Squalane is one of the most versatile and underrated moisturising ingredients — lightweight, stable, and suitable for nearly everyone.
What it is
Squalane is a stable, shelf-friendly version of squalene, an oil your skin produces naturally. It’s an emollient and light occlusive — it softens skin and helps seal in water.
Why people like it
- Lightweight and non-greasy — unusual for an oil
- Doesn’t typically clog pores, so even oily skin can use it
- Helps reinforce the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss
Who it’s for
Great for dry skin, but light enough for most skin types. It’s also a good buffer over actives — apply it after retinoids to soften potential irritation.
How to use it
Apply a few drops after your water-based steps (like hyaluronic acid) to seal them in, or mix into your moisturiser. As with all oils, it goes near the end of your routine order — before sunscreen in the morning.