Active Ingredient Glossary

Squalane: The Light Oil That's Identical to Skin

Ingredient Encyclopedia · S INCI: Squalane Squalane is the perfect skincare oil for anyone who doesn’t like oils: it’s light as a feather, odorless, absorbs quickly, and leaves no greasy residue. Because it’s virtually identical to a component of the skin’s own sebum, squalane works well with practically every skin type—from dry to blemish-prone. Profile Research Helps combat dryness, tightness, and rough patches Skin Type All—including combination and blemish-prone skin Concentration: Pure or as a skincare base; concentration is not critical Routine: Morning & evening Adjustment period: None required What is squalane? The name leads to a small but important distinction: squalene (with an “e”) is a natural component of human sebum—so the skin is very familiar with this substance. However, squalene itself is unstable and oxidizes quickly. Squalane (with an “a”) is the hydrogenated, stable variant: it has the same nourishing properties but is long-lasting—and is therefore the standard in cosmetics. In the past, squalane was problematically derived from shark liver—today, in reputable products, it comes from plant-based sources such as sugarcane or olives. On the INCI list, it is simply listed as “squalane” in both cases. Effect: What’s Been Proven Three out of five bars: As an emollient—that is, a skin-softening oil—squalane is well documented. It integrates into the skin’s lipid layer, smooths rough patches, alleviates tightness, and slows moisture loss. Its excellent tolerability is also widely documented. What’s missing are large-scale clinical studies on more far-reaching effects—so you should take anti-aging claims about squalane with a grain of salt. To sum it up fairly: an excellent moisturizing ingredient for almost any skincare routine, but not a miracle ingredient. Usage & Combination Squalane fits into your routine both in the morning and at night—used on its own as the final step, as a base in facial oils, or incorporated into creams. It’s considered non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores, and is therefore suitable for combination skin and skin prone to breakouts. Another plus: squalane virtually never causes irritation and is therefore often used as a gentle carrier base for stronger active ingredients like retinol. Pairs well with ✓ Retinol & acids – squalane alleviates dryness and tightness ✓ Hyaluronic acid & polyglutamic acid – moisturize first, then finish with squalane ✓ Ceramides – together, they keep the skin barrier supple Note ! Squalane locks in moisture but doesn’t provide any itself—so be sure to include a moisturizing step ! Follow the correct order: Apply oils after water-based serums Myth debunked: “Oil isn’t suitable for blemish-prone skin”—this is no longer true for squalane: It’s considered non-comedogenic and is structurally similar to the skin’s own sebum. That’s precisely why many lightweight formulations for combination skin rely on squalane. Squalane in the BONSANA lineup MAD HIPPIE Antioxidant Facial Oil CHF 21.90 30 ml SKINCYCLOPEDIA Retinol Roll-On in a squalane base CHF 6.95 15 ml SKINCYCLOPEDIA Moisturizing Cream with squalane CHF 9.95 50 ml SKINCYCLOPEDIA Shimmer Body Oil CHF 10.95 30 ml Available in the Shop Light Skincare with Squalane Oils, creams, and serums with squalane—for every skincare routine, shipped from our warehouse in Switzerland. Discover facial care → Related entries: Ceramides · Hyaluronic Acid · Retinol · Bakuchiol · Read more: 3-Step K-Beauty Routine Frequently Asked Questions About Squalane What’s the difference between squalane and squalene? Squalene (with an “e”) is the unstable natural substance found in sebum that oxidizes quickly. Squalane (with an “a”) is the hydrogenated, stable version used in cosmetics—it has the same skincare benefits and a long shelf life. Is squalane comedogenic? No, squalane is considered non-comedogenic and does not clog pores. That’s why—unlike many rich plant oils—it’s also suitable for combination skin and skin prone to breakouts. Is squalane vegan? Modern squalane is derived from plant sources such as sugarcane or olives and is therefore vegan. Be sure to check the brand’s origin information—all squalane products in the BONSANA lineup are vegan. When should you incorporate squalane into your skincare routine? As an oil, squalane belongs at the end of your routine: after water-based serums, used undiluted as the final step, or mixed directly into your moisturizer. In the morning, it also works well under makeup because it absorbs quickly.