Active ingredient
Squalane
INCISqualane
Last reviewed by BIOSAR Scientific Team, PharmD, Cosmetic Chemistry, Pharmacy practice on .
What it is
Squalane is the saturated, shelf-stable form of squalene, a lipid the skin produces naturally. It restores the lipid layer of the stratum corneum, supports barrier resilience, and softens the skin without occlusive heaviness. Pairs freely with all other actives. Non-comedogenic. No conflicts.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Safe
Considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Squalane is a hydrogenated form of an endogenous skin lipid. Mother to Baby flags no concern for cosmetic squalane use during pregnancy or lactation.
Mechanism in detail
What Squalane does
Skin-mimicking lipid derived from plant sources. Delivers barrier support and a non-greasy finish. Pairs well with Retinol to improve tolerability.
Evidence
What the research says
- +83.6%Deeper skin hydration in just two weeksIn a controlled trial, a squalane-and-shea moisturizer raised corneometer-measured skin hydration by 83.6% over two weeks. Squalane slots into the skin's own lipid layer to lock in moisture and restore a soft, comfortable barrier.Read the study →Dermatology Research and Practice 2024
Where it helps
Concerns Squalane addresses
Aging
The first time you notice it is rarely a wrinkle. It is a quality of light — the way your skin catches it differently in a morning mirror,…
Explore the concernDryness
Dryness is a barrier dysfunction in which skin loses water faster than it can retain or replenish it, presenting as flaking, tightness,…
Explore the concernDullness
Dull skin is the visible loss of luminosity, where the surface appears flat, grey, or fatigued instead of light-reflective. The underlying…
Explore the concernSensitivity
If you have sensitive skin, you have probably been told it is in your head — by a product that says "gentle" on the label, by a friend…
Explore the concernSun Damage
Sun damage is the cumulative photoaging caused by ultraviolet radiation, presenting as solar lentigines, irregular pigmentation, fine…
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From the BIOSAR catalog
