So it sounds kindy funky - “skwaaah lane” - but is naturally produced by your skin cells. Unfortunately production tends to decline with age 😵💫. But a plant-derived version exists to help soften your skin, improve barrier function and enhance penetration of other active ingredients. Here are four benefits of squalane:
1. Deliver active ingredients into the skin: Squalane is a lightweight and non-greasy oil that is similar in molecular structure to your skin’s lipids. This allows it to effectively penetrate the skin's barrier, carrying other active ingredients such as anti-pigmentation hero, niacinamide.
2. Skin barrier function: Squalane helps reinforce the skin's natural barrier function by maintaining hydration. When your skin barrier is functioning well and hydrated, it creates the optimal environment for other actives.
3. Antioxidant: Squalane has antioxidant properties that can help stabilise other ingredients, particularly those that are prone to oxidation. This can improve the shelf life and maintain the effectiveness of the active ingredients over time.
4. Product effectiveness: Squalane has a silky, smooth texture that can improve the overall feel and consistency of application. This improved texture makes it easier to apply products evenly and to layer different products such as an SPF or serum into your routine.
We’ve used squalane in our Desert Glow Brightening Gel-Crème for lighweight hydration and fast absorption of active ingredients.