A beauty ingredient once derived from sharks is this year’s retinol
Every so often, an ingredient captures the beauty industry and seems to become inescapable. We saw it with hyaluronic acid and retinol, which have become skincare staples. Now, squalene and squalane are enjoying their moment in the sun.
Squalene occurs naturally in the body and is found in skin sebum. It has antioxidant and emollient properties that work to keep skin hydrated. Sadly, as we age, our body’s squalene production slows.
Squalane is a refined, more stable version of squalene, derived through hydrogenating squalene. It is used in skincare products to boost moisture, improve elasticity, and offer antioxidant protection. It’s also great for barrier protection and retaining moisture without clogging pores.
One thing worth noting: in the past, squalane was derived mostly from the livers of deep-sea sharks. These days, it is more commonly sourced from plant-based ingredients such as olives, rice bran, and sugarcane.
### Our Favourite Squalane Products
**Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask ($32)**
This mask is great for a moisture hit as it also contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin C, moringa oil, and prickly pear extract to plump and hydrate skin. It’s especially good for dry skin.
**SkinCeuticals Hydra Balm ($65)**
Squalane in this balm, combined with aloe vera and bisabolol, forms a protective barrier while its thick formula locks in moisture to help skin heal. It’s also fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Squalane is great at soothing skin stressed by cosmetic procedures.
**Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Toner ($68)**
This toner has a gentle concentration of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) with a blend of glycolic, lactic, and polyhydroxy acids, along with birch juice and squalane. It is designed to calm skin as the acids exfoliate, making it a great product for enhancing skin radiance.
**Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum ($121)**
Containing vine sap and olive-derived squalane, this serum targets dark spots. Model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who has worked with Caudalie, is a fan.
**Laneige Water Sleeping Mask ($48)**
Perfect for nighttime use, this cooling gel adds moisture and seals it in with a blend of squalane, niacinamide, and microbiome-friendly bacteria derived from green tea.
**Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream ($103)**
Ideal for targeting fine lines and dark circles, this eye cream colour-corrects the delicate under-eye area and provides intense hydration. Other ingredients include paracress extract, astaxanthin, and hyaluronic acid.
Squalane is now creeping into makeup products as well. One of our favourites is the **BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Skin Perfecting Tint ($64)**, a tinted SPF with squalane and hyaluronic acid that comes in 20 shades.
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### ASK STEPH: Where should I apply luminiser?
For a cream product, use your fingers to blend it into the tops of your cheeks and over the centre of your lips. Try **Iconic London Illuminator Liquid Highlighter ($60)**.
For powder luminisers, use a brush to apply it to your cupid’s bow and over your collarbone. Try **Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter ($76)**.
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