What Is Squalane and What Are Its Benefits for Skin and Hair?

squalane comes from a lipid that occurs naturally in your skin, It’s one of the more common chemical compounds that make up your sebum or the oil that’s secreted from your sebaceous glands.

That makes squalane a great moisturizer that helps slow down the signs of aging when it comes to your skin and helps prevent split ends or breakage in your hair. It’s also a saturated oil that’s used in skin care products as a moisturizer, helps increase hydration, and thanks to itsanti-inflammatory properties, can help with acne and eczema. 

One moisturizer worth taking note of is squalane. It mimics your skin’s natural oils, making it an excellent emollient. It’s also a natural antioxidant and has antitumor properties, protecting your skin from carcinogens.

Skin benefits of squalane:

Hydrated skin is healthy skin. So, when applied topically, squalane has tremendous benefits.

Boosting hydration can help your skin appear more vibrant and healthier. The antioxidants in these oils and creams also fight  skin damage and free radicals, which can both accelerate the aging process. According to research Trusted Source , squalane is also a detoxifier.

Regular use can also boost collagen production, resulting in firmer skin. Apply the oil topically as directed on the product package.

Hair benefits of squalane:

Squalane isn’t only for the face and body. You can also apply the oil to your hair.

Moisturizing your hair can help increase shine and prevent breakage. Hair has its own natural oils. Yet weather, age, diet, and heat damage can dry out locks.

Squalane can replenish your strands and protect your hair from further damage.

Place a few drops of squalane oil into the palm of your hand and massage into your hair to boost moisture before rinsing in the shower.

How It’s Made?

Scientists turn squalene into the more solid squalane by adding hydrogen to it. That’s a process called hydrogenation.

Where It Comes From?

The squalane used in cosmetics, medicines, and supplements often comes from sharks. That’s because sharks -- especially ones that live in deep water -- have a lot of squalene in their liver oil.

In people, squalene is a key building block of certain hormones and other substances. Your bloodstream carries it throughout your body. Much of it goes to your skin. Newborns seem to have the most squalene. Your liver tarts to make less of it after you turn 30 years old.

Squalene shows up naturally in foods like eggs and vegetable oils.