When shopping for skincare products, you may have come across two similar-sounding ingredients: **squalane** and **squalene**.
While their names are nearly identical, these ingredients have distinct properties and benefits that can impact your skincare routine.

What Is Squalene?

Squalene (pronounced skwah-leen) is a naturally occurring lipid produced by your skin. It is part of your skin's sebum, which helps maintain hydration, protect against environmental damage, and keep your skin barrier healthy.

Sources of Squalene:

Human Skin: Our bodies naturally produce squalene, but production peaks in our 20s and declines with age.
Plants and Animals: Squalene is commonly derived from plant sources like olives, sugarcane, and rice bran or animal sources like shark liver oil.

While squalene is an effective emollient, it is highly unstable in its natural form and prone to oxidation. This instability limits its use in skincare products.

What Is Squalane?

Notice the spelling difference? Squalane (pronounced skwah-lane) is the hydrogenated, stable form of squalene.

Through a process called hydrogenation, squalene is converted into squalane. Hydrogenation is a chemical process in which hydrogen molecules are added to a compound to make it more stable. In the case of squalane, hydrogenation involves introducing hydrogen atoms to the unsaturated bonds in squalene, converting it from an unstable compound into a fully saturated, stable version.

This process eliminates the double bonds in squalene, which are prone to oxidation when exposed to air, light, or heat. This makes squalane more shelf-stable and ideal for use in skincare formulations, especially in emollients and moisturizers.

Why Hydrogenation Matters:

Prevents oxidation, ensuring the ingredient remains effective.
Extends the shelf life of skincare products.
Enhances compatibility with various skin types and formulations.

The Benefits of Squalane for Skin

Squalane is a favorite in the skincare world for its lightweight texture and impressive hydrating properties. Here’s why:

1. Hydration:

Squalane mimics your skin’s natural oils, making it an excellent moisturizer for all skin types. It helps restore suppleness without leaving a greasy residue.

2. Non-Comedogenic:

Squalane won’t clog pores, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.

3. Anti-Aging Properties:

By supporting the skin barrier and preventing water loss, squalane helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

4. Soothing for Sensitive Skin:

Squalane’s gentle nature makes it suitable for sensitive or reactive skin.

Ethical and Environmental Considerations

Traditionally, squalene was harvested from shark liver oil, raising significant ethical and sustainability concerns. Thankfully, modern skincare brands have shifted toward plant-based sources like olives, sugarcane, and rice bran to produce squalane.

When shopping for squalane products, look for brands that explicitly state they use plant-derived, or genetically modified yeast or bacteria to ensure ethical sourcing.

Why Understanding the Difference Matters

Choosing between squalene and squalane is straightforward:

Squalane is the better choice for skincare due to its stability and compatibility with most skin types.
Squalene, while naturally occurring in the body, is not widely used in its raw form due to its instability.

Understanding these distinctions helps you make informed decisions and ensures your skincare products deliver maximum benefits without causing harm to your skin or the environment.

What’s the Difference between Squalane and Squalene?