As I rapidly approach my mid-30s, I’ve noticed that my skin has started to change. My once acne-prone, oily as a cheap slice of pizza skin has transformed into “only break out during that time of the month” and “wow, you have dry patches now, cool”. I’d like to say the changes have been welcome, but after dealing with oily skin my whole life, I’ve sort of been floundering to figure out my newfound skin type.
But I do know one thing. My skin *loves* oils. LOVES. I used to be an “only oil at night” type of woman but that’s now turned into using an oil every chance I can get my hands on. I love argan, rosehip, watermelon seed, marula — but one of my all-time favorites is squalane. She’s truly that girl and is great for all skin types. Want to read more and find out my favorite Glowie Co products featuring squalane? Keep scrolling!
What is Squalane?
So before we get into squalane, it’s important we talk about squalene (notice the spell change!). Squalene is a natural, hydrocarbon liquid that is found naturally in many plants and animals, including sharks, olives, and of course, our own human sebum. Squalene is incredibly important to our skin’s health and is one of the components of a healthy moisture barrier. Squalane, on the other hand, is the hydrogenated form of squalene and is more lightweight and shelf-stable than its counterpart, which is why it’s the choice for so many skincare products.
Benefits of Squalane
Squalane has a number of amazing benefits for the skin, including, but not limited to:- Moisturizes all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin
- Can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Helps repair your skin barrier
- Can help reduce skin inflammation and redness caused by acne, eczema, and psoriasis
- Helps balance oil
- Absorbs into the skin quickly without a heavy, greasy feel
- Can brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation
- It’s similar in composition to the squalene in our own skin
My personal favorite things about squalane are how lightweight it is, how fast it absorbs into the skin, and how soft, luminous, and radiant it makes my skin look.
How to Use Squalane
Squalane is added to all sorts of skincare products, including face masks, face washes, moisturizers, serums, oil blends, or even as an oil-like product on its own. You can use it on its own as well. Squalane on its own should be used as the last step of your skincare routine day and night, while you can slot in other products like masks and moisturizers whenever you want.
And now, here are a few of my favorite squalane products!
MEDIHEAL D.N.A Hydrating Protein Mask
MEDIHEAL D.N.A Hydrating Protein Mask
You know I love a good sheet mask, and this one from Mediheal does not disappoint. It has a bamboo cellulose material so it fits snug against the face (no dripping here!) and the serum is made with a blend of squalane, ceramides, and jojoba oil to really get in there to hydrate and nourish the skin. The serum has a lightweight creamy texture and is perfect for those days and nights when your skin needs a bit of love. It’s also a great mask to stock up on now that the days are getting colder.
My Beauty Diary Squalene Restorative Hydrating Sheet Mask
I love My Beauty Diary masks with my whole heart. And I love this particular mask from My Beauty Diary with my whole heart. It’s a great mask to use when you’ve gone in a bit too hard on the acids or if you’ve been in the sun all day and need a bit of TLC for your skin. You want that classic, bouncy, super hydrated skin? Use this mask for a couple of nights and watch your skin flourish — trust me. The serum is made with a blend of squalene extracted from olives, antioxidant-rich vitamin E, and a nourishing blend of jojoba and meadowfoam seed oil that helps repair your moisture barrier. I can leave this mask on for 30 minutes and it’s still juicy, so you know it’s real.
Naruko Supreme Rejuvenating Elixir Oil
Y’all. This oil has changed my life. Yes, you have probably clicked on the link and yes you’ve probably seen that it costs $50 but let me tell you, it’s worth every cent. I’ve tried a lot of oil blends in my day that just sit on the skin and leave your face looking oily and greasy, but this one?!?! It absorbs fast AF and leaves your skin looking dewy and glowy, not oily. It’s made with a blend of 80% oil and 20% water-based ingredients so it has a super lightweight feel. Speaking of that 80% oil blend — it’s 10 different oils, including, of course, squalane, and rosehip seed oil, marula oil, argan oil, sunflower seed oil, as well as CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10), a unique Asian ingredient that helps combat signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. I like to use this oil as the last step of both my day and nighttime routine, or sometimes if I’m lazy I’ll just mix in a few drops in my moisturizer.
Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk Moisturizer
So, out of all the things I got to test, this moisturizer might be my favorite. I know, I know, you’re thinking, “But haven’t you liked everything you’ve tried?” And the answer to that is yes, I’m obsessed, but something about this particular moisturizer has reached the part of my brain that makes me say “OOOOH YES” out loud as I’m slathering it on my skin. And the thing about it is that really, it’s nothing “special”. There’s no fragrance, it has a nice, hydrating consistency, the packaging is normal, it’s white…and YET. It does what needs to be done. It contains a blend of nine different amino acids and squalane that help protect and nourish your moisture barrier, while the lightweight texture ensures that it absorbs into your skin quickly without a heavy feel. I you have dry, sensitive skin, this is a moisturizer that you’re gonna want to add to your routine ASAP.