What it is
Squalene is a polyunsaturated triterpene hydrocarbon that occurs naturally in human sebum and in various plant and animal oils. As a cosmetic emollient it has a light, non-greasy feel, spreads easily, and helps condition the skin while improving the texture and slip of a formula. Because it is unsaturated it can be prone to oxidation, which is why many products instead use its fully hydrogenated and more stable form, squalane.
Safety & warnings
Squalene is generally well tolerated and skin-identical, with low irritation potential. Being unsaturated it oxidizes more readily than squalane, and oxidized squalene has been associated with reduced cosmetic elegance; it is considered low on the comedogenicity scale but very rich formulas may not suit acne-prone skin.
Origin & sourcing
Naturally present in human skin surface lipids and obtained for cosmetics from plant sources such as olive and from other oils; the related ingredient squalane is the hydrogenated, oxidation-resistant derivative.
Questions everyone asks
What is the difference between squalene and squalane?
Squalene is the unsaturated form found in skin and plant oils, while squalane is its hydrogenated version, which is more stable against oxidation and has a longer shelf life.
Is squalene heavy on the skin?
No. It is a lightweight emollient with a non-greasy feel that absorbs readily and improves the spreadability of a product.