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Stocksy

Moisture is important for all skin types, even those that are combination or oil-prone.

Thats why you always need a powerhouse ingredient to deliver hydration and protect your skin.

Close up of a woman holding a skincare dropper bottle

Stocksy

(Yes, there’s a difference.)

Plus, some of our favorite skincare products that are packed with squalane.

Meet the Experts

What Is Squalene?

squalene vs squalane

Michela Buttignol/Byrdie

Squalene is a colorless poly-unsaturated hydrocarbon liquid thats found naturally in many animals and plants, including human sebum.

Essentially, its one of the many natural lipids your body produces to lubricate and protect your skin.

The ingredient comes in two forms: squalene and squalane.

They’re both equally effective, but squalane has a longer shelf life because it’s more stable.

What Is Squalane?

What Does Squalane Do?

Squalane is used in skincare products as a highly-effective emollient and naturalantioxidant.

Historically, it’s been used in the medical field to treat wounds and skin problems.

Who Should Use Squalane?

People who frequently use exfoliants on their skin can also add squalane to their routine.

“Squalane is an extremely versatile skincare ingredient that can be used as a component of many skincare products.

Dr. Nassif says squalane isnon-comedogenic, which makes it really good for people of all skin types.

Even those who are breakout and irritation-prone.

Looking for a body lotion that is non-tacky but still does what it promises?

There’s makeup with squalane in it, too.

Like BareMinerals’Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream.

Thanks to squalane’s moisturizing properties, it works well at treating dry, chapped lips.

No, squalane is not a retinol.

However, squalane works well with retinol and certain products may contain both squalane and retinol.

For example,The Ordinary offers productswith 0.2 percent, 0.5 percent, and 1 percent retinol in squalane.

2009;14(1):540-554. doi:10.3390/molecules14010540

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