Table of contents:
- What is squalane and what does it do for our skin?
- How is squalane made?
- What else do you need to know about squalane?
Anyone who has used the hype beauty brand "The Ordinary" has probably also heard of "Squalan". But what is that anyway?
In the eternal endeavor to moisturize our dry skin and make it look plump, there are some outstanding ingredients for skin care that we can include in our care routine to achieve optimal moisturizing, plumping and smoothing effects. There's hyaluronic acid, a molecule that contains 1000 times its weight in water. There are ceramides, which are lipids that help the skin retain moisture, and glycerin, an emollient base for skin care products, that draws moisture to the surface of the skin. But then there is also Squalane, Perhaps a lesser-known ingredient in skin care, it is increasingly used thanks to its excellent moisturizing properties.
Squalane binds moisture in our skin and penetrates deep into the skin layers, donates moisture and prevents signs of aging. Never heard of it? Or have you already heard of it but have no idea what it is or how it works? Totally OK - you have us. We'll tell you everything you need to know about squalane!
What is squalane and what does it do for our skin?
Squalane is a version of a molecule called SqualEn that occurs naturally in our bodies. So we have to start with SqualEn to fully understand SqualAn. Squalene is a naturally occurring chemical that is also found in our skin and blood in small doses. It is produced by our sebum glands and helps moisturize our skin and has a few antioxidant properties as well.
However, around our 30s, the production of squalane decreases. That's why we get drier skin with age. So why do we use SqualEn and not SqualEn in our care products? The reason is the molecular structure. Squalene is not stable or durable enough to be used in skin care products - unlike squalane!
How is squalane made?
Squalane used to be made from shark liver. Not exactly ethical. In the meantime, however, squalane is mainly obtained from amaranth, wheat germ and olives. Animal squalane is no longer used.
What else do you need to know about squalane?
Squalane not only moisturizes our skin, it also makes it softer and smooths the texture of our skin. As a natural antioxidant, it also protects against UV rays and free radicals. Squalane also helps the skin to absorb other substances better. Squalane is good for all skin types, but makes the most sense on dry and aging skin. Which skin care products with squalane do we find particularly great? This one:
