Squalane- as tricky as it may be to pronounce, it turns out that our skin loves this magical compound. It’s a naturally occurring compound that our skin produces but has only recently gained some attention. One of the most intriguing aspects of Squalane is its ability to moisturize skin & replicate the effect of natural oils present within our skin. Moreover, research has shown that as we age our body’s ability to moisturize decreases considerably. This leaves us with dry, wrinkly, cracked & visibly old skin but Squalane is here to stop all of this- & that’s exactly why it’s your skin’s best friend!
Squalene or Squalane? What’s what & why it matters
Although it may seem like the difference between the two is only a matter of a few letters, we hate to break it to you but you’re deeply mistaken. Squalene is a lipid produced by the sebaceous in animals & humans alike, in fact, 10% of the sebum on our skin contains Squalene. Squalene is extremely volatile & it is a polyunsaturated hydrocarbon that is highly susceptible to oxidation turning it rancid, which can cause skin irritation and inflammation. This property makes it unfit to be used in skincare products. Hence, “Squalene” that’s extracted from animal sources cannot be used for skin care products. This debunks the claims of the compound being extracted from animals for skin care products.
On the other hand, Squalane is a hydrogenated derivative of squalene. It is a saturated hydrocarbon that is more stable and less prone to oxidation than squalene. Squalane is commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products as a moisturizing and anti-aging ingredient due to its excellent emollient and antioxidant properties. Overall, squalane is considered to be a more stable and effective ingredient for skincare than squalene due to its better stability and lower risk of irritation.
What does Squalane do for the skin?
The primary function of Squalane is to moisturize the skin & protect the surface of the skin. But research has claimed that there’s a long list of benefits this compound has in store for skin health. It’s moisturising properties are not only beneficial for skin but hair as well. This compound is one of the most effective treatment for dry, flaky skin.
Let’s dive into the benefits of Squalane on the skin:
Squalane moisturizes the skin
Squalane is an excellent moisturizer that can keep your skin hydrated & prevent dry, rough, or flaky skin. Our skin produces this compound naturally & Squalane production is at peak during our teen years but it goes down considerably as we age. This is why our skin turns courser as we age & using skin care products enriched with the goodness of Squalane can help in combating this issue.
Squalane has anti-aging properties
When your skin has a protective layer of Squalane the antioxidants present within this compound shield it from external factors such as ultra-violent radiation & pollution. Moreover, it also boosts collagen production & elastin, which are generally known to have anti-aging properties. All these factors help in combating the signs of aging, making your skin look younger!
Squalane is non-comedogenic
One of the major concerns while using any skin care product is the possibility of clogged pores. Squalane is non-comedogenic in nature, meaning it does not clog skin pores which ultimately causes breakouts. Squalane is lightweight & non-greasy as compared to other moisturizing compounds which makes it easily
Squalane can keep your hair healthy
Using Squalane-enriched shampoo can prove to be immensely fruitful for your hair health. The ability of this compound to moisturize can leave your hair silky smooth & healthier. It's an excellent emollient that can prevent dryness, frizz, breakage & split ends. The compound also moisturizes the scalp by reducing inflammation which keeps it free from itching, dandruff & dry skin.
Side effects of Squalane
Squalane is generally considered safe to use & is a dermatologically tested compound that’s used in high-quality skin care products. Even then, here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re planning to add Squalane-based products to your skincare routine.
1. People have reported incidents of skin irritation & allergic reactions after using products with Squalane. A patch test is recommended before using any skin-care product.
2. Even though this product is non-comedogenic, certain reports of breakouts have been reported. We recommended consulting a skin-care expert before using any product.
Verdict
Squalane is a clinically tested compound with proven results & research-backed data. Hence, it’s considered safe to use & can prove to be extremely beneficial for your skin health- especially if you have dry skin. Secondly, the benefits of this compound extend from skin to hair & scalp as well. Although the ingredient has been prey to controversies, science & research have debunked all the myths related to Squalane. In conclusion, one thing’s for sure, Squalane is definitely a game changer when it comes to skincare & it's your skin’s best friend for all the right reasons.
