Sq
Squalane
Squalane · Squalane*Barrier
Lightweight plant-derived emollient. Mimics skin's own sebum without occluding pores.
What it does
Squalane is the saturated, shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid the skin produces naturally). Most modern squalane is olive- or sugarcane-derived rather than the historical shark-liver source. It softens skin and reinforces the barrier without leaving a heavy occlusive feel. Compatible with virtually every active.
The evidence, graded
expert consensusFungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) is fed by fatty acids and esters with C11-C24 chain lengths. Oils in that range are frequently reported to worsen it, including oils marketed as pore-friendly or 'safe for acne-prone skin'. Squalane, MCT, and mineral oil fall outside the range and are typically tolerated.Rubenstein 2014 · Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology ↗
emergingSome occlusives (cocoa butter, coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, certain plant butters) can be comedogenic on acne-prone skin. Lighter occlusives (squalane, mineral oil, hyaluronic acid, glycerin) are generally non-comedogenic in published data.Kligman 1972 · Archives of Dermatology ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Also known as
plant-based squalane
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