This post may contain affiliate links. These help support this website. 
A few weeks ago on instagram stories I shared part of my night time skincare routine. One of those components is squalane. Today I am sharing with you why squalane is the best moisturizer for face, and it is completely natural.
Cosmetic chemistry is so fascinating! I love getting to share so much neat information with you especially something that can change the course of your skin! A dermatologist told me about this, so I had to check it out.
Chemistry is the reason we understand skincare plus shows us how to keep our face young and healthy.
So, what is squalane?
Why Squalane is the Best Moisturizer for Face
Squalane is a a chemistry secret that is completely natural and perfect for all skin types.
The chemical squalane is a hydrocarbon obtained from the hydrogenation of squalene. Squalene is actually from shark liver oil, but was first hydrogenated in the early 1900s to be converted into a more stable structure, squalane. Squalane is mainly plant derived now and is found in many different cosmetic skincare items. Squalene (the one ending in ENE) isn’t a stable structure and goes bad quickly. You won’t find it in skincare.
Chemistry Properties of Squalane:
As mentioned above, squalane is a saturated hydrocarbon. In chemistry, we know that hydrocarbons are hydrophobic which means they repel water. This is similar to how lipids or fats are which is why they are so common for skincare.
What makes squalane more unique is the incredibly high absorbance rate it has. If you read an IR spec of squalane, you can see how absorbent it is.
This is the key to what makes squalane so powerful as a moisturizer.
Absorbancy
The reason squalane is such an amazing moisturizing oil is how well it absorbs into the skin. Have you ever noticed when you use oils or creams it seems to just sit on top of the surface? Most creams and oils don’t penetrate the top layer very well.
Squalane is a thin oil, not like other plant based oils (coconut oil, rosehip oil). The thin consistency allows it to not only absorb quickly, but to penetrate deep into your skin. It isn’t oily, so it is great for oily skin too. It provides hydration and nutrients to your skin instead of just topical hydration like most other creams. This doctor describes it as an adaptogen meaning it adapts to your skin type.
With this type of absorbancy, it also works great with other skincare products and won’t form a layer on the skin hindering anything else from penetrating!
Benefits of Squalane:
With this type of absorbancy and chemical properties, it works for so many things on your skin! As you know, I don’t share any skincare product unless it is something I have used and enjoy. The science is there, but I always like to test things to see how well they really work. I have been using this during pregnancy because it is safe!
Moisturize
The most obvious benefit is moisturizing the skin. It hydrates really well without clogging pores or being to greasy.
Skin Protection
Not only will squalane protect the skin from irritation, but it also helps heal dermatitis and eczema issues. After using squalane, you will notice less and less skin irritations even less chapped skin from dry weather.
Regulate Oil
Those who suffer from excess oil have a hard time finding a moisturizer that helps. Squalane is great at regulating oil for those who have too much and not enough. If you have really oily skin, this is a much better option than other oils or creams. If you have very dry skin, this will dramatically improve dry patches.
Fade Dark Pigments
Another thing I love about squalane is how it can even out the skin tone, fading dark pigments and age spots. After using this oil for awhile, you will notice the quality of your skin improving.
How to Use It
I have shared my skincare routine a few different times on instagram stories, so be sure to check out my skincare highlights. Always use your water based serums first, then top with this oil. It doesn’t hinder anything soaking in because of how light it is, so you can use this with any type of skincare routine you have. I like to use this last after I apply serums!
It works great under makeup too!
What Kind to Buy
There are many different types of squalane oils, some are REALLY pricey. I have tested out a few, but have really enjoy using the one from The Ordinary. It is affordable, good quality, and works just as well as expensive brands.
Another one you can try is this one on Amazon.
When Do You See Results
I know many people are curious about results. Although the longer you use this oil the better, you will see results the next day. It soaks right into your skin, and when you wake up you will notice much smoother, softer skin. I have been using this for awhile now and very rarely deal with the severe dry patches around my eyes like I used to.
I highly recommend giving it a try! It is perfect for all skin types and great to use everyday!
If you are interested in more of The Ordinary brand, I have a HUGE post coming up soon on it, so make sure to come back!
Follow on Facebook | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Hometalk
Linking with Met Monday and these link parties!
I started using the rosehip oil you recommended. Would you use squalane before or after the rosehip oil?
I like to use it under rosehip oil since it is lighter in texture. They work really well together 🙂
Thank you. I’ll buy some to incorporate in my nightly routine. Love all your posts!
So glad you enjoy everything! Hope you like using this as much as I do!
I’ve never heard of squalane before! Interesting info. It would be interesting to see how it could help my “aging” skin – evening out skin tones, etc.
It’s such a neat oil and helps face quality so much! Especially dryness and dullness 🙂
Hello!If squalane repel water…how can we keep water inside our skin? Thank you for this post 🙂
It helps your skin retain moisture since our skin naturally makes it too. You always want to start with water based serums, then top with an oil like this so it locks in everything. In chemistry, hydrocarbons repel water meaning they can’t be combined with water in a bottle or something like that. This is why you see oil on top of water in a jar, they don’t combine 🙂
Thank You!
hi ! is our skin enough moisture and hydration if im using squalane oil only for moisturizer ? but i use a hydrating serum in my routine
You can add a cream if you want, but it is usually enough 🙂
The only absorbance an IR spectrum shows is the how well the bonds in the substance absorb IR light, which is then correlated to the type of bonds that are in the molecule. That has nothing to do with the ability of the substance to absorb into the skin.
Also, scientists should be substantiating claims with research. You do that in a number of your posts. Stick with it for all. If the research isn’t available, say so. References would be a good idea, too.
Sincerely,
Fellow chemist
Hi there. You can view research articles linked throughout this post, almost every few paragraphs has a link to the ones used. Aside from research, testing is important. I love using this oil and it has been great for my skin over the years. That is why I shared it 🙂 Also, you can easily google this oil or even talk with a dermatologist about it. Thanks for your comment!