What it does
Squalane is the hydrogenated, shelf-stable version of squalene, a lipid naturally present in human sebum. That similarity is why it absorbs cleanly, feels light rather than greasy, and is generally well tolerated even by oily skin.
It works as an occlusive-ish final step: applied over a humectant it slows water loss, and it makes retinoid-related dryness considerably more bearable.
Plant-derived squalane from olives or sugarcane is now the norm. If a label does not say, it is worth checking — the shark-liver origin of older squalene is the reason the question exists at all.
In a routine
Layers well with
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Retinol
