Squalane vs squalene: same same but different.
/If you have ever tried to do any research on moisturisers, more likely than not you’ve come across this ingredient ‘squalane’ or ‘squalene’. Like me, you probably thought there’s a typo error going on here, right? Wrong. Neither is there a British vs American version for spelling this word.
Squalane and squalene are really two different words and here’s what you need to know about them.
Both squalane and squalene are naturally-occurring substances that are found fish oils such as shark liver oil. Squalane is a hydrogenated form of squalene and you’ll find it commonly in your everyday skincare products such as moisturisers and antiaging creams.
Squalene is also produced by our very own bodies and is a secreted by our sebaceous glands and works to keep our skin moisturised and protected.
There’s a reason why both squalane and squalene sound so similar. From a chemical perspective, they are essentially the same however they work differently from a skincare perspective.
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What is Squalene?
Squalene is a naturally occurring polyunsaturated hydrocarbon and is found in many different types of fish oil, and these days they are mainly sourced from shark liver oil.
Squalene is also produced by our bodies but in very small quantities; it’s created in our liver and is found mostly in our blood. Our sebum too contains around 12% squalene.
Squalene is essential for healthy, hydrated skin, and for repairing damaged skin and rejuvenating our skin as we age. Research has also found squalene to be helpful in protecting our skin from free radical damage.
As we get older, squalene production diminishes. In fact, research shows that after the age of 30, the amount of squalene found in our sebum declines.
It’s not hard to see the wide-ranging benefits squalene has, by creating a natural protective barrier on our skin to keep skin moisturised, healthy and protected from environmental damage.
Despite its numerous benefits, squalene is not a very stable from a chemical perspective. When it is exposed to oxygen, it becomes rancid making the shelf life of squalene very short and challenging to incorporate into everyday skincare products.
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What is Squalane?
Squalane on the other hand is a hydrogenated version of squalene and thanks to its hydrogen content, it doesn’t react to oxygen as squalene does, making it more palatable as an ingredient in skincare products. In other words, squalane has a longer shelf life and doesn’t go bad when the product’s packaging is repeatedly opened and exposed to air. Plus, squalane offers the same skincare benefits as squalene.
Benefits of Squalane and Squalene in a nutshell
1. Hydration
Both squalane and squalene are great moisturisers and are commonly referred to as nature’s great emollients as they help the skin to trap in moisture, maintaining skin’s suppleness and hydration.
2. Non-oily
Main of our main considerations when it comes to using a moisturiser in a humid climate like Singapore’s is that it doesn’t feel oily or greasy on the skin. Squalane and squalene are perfect in this aspect, as they are absorbed well by the skin without leaving unwanted greasiness behind.
3. Effective antioxidant
Studies have shown that both squalane and squalene could be excellent antioxidants and helpful in mitigating damage to the skin by protecting it from sun exposure and oxidative stress.
All these make squalane a star ingredient to look out for the next time you’re looking for a moisturising skincare product for yourself, especially if you have acne-prone skin. The makeup of squalane makes it non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores and exacerbate oily skin.
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It’s also a great ingredient to use if your skin is prone to skin irritations from acne breakouts, dryness, psoriasis or eczema.
At SW1, we have a range of skincare products containing squalane that’s worth checking out for your skincare needs.
