Squalane is one of the most effective and powerful ingredients used in skin care products, but for most men, it’s a complete mystery. If you’ve never heard of squalane, it’s not really your fault. Skin care companies have not done a great job of educating people on the benefits of squalane in skin care and how it functions in various products on the market. As a result, many people don’t even know how to say it! (It’s pronounced skwah-lane, just so you know).
But aside from how to say it, you’ve probably got a lot of questions about squalane and what it does. For instance, what is squalane? Is squalane good for skin? How should you use squalane? Which skin types is it best for? Lastly, where can you find high-quality men’s skin care products with squalane?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!
What Is Squalane?
Squalane is a refined oil derived from the natural lipids found in the human body. It is made to be saturated and stable, which means that it is less prone to oxidation and degradation. In other words, it won’t go bad just because it’s exposed to air! This makes it a great option for skin care products that you use daily or even just from time to time.
Squalane vs. Squalene
It’s very easy to confuse squalane with squalene. Aside from the fact that the two words only have one letter difference, they are also very closely related. Squalene is the natural lipid from which squalane is derived. On its own, squalene is not very stable, which is why it needs to go through a specific process before it can be properly used in skin care products as squalane.
Historically, squalene has been sourced from shark liver oil. However, in more recent years, companies have found more ethical and sustainable ways of sourcing squalene. Most manufacturers have shifted to plant-based sources, most often olives and sugarcane.
Once squalene has been sourced, it must go through a hydrogenation process to become squalane (the ingredient you can find in skin care products). This process requires hydrogen atoms to be added to the squalene molecule, converting it from an unsaturated to a saturated hydrocarbon. Once again, this process makes the final ingredient far more stable and greatly increases its shelf life.
What Does Squalane Do For Skin?
So, what’s so special about squalane and why is it used in skin care? Even though squalane is difficult to source and produce, companies go to great lengths to acquire this component because it offers so many benefits to human skin. It is most often used in moisturizers, serums, and even some hair care products. You might even see it as an ingredient in certain makeup products, as it can help give products a smooth texture.
However, the main reason that squalane is used for the skin is because it is derived directly from squalene, which is one of many components of sebum (the oil your skin produces naturally). As a result, squalane is capable of moisturizing the skin and providing the skin with antioxidants and other natural benefits — without the need for any harsh chemicals.
It is this natural composition that makes squalane such a popular and sought-after ingredient in the skin care industry. As a substance naturally found in the human body, squalane is highly biocompatible. This makes it far less likely to produce skin irritation or other adverse reactions.
Squalane Skin Benefits
While squalane is often praised for its moisturizing properties, the reality is that it offers many other benefits to the skin. Here are just a few of the most important benefits you can expect with squalane-infused skin care products:
- Natural Moisturizer - Squalane is one of the few natural components of sebum that acts as a natural emollient (i.e. it can soften and smooth out rough skin). Due to its natural sources, squalane is capable of mimicking the skin’s natural oils. In doing so, it provides deep hydration — without leaving behind a greasy residue or shiny appearance.
- Compatible With All Skin Types - Once again, squalane is a natural derivation of components that are already produced in the body. As a result, it is capable of working with virtually every skin type. Whether you have dry, sensitive skin or oily, acne-prone skin, squalane has the ability to function well and not cause irritation.
- Non-Comedogenic Ingredient - Squalane is a non-comedogenic ingredient, which means that it won’t clog pores. This makes it a great fit for men who want to clean or reduce the size of their pores, as well as those who struggle with excess oil production.
- Natural Antioxidant - You’ve probably heard that antioxidants are great for the body, but it’s not always clear why. Squalane contains antioxidant properties, which means that it can protect the cells of the skin from damage from free radicals. In other words, it can help prevent the same unstable atoms that can lead to cancer, while also protecting the skin from environmental stressors like smoke and sun exposure.
- Anti-Aging Properties - Another reason that consumers and skin care companies alike want to use squalane is its anti-aging properties. Since it is a natural moisturizer that promotes hydration without the need for chemicals, it is able to promote smooth, healthy skin, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Lightweight - Many men turn away from strong moisturizers because they can be too “heavy.” This simply means that they are so strong that they feel thick and greasy, and are not as easily absorbed. Fortunately, squalane is lightweight and quickly absorbed, making it ideal for men who want to apply a product without feeling like they’re covered in a thick gel or oil.
The Best Men's Skincare Products With Squalane
If you’re looking for skin care products that contain squalane and can provide the most bang for your buck, Anthony has everything you need. While squalane can be used in many different types of products — from cleansers and exfoliators to moisturizers and serums — here are a few of our personal squalane-infused favorites:
- Exfoliating & Cleansing Bar - Our exfoliating and cleansing bar offers the perfect way to cleanse your face and body in the shower, while also exfoliating the skin and clearing away the top layer of dead skin cells.
- All Purpose Facial Moisturizer - Anthony’s all purpose facial moisturizer is perfect for all skin types and is one of the best ways to ensure that your skin gets the hydration it needs on a daily basis.
- High Performance Vitamin A Facial Treatment - Adding our retinol-infused treatment to your skin care regimen can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a younger, healthier appearance.
- High Performance Continuous Moisture Eye Cream - Need to reduce puffiness and hydrate the area under your eyes? Our high performance eye cream can get the job done.
- Shaving Cream - Anthony’s cooling shaving cream helps lift the hairs from the skin, allowing for a smooth, clean cut.
- After Shave Balm - If you shave regularly and want to avoid skin irritation, redness, and razor burn, Anthony’s after shave balm is the perfect solution.
Want to learn even more about squalane for skin? If so, be sure to check out the great products and solutions available at Anthony today!
