How to Use Squalane For Skin and Hair?

Squalane is the hydrogenated form of squalene, a lipid naturally present in the skin and secreted by the sebaceous glands. Squalene is not stable to oxidation because of its double bonds on its carbon chain. Squalane is preferred in cosmetic formulas because of its longer shelf life.

The use of this active emollient in the beauty industry has long been controversial because of its origin: squalene can be extracted in large quantities from shark liver oil. However, with the fishing of these endangered species becoming increasingly regulated, most companies now use squalane of plant origin, most often from olives or sugar cane.

At Typology, we only use 100% plant-derived squalane in our products.

Squalane is often called an active emollient. Squalane skin benefits do not only include the softening action, it also prevents the epidermis from dehydration. Its biomimetic structure with sebum allows repairing the hydrolipidic film, thus reinforcing the barrier function of the skin and preventing the water present in the body from evaporating. The skin remains hydrated longer and the feelings of tightness specific to dry skin are reduced. 

Moreover, squalene is a major component of sebum, which contains about 15%. Nevertheless, its natural production by skin cells tends to decrease around the age of 30. This drop contributes to accentuate the dehydration and the skin "marks" more. Thus, a daily intake of squalane helps to fight against this inevitable loss and slows down the phenomenon of skin dehydration which increases over the years.

Because of its moisturizing and softening properties, squalane is suitable for all skin types but is particularly recommended for dry skin. It is applied directly with the fingers at the end of the routine, on a clean and dry skin, by carrying out circular motions to perfect its penetration. Squalane can be used every day, in the evening as well as in the morning. Indeed, even if it is an oil, its touch is dry, and it penetrates the skin quickly, not leaving greasy residues. It is thus possible to apply its make-up products while following as well as its solar protection.