What Is Squalane Oil? Plus, How to Use It for a Glowy, Luminous Base

Skin care is becoming increasingly ingredient-focused lately, largely due to bloggers and corners of the internet like the SkincareAddiciton Subreddit. Rather than blindly picking products because a Youtuber promises it’s the key to glowy skin — skin-care enthusiasts are patch-testing, researching and documenting their experiences like never before. This has thrust ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C into the spotlight, and turned little known oils into must-haves for your skin-care routine. One such example is squalane, an oil similar to squalene — a fatty molecule that’s already present in our skin.

Squalene can also be found in plants and shark livers but is unstable in its natural state and quickly goes bad. To stabilize it for our skin-care routines, squalene is hydrogenated and becomes squalane, which can be used on its own or added to formulations. Squalane is also similar to our skin’s cell membrane, meaning it absorbs quickly, and because it’s already present in the skin, it rarely causes breakouts or clogs pores. It’s also incredibly lightweight and non-greasy, making it an ideal pre-makeup base.

Convinced you need it in your routine? See our favorite squalane-infused products ahead:

Biossance 100% Squalane Oil

Sustainably derived from renewable sugarcane, Biossance 100% Squalane Oil is a lightweight multipurpose oil that helps lock in moisture and hydrate skin. Mix a few drops in with your favorite foundation for a sheerer finish or apply alone as a base for a dewy glow.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

This cult-favorite facial cream is loved by thousands, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s lightweight but deeply hydrating and is infused with nourishing ingredients like squalane and desert plant extract for up to 24 hours of hydration.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Compact with SPF 50+

If you’re looking for makeup that’s also good for your skin, try IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Compact with SPF 50+, a compact foundation that has all the benefits of IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream. The formula contains a hydrating combo of collagen, hyaluronic acid, squalane and ceramides and is available in seven shades.

Kopari Coconut Lip Glossy

Everyone needs a gloss in their stash that’s also hydrating, and the Kopari Coconut Lip Glossy fits the bill. The non-sticky formula has a slight coconut scent, gets glossier the more you apply and contains coconut oil, squalane and shea butter to nourish your lips all day long.

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