When you think of cruelty-free beauty products, you probably don’t think about sharks. And, yet, here we are.
According to Shark Stewarts, the cosmetics industry is responsible for 2.7 million deep sea shark deaths every year. All to harvest shark liver oil to make squalene, a skincare product that is incredibly effective at moisturizing skin.
But, somewhat recently, companies like Biossance have discovered a way to make a vegan-friendly, cruelty-free form of squalene called squalane. And, the plant-based squalane moisturizes just as well.
Let’s break down what exactly squalene is, how it compares to squalane, and how the latter can fit into your beauty routine.
What is Squalene?
Squalene is a poly-unsaturated hydrocarbon oil that makes up about 10 to 12 percent of your skin’s natural oil. It’s important for your skin’s hydration because it lubricates and protects your skin.
It was discovered in 1906 by Japanese chemist Dr. Mitsumaru Tsujimoto while he was researching shark liver oil. He named the oil “squalene” after the shark family name, Squalidae. Not to be confused with Squidward. Obviously. He’s an octopus.
But sharks are friends, or at least, not skin care, so you should look for squalane that is 100% plant based. Squalane is made from plants such as olives, sugar cane, wheat germ oil, and rice bran. Not only is it animal-friendly, it also has a longer shelf life.
Available on Amazon.
What Skin Care Results Can I Expect With Squalane?
Squalane is an antioxidant, which means it can help fight free radicals and skin damage. It can also help with conditions that cause skin inflammation or dryness, such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
So, as you age from a “take out student loans for a good future” Millennial, to a “I hope Social Security still exists” Millennial, your body produces less squalene. Using squalane helps your skin lock in moisture and stay soft. Or, even get softer.
Does Squalane Actually Work?
We asked the experts and they all agreed: squalane actually works. For real. It’s not just infomercial magic that only makes sense at 2AM. (Don’t let your Shamwow see that.)
“The benefits of squalane in skincare are extensive, and it works effectively for all skin types,” says dermatologist Tina Alster, MD, FAAD, creator and co-founder of The A Method. “The anti-aging benefits are extraordinary when used daily. It will help create a barrier to protect the skin and is just an all-around impressive product.”
Not only is squalane effective at moisturizing, it provides a ton of other benefits for your skin. “It has antioxidants that fight free radicals and skin damage,” says Liz Jane, MD, at Eve Mag. “It boosts the production of collagen leading to more firm skin, it detoxifies your skin, and it contains anti-inflammatory properties that decrease swelling and redness.”
To use squalane most effectively, start with damp or wet skin. “Squalene is an occlusive type of moisturizer–that means it traps in moisture, and should be used on damp skin,” says dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD. “It is a perfect oil for all skin types, as it is what our bodies make.”
5 Squalane Products to Consider
We asked the experts what squalane products they recommend to their clients. All of the products use plant-derived squalane (yes, with an “a”), since 0% of experts recommend killing sharks for your beauty products. At least the ones we talked to – did Captain Quint become a dermatologist?
1. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
This is the best squalane oil product if you’re looking for nothing but squalane. “It’s affordable oil – nothing else,” says Patel. “This can be used as a face oil to occlude products with actives and can be used with gua sha or jade rolling tools.” She recommends using it as the top layer of your slugging routine.
Slugging, as in the practice of applying your nighttime products and then sealing it with an occlusive agent to keep in moisture while you sleep. Not slugging, as in the practice of banging out home runs, beating Barry Bonds’ record, landing a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame, all before the age of 19.
Available on Amazon.
2. Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask
If you’re not ready to fully commit to the slug life, try this nighttime hydrating mask. “It deeply hydrates your skin, has antioxidants that combat free radicals, and prevents redness on your skin. It also locks in moisture which repairs your skin,” says Dr. Jane.
Available on Amazon.
3. Glossier Futuredrew Oil Serum Hybrid
If you have oily skin, slathering your face with more oils feels like the last thing you’d want to do. If you’re looking for something lighter, try this oil serum hybrid.
“This product is an oil serum hybrid, so it does not feel like oil,” says Dr. Patel. “It’s best for oily or acne prone skin, and leaves a glowy finish.”
Available on Amazon.
4. Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
Every year that goes by is another year that we refuse to stop looking at screens before bedtime. So needless to say our eyes look tired.
“This product reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in a week,” says Dr. Jane. “It gives lasting hydration good for make-up application.”
Available on Amazon.
5. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
At the end of the day, you need to wash away dirt, make-up, and your sins of putting pineapple on pizza. This squalane cleanser lets you do that without also washing away your natural oils.
“This cleanser removes makeup, excess oil, and dirt gently at the same time protecting your skin’s moisture barrier,” says Dr. Jane. If only it could remove the Taco Bell we ate for second dinner.
Available on Amazon.
In her free time, she enjoys volunteering for reproductive justice causes, dropping that she worked at Walt Disney World into every conversation, and using her Wedding and Events Planner certification to throw Survivor watch parties. See more of her work on her website or follow her on Twitter @maddihiggs.
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