Squalane’s position as a must-have skincare classic was years in the making. For quite a long time, this multi-beneficial ingredient was mostly animal-derived before a slew of eco-conscious brands (like my personal favorite Biossance) figured out how to more responsibly source it from plants instead. Now it seems the best squalane products can be found everywhere and anywhere, no matter your budget or needs.
As I’ve noted before, squalane shouldn’t be confused with squalene, a naturally-occurring building block of the skin’s lipid barrier. It’s a protective nutrient that, like many other skin processes, loses steam as we age, thus requiring help via topical treatments. Today, plant-sourced squalane is one of the most popular enhancers for hair, face, and body products because of its scentless, wide-ranging benefits, the most popular being moisture.
Squalane oil can be used as an all-over moisturizer and combined with other effective ingredients for serums, masks, sunscreens, and more. Ahead, some effective options that will fit seamlessly into just about any kind of routine.
Valjean Labs.
Valjean Labs Morning Glow Facial Oil
This cost-effective vegan formula elevates brightness and moisture simultaneously with a concentrated blend of vitamin C and squalane.
Buy: Valjean Labs Morning Glow Vitamin C + Squalane Facial Oil $14.95
Honest.
Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream
With two types of hyaluronic acid and squalane, this cooling moisturizer provides an instantly gratifying amount of nourishment to parched skin.
Buy: Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream $19.99
QRxLabs.
QRxLabs Squalane E Oil
This multi-tasking hair and skin moisturizer combines the moisturizing properties of squalane and vitamin E.
Buy: QRxLabs Squalane E Oil $9.95
OUAI.
OUAI Body Creme
A whipped body moisturizer enriched with coconut oil, squalane, and Cupuaçu butter to quickly absorb into and nourish dry skin.
Kiehl’s.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
This potent overnight facial treatment has been clinically tested to target inflammation, dryness, and dark spots with a concentrated blend of squalane, evening primrose oil, and lavender oil.
Deciem.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
A gentle makeup remover and cleanser in one that effectively removes makeup, sunscreen and other environmental pollutants from the face.
Patrick Ta Beauty.
Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil
Choose from three shimmery, iridescent finishes to illuminate and hydrate your body with this scented brightening oil, enriched with olive oil, squalane, vitamin E, stabilized vitamin C, and magnolia bark extract.
Biossance.
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++
This innovative, eco-conscious sunscreen checks all the boxes. It’s reef-safe, mineral-based, completely sheer, suitable for all skin types, lightweight, and hydrating.
Tatcha.
Tatcha The Serum Stick: Treatment & Touch Up Balm
This anti-aging, brightening, and soothing hydrator contains purified squalane, Japanese lemon balm, and the brand’s signature Hadasei-3 complex (green tea, rice, algae). Use it under or over makeup to touch-up your glow in just a few seconds.
Peter Thomas Roth.
Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Retinoid Peptide Serum
This potent leave-on retinoid treatment would be drying if it (thankfully) wasn’t formulated with a handful of famously moisturizing ingredients including ceramides, peptides, and squalane.
Then I Met You.
Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Toner
This milky post-cleansing toner pours moisture back into the skin with a 76 percent birch juice formula further elevated with a small concentration of gentle exfoliants, marshmallow root extract, and squalane.
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