What Is Squalane?
Squalane is a colorless odorless oil that belongs to the hydrocarbon family, with the chemical name 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyltetracosane. It is the fully saturated and more stable cousin of squalene, a natural lipid originally isolated from shark liver but now mostly obtained from sustainable plant sources such as olives, sugarcane and rice bran. Scientists began using squalene in the early 20th century, yet its tendency to oxidize limited shelf life. In the 1950s hydrogenation technology converted squalene into squalane, giving formulators a lightweight non-greasy oil that resists oxidation and rancidity.
Today squalane is produced by extracting squalene from plant oils or by fermenting sugarcane, then adding hydrogen under controlled conditions to saturate the molecule. The result is a highly pure, biodegradable ingredient prized for its skin affinity and silky feel. You will find it in a wide range of cosmetics, including facial oils, moisturizers, anti-aging serums, masks, sunscreens, foundations, lip balms, hair conditioners and aftershave products.
Squalane’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is how squalane works inside your favorite beauty formulas
- Hair Conditioning: coats the hair shaft to improve softness and shine while reducing frizz and split ends
- Refatting: replenishes stripped oils after cleansing so skin feels comfortable instead of tight or squeaky
- Skin Conditioning: supports a smooth supple complexion by reinforcing the skin barrier and minimizing moisture loss
- Emollient: fills in microscopic cracks on the skin surface creating a soft velvety finish that enhances spreadability of other ingredients
Who Can Use Squalane
Squalane is considered suitable for nearly every skin type including dry oily combination sensitive and mature skin. Its lightweight texture mimics the skin’s own sebum so it moisturizes without leaving residue that could weigh down oily or acne-prone complexions. People with very sensitive or compromised skin also tend to tolerate it well because it contains no added fragrance or known sensitizers.
Modern squalane is almost always sourced from olives sugarcane or other plants which makes it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. If avoiding animal ingredients is essential be sure the label specifies plant-derived or bio-fermented squalane since the older shark-derived version can still appear in some markets.
The ingredient has a long record of safe use for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should discuss new skincare products with a healthcare provider to be certain they fit their individual situation.
Squalane does not cause photosensitivity so it will not make skin more vulnerable to sunlight. It can actually help support the skin barrier after sun exposure by reducing moisture loss. No other major usage restrictions are known.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical squalane vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible yet unlikely for the average user assuming the product has been properly formulated.
- Mild irritation: occasional redness stinging or itching especially on skin that is already inflamed
- Breakouts: rare clogged pores or pimples in individuals extremely prone to acne when high percentages are applied
- Allergic contact dermatitis: very uncommon rash or swelling triggered by a true allergy to squalane or trace impurities
If a negative reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic)
Squalane’s molecular structure is lightweight and highly stable so it sits on the surface without forming a heavy film that traps debris inside pores. It absorbs quickly, balances natural oil levels and does not oxidize into pore-clogging by-products, which keeps its comedogenic potential extremely low.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
As with any ingredient, the final product formula matters: if squalane is blended with heavier waxes, butters or fragrances the overall comedogenicity can rise, so check the full ingredient list when evaluating a product.
Summary
Squalane works as an emollient, skin conditioner, refatting agent and hair conditioner. It glides over skin and hair to fill microscopic gaps, strengthen the moisture barrier, restore lipids lost during cleansing and leave strands softer and shinier. Because it mirrors natural sebum, it hydrates without greasiness and helps other actives spread evenly.
This plant-derived oil has become a star in modern skincare thanks to its silky feel, impressive stability and versatility. You will spot it everywhere from drugstore moisturizers to luxury serums because formulators value an ingredient that is effective yet almost universally tolerated.
Safety data shows a very low risk of irritation or allergy, making squalane suitable for most users including sensitive skin and pregnancy. That said, everyone’s skin is unique so do a simple patch test when trying any new product that contains it just to be on the safe side.