The Best Squalane Oil

Buying Guide

An interesting ingredient has popped up in skincare products in recent years. If you’ve noticed squalane oil prominently featured, it’s not a mistake. Manufacturers and consumers have realized the many benefits of this natural oil in keeping skin hydrated.

But what is this mystery oil? Squalane oil is hydrogenated squalene, which is produced naturally by your body’s oil glands. As you get older, your body’s production of this oil slows down. Manufacturers have found ways to recreate it, altering squalene to make it more ideal for bottling, which leads to the squalane oil you find in so many products.

You don’t have to go shopping for products that have squalane oil in them. You can buy it over the counter, bottled separately, and either apply it to your skin or add it to your existing moisturizers.

Where does squalane oil come from? Originally, it was extracted from shark livers, which have an abundance of squalane oil. But consumers demanded a more ethical alternative to this source, leading manufacturers to shift to plants as a source. Squalane oil today is more likely to come from olives or rice bran than a fish.

Squalane helps lock in moisture, giving your skin the extra hydration it needs. If you plan to spread it on before putting on your makeup, check to make sure it absorbs into the skin quickly without leaving any residue. You’ll want your makeup to spread on smoothly without having to wait for your skin to dry first.

Consumers don’t just use squalane oil to moisturize the skin to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging. Some find it helps with skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. As always, consult your doctor before beginning any topical treatment if you have issues like this. You may also want to test out a small patch of skin and waiting a day or two to see if you experience an adverse reaction.

MORE: The Best Face Oils for Smoothing Out Skin

• A little goes a long way when it comes to squalane oil. Just put two to four drops onto your fingers and rub into your skin. Usually, your squalane oil will come in a bottle with a dropper.
• If you don’t see results with one type of oil, look at the original source of the oil. If you’ve chosen one extracted from plant sugars (i.e., sugarcane), you may find one that comes from olives is more beneficial and vice versa.
• Look carefully at the list of ingredients to make sure no chemicals or other additives are included in the formula. You’ll find many squalane oil products promise to be free of chemicals and even safe for vegans.
• Squalane oil is typically sold in 2-ounce bottles. This small amount can last a while, as you’ll only use a few drops per session, but if you plan to use it frequently, you may want to try out a smaller size, then commit to a larger bottle once you’re sure it works for you.
• If you’re prone to acne, look for an oil that’s non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores.
• Your skin isn’t the only part of your body that can benefit from squalane oil. You can also use it in your hair to provide protection against heat.
• Oils can degrade if exposed to UV rays. Look for a darker bottle or one with UV protection built into the bottle. For best results, store your squalane oil in a cool, dark place. If stored well, you’ll find that squalane oil can last up to two years before going bad.
• Squalane oil is something you can use on a daily basis, making it part of your daily routine.
• If you’re sensitive to smells, look for an oil that promises to keep the scent at a minimum.