Squalane — a glass vessel of clear squalane oil beside green olives and an olive sprig on warm linen
INGREDIENT

Squalane for Skin

Squalane is a derivative of squalene, a poly-unsaturated hydrocarbon liquid. It is a lipidnaturally found in human sebum, as well as other animals and plants. Squalane oil is often usedin skincare products for its moisturizing properties.

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What is squalane?

Squalane is a processed, stable form of squalene. It is an effective ingredient in a range of skincare products. When applied topically, squalane acts as a natural emollient that smoothsand softens the skin. Because it helps the skin retain moisture so well, it is particularly ideal for those with dry skin.

What are the benefits of squalane?

In addition to hydration, squalene is known for its other benefits including water retention, skin barrier protection, and smoothing. Rich with antioxidants, it effectively fights damage from freeradicals and is an ideal anti-aging skincare ingredient. Squalane is thought to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help boost collagen production. In addition, there is some evidence to suggest it may help with uremic pruritis, which is an itchy skin condition associated with kidney disease. One study found that individuals who used squalane oil had significant improvements in their symptoms.

Squalane helps with these skin types

Dry skin
Squalane is a great skin moisturizer. As a natural emollient, it locks in moisture and helps ease dry patches.

Normal skin
The antioxidants in squalane-based oils and creams fight skin damage and free radicals to slow down the aging process.

Oily skin
Squalane boosts hydration to keep your skin appear more vibrant and healthier.

Environment & lifestyle

Helps with these environmental & lifestyle factors

High UV Exposure

Keeps your skin healthy even if you spend a lot of time in the sun. The sun's heat dries out areas of unprotected skin and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause burning and photoaging.

Low Humidity Level

Keeps your skin hydrated and supple by locking in moisture even if you live in a region with dry air. Air that lacks humidity tends to dry skin out and cause itching, flaking or cracking of the skin.

Frequent Travel

Keeps your skin as its best even when you are jet-setting around the world. It prevents acne and redness flare-ups triggered by travel stress and fights skin dryness caused by cabin air.

By age

Calibrated for every age

AGES 20 AND BELOW

It refines the skin, making it smoother, creating a more even skin tone, a brighter appearance, and gives you radiant skin from within.

AGES 21 - 33

It is a perfect fit to address the primary skin care concerns for people in their 20s and early 30s. Make it a part of your regular skin care routine for healthy, beautiful skin.

AGES 34 - 46

This is a great time to make it a part of your skincare routine as you start thinking about incorporating more ingredients with anti-aging benefits.

AGES 47 - 64

It is a great bet for consistent, everyday incorporation in your skincare routine as it not only will tighten up your anti-aging regimen but also help you achieve firmer, more youthful skin.

AGES 65 AND ABOVE

As skin matures, it tends to lose hydration and feel dry. This helps hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Works well with these other ingredients

Squalane is extremely versatile and suitable for all skin types. And since it is sits so lightly on the skin, it can be combined with a variety of other ingredients depending on the skin concern for which your product is formulated. Squalane can be combined with ceramides, antioxidants, Vitamin C, rose oil, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and more.

Usage guide

How to use squalane?
Squalane is applied topically to the skin. Pure squalane oil is safe to apply directly. Apply a few drops of oil and massage into the skin gently. Alternatively, squalane oil is often blended with other skincare ingredients into moisturizers, creams, and serums. Individuals should follow the directions for use on the product label.

When to use squalane?
Squalane is appropriate for people who want to address issues, such as dry skin, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, wrinkles, and skin redness.

What is squalane found in?

Squalane is a processed form of squalene, which is a natural oil that is found in a range ofanimals and plants. Traditionally, squalane was produced from shark livers. Today, most squalane-containing products available in Western countries use squalane sourced from plants,such as sugarcane, rice brain, and olives. Cruelty-free products are always a better a choice.

Is squalane suitable for sensitive skin?

Squalane is suitable for sensitive skin. There is some research that suggests that squalane oil isnot a significant irritant, allergen, or sensitizer when applied to humans.

Things to keep in mind

Squalane side effects

Squalane is known to be a safe and generally well-tolerated skin care ingredient. However,there is always the potential for an allergic reaction with any ingredient. When applying the oil for the first time, individuals should consider applying it to a small area of skin to test whether a reaction occurs. Look for signs of redness, itchiness, and swelling. If these symptoms occur,discontinue use.

Ingredients to avoid with squalane

Squalane is not known to interact with any other commonly used skin care ingredients.However, individuals should review product ingredient lists to determine whether they might have an allergy to any ingredient contained in the product.

Find out if you need squalane

Take the Skin Quiz to find out if your skin can benefit from squalane oil. Your responses will be analyzed by PROVEN’s powerful AI algorithm to formulate your personalized skin care products.All of our products are cruelty-free, non-toxic, and are clinically proven to effectively care for your skin.

The PROVEN system

Your personalized system

A cleanser, day moisturizer, and night cream — calibrated to your skin from the 3-step Skin Genome Quiz.

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A gentle wash with exfoliating and toning properties — calibrated to your skin.

PROVEN personalized day moisturizer

Personalized Day Moisturizer

Lightweight daytime hydration — formulated for your skin.

PROVEN personalized night cream

Personalized Night Cream

Overnight repair with the active ingredients your skin needs most.

Clinically proven. Consciously made.

  • In a 28-day clinical study, 87% noted softer skin, 94% noted smoother skin, and 81% noted a brighter complexion.

  • Always cruelty-free. Never formulated with phthalates, parabens, SLS, or formaldehyde.

  • Formulated and filled in an FDA-approved US laboratory. Made stateside, end to end.

Tips for using squalane

Squalane mirrors a lipid your skin already makes, which is what makes it so versatile. Here is how to use it well.

  • Apply to slightly damp skin A few drops massaged in after cleansing help squalane lock moisture in place, since it works as a lightweight emollient rather than a heavy oil.
  • Trust it if you’re oily Squalane mirrors a lipid your skin already produces, so it hydrates without heaviness and suits oily and acne-prone skin, not just dry.
  • Pack it for travel Cabin air is dehydrating. Squalane helps counter the dryness and flare-ups that come with frequent travel, so keep a bottle in your carry-on.
  • Pair it with your antioxidants Layer squalane over vitamin C, vitamin E, or hyaluronic acid. It seals in water-based actives while adding its own free-radical defense.
  • Let the quiz choose your dose PROVEN’s Skin Genome Quiz analyzes your skin and builds a personalized formula, so squalane shows up only where your skin will benefit.
Real results

Real results, real people.

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Kimberly C.'s skin before and after PROVEN — Acne · Redness
“It’s so clear and I can go without makeup and it looks amazing. I used to be so ashamed to walk around with no makeup, had terrible acne! This has been a game changer for me!”
Kimberly C.
Acne · Redness

Persistent inflammatory acne + barrier disruption = gentle sebum balance + barrier rebuild system.

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Need more help? Email care@provenskincare.com

Sources
  1. Wiley Online Library