Powerful Moisturizer

While squalane is lightweight, it holds just the right amount of moisturization to leave your skin supple, hydrated, and glowing. In addition, because it is so similar to squalene, a naturally produced oil, it works with your skin's natural protective barrier and shields it from harmful, external irritants. When your skin is not properly hydrated or is dehydrated, the skin's sebum formation is high, causing oily skin and clogged pores. Protecting the skin barrier and moisturizing it will promote healthy-looking skin. If you're considering adding a new moisturizer to your routine and are looking at different types of moisturizers, our Skin Health Experts recommend a moisturizer with squalane because its effectively hydrates the skin. 

Squalane Is Soothing

One of the many benefits of squalane is that it offers soothing qualities. If you experience redness, dry and/or flaky skin, are prone to acne, or have sensitive skin, applying squalane regularly can help minimize and alleviate irritation. For optimal results, you can use Squalane in both your AM and PM skincare routines. 

Squalane Is a non-comedogenic

Many heavy moisturizers carry the unfortunate reputation of clogging pores and leading to acne. Lightweight in nature, squalane holds powerful moisturizing benefits and is considered non-comedogenic, making it an excellent choice for all skin types.

It Can Help With Oily Skin

Squalane is a hydrogenated version of squalene—an oil that your skin naturally produces. Because squalane mimics this oil, your skin recognizes it, and when applied regularly, will begin to adjust its oil production to only produce what is needed. Over time, your skin will produce less oil on its own, making it an excellent option for those struggling with oily skin.

It Can Boost Skin's Overall Appearance

Squalane contains powerful antioxidants, which offer many benefits, including evening out your skin tone by fading dark spots and scars. Brightening your overall complexion, it will leave your skin glowing and youthful-looking. 

It's Great For Sensitive Skin

Squalane is one of the most gentle moisturizing ingredients on the market. Its delicate and soothing effects help minimize the appearance of visible redness and irritation. Not only does this boost the appearance of your skin, but it can also alleviate any discomfort caused by irritation.

Using Squalane in Your Skincare Routine



Squalane should be applied regularly to reap its many benefits. When incorporated as a part of your daily routine, it's most often applied to the face. If you're thinking of adding squalane to your regimen, review the process below for the best results.

Step 1: Before applying squalane, cleanse your skin with a gentle face wash to remove any external irritants.

Step 2: If you’re exfoliating, apply your exfoliation product next. 

Step 3: Next, apply your hydration product, which may include Squalane.

Step 4: Follow with any other treatments or serums, then seal everything in with your preferred facial moisturizer. 

Step 5: If applying in the morning, follow with sunscreen for daily SPF protection. 

To keep your skincare routine minimal, choose a product that combines more than one ingredient. Products like our Kx Concentrates Squalane + HA is an excellent way to reap the benefits of squalane and hyaluronic acid together without adding too many extra steps to your routine. 

While squalane works well with acne-prone or dry skin, it can be applied to any skin type to minimize signs of aging, alleviating discomfort and redness in the process. With regular application, you might find it's the skincare ingredient you've been searching for. 

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6253993/