A Complete Guide to Squalane, Your Body’s Best Moisturizer
At Biossance, there is no ingredient more fundamental to our formulas than squalane. Our groundbreaking 100% Squalane Oil was the first product we ever launched, and it remains the cornerstone of every formula we create.
Our shark-free, barrier-boosting innovation is our mission in action. It’s one of the ways we show love for our planet and its oceans while also caring for our skin. But as passionate as we are about squalane, we know there’s still a lot of confusion surrounding the multitasking superstar: Is there a difference between squalane vs. squalene? (Spoiler: Yes! A few major ones.) Why is our vegan squalane derived from sugarcane instead of olives like most other formulas? What makes us love this ingredient so much that we’ve included it in all of our products?
Keep reading for a deep dive into our multitasking superhero hydrator.
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SqualAne vs. SqualEne
SqualEne is a moisturizing ingredient sourced from shark livers. While it’s often touted for its supremely hydrating benefits, it can clog pores and is unsuitable for oily skin types. These negative side effects pale in comparison with squalene’s environmental cost to marine ecosystems.
We only use vegan squalane that’s created by fermenting sustainable sugarcane and yeast. This shark-safe ingredient includes all the same intensely hydrating benefits of squalene without any side effects and can be used on all skin types–even on babies and pregnant women.
Our bioengineered squalAne is a molecular match to squalEne that’s made by fermenting sustainable sugarcane and yeast. This vegan, shark-free ingredient includes all the same intensely hydrating benefits of squalene but with the added benefits of being purer, more effective, and non-comedogenic. It feels weightless on the skin and can be used on all skin types–even on babies and pregnant women.
Your Body’s Best Moisturizer
Our bodies naturally produce squalene as a key moisturizing factor within our skin. Unfortunately, the amount of squalene we produce decreases dramatically as we get older. This can contribute to dry skin, wrinkles, and volume loss.
Our sugarcane-derived squalane is bioidentical for the squalene our bodies produce naturally. This ensures that your body is easily able to recognize and use it. Our squalane absorbs quickly clogging pores and is safe for sensitive skin.
Squalane Supports a Healthy Moisture Barrier
Your skin’s natural moisture barrier is a layer of skin cells and lipids, including naturally-occuring squalene. These lipids hold layers of cells together to keep moisture in and bacteria and irritants out.
Sugarcane-based squalane helps replenish that lipid layer, supporting the moisture barrier and helping your skin stay healthy, hydrated, and calm.
How To Use Squalane
Squalane doesn’t discriminate. This gentle yet effective head-to-toe hero can be used all over the body and by every member of the family–from babies to pregnant women. Here are 10 ways you can incorporate this ingredient into all types of skincare and self-care routines.
- Layer it on top of your favorite facial moisturizer to lock in moisture.
- Apply it to facial hair as a beard oil.
- Add several drops to the bath to soak up the softening, smoothing benefits.
- Work a few drops into damp hair to boost luster and hydration.
- Try using it to soothe and rehydrate sunburnt skin. (This can work especially well on the scalp!)
- Apply it to a growing pregnant belly to help minimize the appearance of stretch marks.
- Use it in place of shaving cream.
- Use it as a luxurious, fragrance-free massage oil.
- Blend it with foundation to give the skin a dewy glow.
- Add a few drops to your nails as cuticle oil.
Eco-friendly perk: Using a versatile product like our 100% Squalane Oil helps to cut down on additional packaging waste. Not only is the bottle 100% post-consume plastic, but this versatile product can also replace multiple items on your bathroom shelf, further reducing waste.
1559 reviews
$34.00
As a lifestyle writer and journalist, I love sharing my passion for ocean conservation and obsession with clean beauty. I’ve tried almost every trend and ingredient, and Biossance’s science-backed formulas are the only ones that consistently calm my reactive skin and make it smoother, clearer, and healthier. I’m so excited to be on this journey of skincare innovation with Biossance, and to share it with you!
