Ingredients

Squalane

Written by Reviewed by the SYNC editorial team Published Last reviewed Editorial standards

Squalane — a lightweight, saturated oil derived by hydrogenating squalene, most often sourced today from olives, sugarcane, or other plants. Its stability and non-greasy feel make it a popular emollient that softens skin and helps reduce moisture loss.

Key points

  • Squalane is the stable, hydrogenated form of squalene, giving it a longer shelf life and resistance to oxidation.
  • It is a lightweight emollient that absorbs quickly and leaves a soft, non-greasy finish.
  • Modern squalane is commonly plant-derived from sources such as sugarcane and olives.
  • It helps reduce transepidermal water loss and is generally considered non-comedogenic and well tolerated.

Frequently asked

What is the difference between squalane and squalene?

Squalane is the hydrogenated, more stable version of squalene, making it less prone to oxidation and better suited for skincare shelf life.

Is squalane suitable for oily skin?

Squalane is lightweight and generally considered non-comedogenic, so it is often well tolerated by oily skin, though individual results vary.

Related topics

This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.

Encyclopedia

Further reading

This entry was written and checked against the sources below. They are published by clinical and scientific bodies, they are listed most readable first, and each one opens in a new tab. They are background for the whole entry rather than footnotes to individual sentences.

  1. Safety Assessment of Squalane and Squalene as Used in Cosmetics Cosmetic Ingredient Review Regulatory and safety cir-safety.org
  2. Squalene and Squalane CosmeticsInfo Regulatory and safety cosmeticsinfo.org
  3. Biological and Pharmacological Activities of Squalene and Related Compounds PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: potential uses in cosmetic dermatology PubMed Peer-reviewed (abstract) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Biological importance and applications of squalene and squalane PubMed Peer-reviewed (abstract) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SYNC does not publish medical advice. Nothing here replaces a consultation with a doctor or a pharmacist about your own skin.