Squalene 101: A Detailed Guide
Many ingredients claim to moisturize your skin, but dermatologists say squalene is the real deal. It’s effective, lightweight, and works for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
But what exactly is squalene? Keep reading to learn about its potential benefits, which products you’ll find it in, how to use it, and more.
What Is Squalene?
Squalene is a lipid (fat) produced naturally in the skin, says the Vancouver-based dermatologist Katie Beleznay, MD. It’s added to many skin-care products to improve skin moisture and reduce redness and irritation.[¹]
Skin-care products use a hydrogenated form of squalene because it’s more stable and less likely to become rancid, Dr. Beleznay says. As the ingredient changes, so does its spelling—squalane (with an “a”) is what you’ll find on skin-care product labels.[¹]
Squalene used in cosmetics once came from shark liver oil.[²] But today, squalene is often derived from plants.[¹]
Potential Benefits of Squalene
“Squalene is a moisturizing ingredient that’s generally well tolerated by all skin types and can be a great multitasker for your skin,” says Beleznay.
Squalene Hydrates Skin
Squalene is an emollient, says Beleznay. An emollient is a moisturizing ingredient that forms a thin layer to trap moisture inside your skin and attracts moisture from outside.[³]
Because squalene in skin-care products is similar to the natural oils in the skin, it penetrates the skin barrier more easily.
“If you have an oil that’s similar biologically to oils already in the skin, it dissolves easily and quickly through the top layer, where it can make a meaningful difference,” explains Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in West Islip, New York.
Squalene Is Safe for Acne-Prone Skin
Some skin-care ingredients clog pores, but squalene is noncomedogenic, meaning it’s safe for acne-prone skin, says Mariwalla.
The ingredient also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce redness and swelling from acne.[⁴]
💡 Tip: Always check labels to ensure the entire product formulation is noncomedogenic.
Squalene Reduces Irritation
Beyond locking in moisture, squalene strengthens the skin barrier, reduces water loss, and soothes irritation, says Helyn Alvarez, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas.
If you use active ingredients like retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, or vitamin C, a squalene-based moisturizer helps reduce irritation while enhancing their absorption, says Dr. Alvarez.
Squalene May Provide Antioxidants
Research suggests squalene has antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules caused by pollution, UV rays, and toxins.[⁶]
These antioxidants may also help repair and strengthen the skin barrier, adds Mariwalla.
💡 Bonus: Preliminary animal studies suggest squalene helps polyphenols (plant-based antioxidants) penetrate deeper into the skin.[⁷]
Types of Skin-Care Products That Contain Squalene
“Squalane is an excellent hydrating ingredient that can be beneficial in a variety of products, though most commonly found in moisturizers and facial oils,” says Beleznay.
Here are several skin-care products that incorporate squalene:
Serums – Lightweight liquids with concentrated active ingredients.[⁸]
Oils – Can be 100% squalene or blended with other ingredients.
Moisturizers – Creams and lotions that hydrate skin.
Cleansers – Cleans the skin before applying other products.
Eye Creams – Gentle formulations for the sensitive under-eye area.
Face Masks – Applied for deeper hydration; some are overnight masks.
Toners – Wiped on after cleansing to remove excess oil and dead skin cells.
Potential Side Effects of Squalene
Squalene is naturally found in skin oils and is not known to cause side effects.
“Squalene doesn’t play poorly in the sandbox — you can combine the ingredient with practically anything,” says Mariwalla.
However, other ingredients in skin-care products (like retinol, fragrances, and dyes) may irritate the skin.[¹]
Is Squalene Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
Squalane is considered safe during pregnancy, says Beleznay.
However, always check labels for other ingredients. Avoid products containing:
🚫 Fragrances, phthalates, parabens, oxybenzone, triclosan, or retinoids.[⁹][¹⁰]
Squalene Alternatives
“Squalene is somewhat unique as it acts as an emollient and has antioxidant properties,” says Beleznay.
Other emollients include:
Ceramides – Moisturizing and barrier-strengthening.
Shea Butter – Rich and soothing.
Petroleum Jelly & Mineral Oil – Thicker but may feel greasy.[³]
How to Add Squalene to Your Skin-Care Routine
Squalene is lightweight and works well with other ingredients. Here’s how to use it:
When to Use Squalene
✔️ Morning & Night – Safe for both AM and PM routines.
Morning: Apply after cleansing or use a serum before SPF or makeup.
Night: Use after active ingredients like retinol or exfoliants to minimize dryness.
💡 Tip: If using a lotion or cream with SPF, you don’t need another morning moisturizer.
How Often Should You Use Squalene?
You can use a squalene moisturizer 1–2 times per day.
Morning: Use SPF-infused moisturizer or mix squalene serum with makeup for a smoother finish.
Evening: Apply squalene last to lock in moisture overnight.
✔️ Final Step: In the PM, apply squalene over active treatments to seal in hydration.
The Takeaway
✔️ Squalene is a natural fat in the skin that helps improve moisture, reduce redness, and soothe irritation.
✔️ Research-backed benefits: Hydrates, won’t clog pores, provides antioxidants, and calms irritation.
✔️ Pregnancy-safe and works well with other skin-care ingredients.
✔️ Apply 1–2 times daily after using active treatments for acne or aging.