Bet you’re thinking, wait, they are not the same thing? Yes, that why you need beauty magazines. We all want beautiful skin and we all know that hydration is key but perhaps a little more investigation is required about specific ingredients that can do the job. If you are the one who cares (and you really should) about the ingredients in your products, you might have come across squalane and squalene. Apart from the difference of an a and e, these two ingredients are different in terms of function and properties. Who knew right?
What Is Squalene?
Squalene is a naturally-occurring, polyunsaturated hydrocarbon found in different kinds of fish oil. These days most squalene is sourced from shark liver oil. Squalene is found in the human body in small quantities; the sebum, oil produced by the sebaceous glands, is about 12% squalene. The squalene made by these glands plays a vital role in keeping the skin hydrated. It repairs damaged skin, rejuvenates it and protects your skin from free radical oxidative damage.
As with many other essential nutrients for healthy skin, your body’s squalene production slows over time. The amount of squalene in your body usually begins to decline after the age of thirty. Due to numerous benefits, squalene is widely known as one of the highest quality natural emollients. You can consider it as a protective element for your skin. The ingredient creates a barrier that keeps the skin hydrated, healthy and protected from damage. Even though squalene is extremely effective at hydrating and protecting your skin, it’s not very stable because when exposed to oxygen, it can become rancid. Its short shelf life makes squalene a tricky ingredient to use in skin care products.
What Is Squalane?
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Squalane is a hydrogenated type of squalene. Because squalane has hydrogen, it will not react with oxygen like squalene, making it suitable for moisturisers and other skin care products. While squalene goes bad quickly, products made with squalane can stay on the shelf for a long time without being spoiled when repeatedly exposed to air. Squalane has benefits similar to squalene. It protects the skin from sun exposure and hydrates the skin. Its antibacterial effects may also provide protection against certain types of bacteria. Hence, squalane over squalene is worth considering if you want to include it in your skincare routine.
How And Who Should Use It?
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Due to squalane being a stable ingredient with a longer shelf life as compared to squalene, it is the right choice to consider. Squalane is known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to lock in moisture. Squalane can be an excellent ingredient to go for if you have acne-prone skin. Unlike other products, it is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t block your pores. Its anti-inflammatory properties will help soothe the skin if it is sensitive and irritated due to acne, dryness and atopic dermatitis (eczema).
