Squalene
The naturally occurring unsaturated form found in human sebum. More biomimetic than squalane but oxidation-prone, so used in dark-air-tight formats.
Restores sebum lipid layer with identical chemistry to endogenous squalene; supports barrier and traps water.
- Biomimetic sebum analog
- Strong emollient
- Antioxidant precursor
- Restores TEWL
What the evidence supports.
- All skin types
No notable contraindications reported.
Later treatment or moisturiser step.
Concentration range in well-formulated products: 1%–10%
Year-round.
Olive oil, amaranth oil.
- Sebum-depleted dryness
Less stable than squalane; prefer squalane for water-based serums.
The research behind Squalene.
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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