Squalane
A saturated, shelf-stable analogue of skin's own squalene. A featherlight emollient that mimics sebum without clogging pores.
Replenishes the sebaceous lipid layer; closes intercellular gaps in the stratum corneum to slow transepidermal water loss.
- Smooths skin
- Reduces TEWL
- Non-comedogenic
- Stable, oxidation-resistant
- Universally tolerated
What the evidence supports.
- All skin types
- Acne-prone (well tolerated)
No notable contraindications reported.
Later treatment or moisturiser step.
Concentration range in well-formulated products: 1%–100%
Year-round; ideal retinoid buffer.
Olives, rice bran, amaranth are dietary squalene sources.
- Dry, flaky surface
First emollient to recommend after retinoid initiation. Stable enough for face oils.
The research behind Squalane.
Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.
Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, 2014
Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2014
Cutis, 2006
No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.
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