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Squalene

SqualeneBarrier

The natural form of squalane, found in skin’s own oil. In one small study, more of its oxidized form went with oilier, acne-prone skin.

What it does

Squalene, with an 'e', is the natural form found in skin’s own oil and shark liver; squalane, with an 'a', is the stable version used in skincare. In one small study, acne-prone skin carried more squalene, and its oxidized form rose with oil and a marker of acne bacteria. That’s a link, not proof it causes spots.

The EU’s ingredient database lists it as an emollient (gives skin a soft, smooth look) and a solvent (dissolves other ingredients).European Commission, CosIng (© European Union, CC BY 4.0) · uses put in plain words by Drop ↗

The evidence, graded

moderateSqualene is a major component of human sebum, and its peroxide form is present in the stratum corneum of acne-prone skin. A pilot in vivo study found acne-prone skin carried more squalene, and that peroxidized squalene correlated positively with sebum content and porphyrin intensity.Condrò 2023 · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) ↗

Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.

Pairs worth knowing

Squalane · works together ↗

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