If you've ever used a skin care product, be it an anti-aging cream, lip gloss, or sunscreen, you've probably seen the name 'Squalane' in the ingredients list. Seeing this name, some people might think, "What is this strange name?" What exactly is Squalane? Is it good for our skin? It has a very similar name, 'Squalene'. Let's talk about these two in detail and the benefits they bring to our skin.
Let's first see, are Squalene and Squalane two different things?
Yes, these two are a little different. Simply put, Squalane is the stabilized form of Squalene. Okay, let's simplify it a little more.
- Squalene: This is an oily substance that is naturally produced in our bodies. Squalene is found in the natural oil called sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous glands in our skin. This is what helps our skin stay naturally moisturized and not dry. In addition to humans, Squalene is also found in shark liver oil and plants such as olives, sugarcane, and rice bran. However, there is one problem with this natural Squalene. When it is exposed to air, it quickly oxidizes, which means it can go bad and lose its quality.
- Squalane: So, because Squalene is difficult to use in beauty products as is, scientists are stabilizing it. This is called hydrogenation . In this process, hydrogen is added to Squalene, making it a non-oxidizing, long-lasting, and skin-friendly, lightweight substance. That's what we call Squalane. This is the Squalene in your skin care product.
That means, Squalane is an ingredient that is very similar to Squalene, which is naturally present in our skin, but is more stable and better suited for cosmetic products.
What are the benefits of Squalane for our skin?
Squalane is a substance that is very good for the skin and has multiple benefits. Let's take a look at the main benefits.
| Benefit | How does it work? |
|---|---|
| Providing excellent moisture to the skin | This is a very light oil. It absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a sticky feeling. It also prevents moisture from evaporating from the skin, helping to keep the skin hydrated throughout the day. |
| Increasing skin elasticity and smoothness | When the skin is well hydrated, its elasticity increases. Using squalane gives the skin a very smooth, plump appearance. |
| Reduction of fine wrinkles and dry spots | Squalane helps reduce the appearance of fine lines that appear as we age and dry skin. This is because when the skin is hydrated, it plumps up, making the appearance of those lines less noticeable. |
| Antioxidant properties | The antioxidant properties of Squalane help protect our skin from environmental pollution and free radical damage from the sun. This is also important for controlling the signs of aging. |
| Often suitable for acne-prone skin | Squalane is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores. So, it's often suitable for people with acne and sensitive skin. However, if you have very sensitive skin or acne, it's best to check with your doctor before using anything new. |
Where does squalane come from? It's important to know this too!
We get squalane from three main sources.
1. Animal Source
Historically, the main method of obtaining Squalene has been from shark liver oil . Squalene is especially abundant in the livers of sharks that live in the deep sea. However, this method has led to increased shark hunting, threatening the extinction of these animals and causing damage to the environment. As a result, many ethical companies do not follow this method today.
2. Plant-based Source
The best option for obtaining Squalane without harming animals is from plants. Many of the high-quality Squalane products on the market today are made from plants. The main uses for this are:
If you are buying a product that contains squalane, it is a good practice to check if it has a statement like "100% Plant-Derived" or "Sugarcane-Derived".
3. Our Own Body
As we've talked about before, our bodies naturally produce Squalene. At birth, babies' skin has very high levels of Squalene. That's why their skin is so smooth and healthy. However, after the age of 30, the amount of Squalene our bodies produce gradually starts to decrease. This is one of the reasons why our skin becomes dry and wrinkled. So using products containing Squalane helps to restore this natural moisture that we lose as we age.
Other uses of Squalene besides skin care
Squalene is not only used for skin, but also for other medical and health purposes.
- In Vaccines: Squalene is used as an adjuvant in some vaccines to increase their effectiveness, that is, to stimulate our body's immune system and help it produce more antibodies. These are called adjuvants . For example, some COVID-19 vaccines also used this adjuvant.
- Other uses: In addition, Squalene is used in some dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and high-grade machine oil.
Take-Home Message
- Squalane is a type of oil that is very similar to the Squalene naturally produced in our skin, but is more stable, skin-friendly, and lightweight.
- It moisturizes the skin, increases skin elasticity, and reduces the appearance of fine lines. It's also non-sticky.
- Squalane can be obtained from sharks or plants (olives, sugarcane). Plant-derived squalane is preferable for ethical and environmental reasons.
- If you have sensitive skin, acne, or other skin conditions, it is important to consult your doctor before using any new beauty product.
- In addition to protecting the skin, the ingredient Squalene is also used to increase the effectiveness of some vaccines.
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