What is Squalane? Sounds made up, right? As we age up and sail past 30 our own natural production of Squalene slows significantly. When you incorporate a 100% plant derived Squalane oil into your winter skincare routine you’ll supposedly reap the benefits of having a non-comedogenic hydrator that mimics your skin’s natural oils. One that is said to be suitable for all skin types.
Squalane is not the same as Squalene. In this post we’ll talk about the differences, how the ingredient is harvested, what you should look for and which is better suited for your skin type when incorporating this ingredient into your winter skincare routine.
Why incorporating Good Molecules Squalane oil into your winter skincare routine is important even for oily, acne-prone skin.
Click the pic for benefits + things to watch out for.
Facts about Squalene:
- Colorless, poly-unsaturated hydrocarbon liquid that’s found naturally in human sebum as one of many natural lipids your body produces to lubricate and protect your skin.
- Sadly it is sometimes harvested from the liver of sharks using vile methods (I’ll spare you) but you can also find it ethically sourced in certain plants, olives, sugarcane, wheat germ oil and rice bran. Make sure that when purchasing skincare containing Squalene (or even Squalane) that the packaging states it’s 100% plant derived.
- If your skin is extra dry, this might be a better option for you. If you’re oily or acne-prone you’ll want to stay away as it’s known to clog pores and goes bad quickly.
- The ingredient is unstable and oxidizes quickly. Must be hydrogenated to use in skincare products.
Facts about Squalane:
- Lighter than Squalene and more suited for acne-prone skin types.
- Non-greasy & lightweight feeling.
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and swelling making it ideal for acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis and dermatitis.
- A natural emollient that helps lock moisture into your skin.
- Squalane has a much longer shelf life than Squalene. It does not oxidize which is why this is more commonly used in skincare products.
- Over time, reduces fine lines and dry patches.
- Can be used as a spot treatment, to combat UV damage, erase skin pigmentation and even eliminate scars.
- Can be used to prevent breakage and split ends in hair.
Why incorporating Squalane oil into your winter skincare routine is important even for oily, acne-prone skin.
Click the pic for benefits + things to watch out for.
As you know I’m incredibly oily and acne-prone, but my skin is also aging. I’m currently fighting these winter months with an added weirdness… dry, yet oily. WTF, man… because of this I’ve been incredibly interested in incorporating a great oil into my nightly skincare routine. So far, I haven’t been 100% happy with any that I’ve tried.
Why incorporating Good Molecules Squalane oil into your winter skincare routine is important even for oily, acne-prone skin.
Click the pic for benefits + things to watch out for.
Recently Good Molecules sent over a few of their top products for me to try out, including their 100% plant-derived Squalane Oil ($8.00). On Beautylish this oil is touted as being a “lightweight facial oil that softens, seals in moisture and regulates skin’s natural oil balance”.
Layering the correct skincare in the correct order, even when your skin type is oily, is very important. You should be applying your Squalane oil after any other serums, treatments or hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine.
By incorporating this oil into my routine I’m hoping to find a good balance for my skin in that I’m not too oily anymore, but also not too dry (hi, aging).
Good Molecules Squalane Oil is gluten and fragrance free. This product is cruelty-free and vegan.
Why incorporating Squalane oil into your winter skincare routine is important even for oily, acne-prone skin.
Click the pic for benefits + things to watch out for.
In the package, Good Molecules also sent over a few other unique items that I’m excited to also incorporate into my AM & PM skincare routine:
- Niacinamide Brightening Toner ($14.00). Gentle enough for daily use this toner is used to brighten and even skin tone as well as make the pores less visible. This product is free of alcohol, vegan and cruelty-free.
- Niacinamide Serum ($6.00). This serum contains 10% niacinamide and is used to minimize the appearance of pores, uneven skin tone, dullness and texture. The formula is lightweight and water-based making it easy to layer daily with other skincare and makeup. This product is free of fragrance and cruelty-free.
- Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer ($14.00). A lightweight, daily moisturizer formulated with a plant-based, natural silicone alternative to prep your skin for makeup. Free of silicone, fragrance, mineral oil, alcohol and PEG. This product is cruelty-free and vegan.
I will keep you posted on my thoughts in an upcoming post. For skincare I like to test products for several weeks before giving my final thoughts.
Good Molecules Skincare Review – products for aging, oily, acne-prone skin.
Have you tried Squalane? Let me know how it worked for you in the comments below!
*note: I am not a doctor, dermatologist or even a skincare guru. The above is based on my own research and experiences with the products mentioned. Before beginning any new skincare treatment or using a new product make sure you patch test it on your skin 24 hours prior to full use to gauge any allergic reaction and/or consult your doctor if you feel it would be necessary in your situation.
Thanks. Very informative, I didn’t know the diffence. And the infographic is to the point.
I love products from The Ordinary and some of them contain squalane. I have always found them to be effective.
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