Squalane vs Squalene: What Is the Difference?
Short answer: squalene is an oil your skin makes naturally, but it spoils quickly in a bottle. Squalane is the stable, skincare-ready form. If you're buying a facial oil, you want squalane, with an "a".
What is squalene?
Squalene (with an "e") is a natural lipid found in your skin's own oils. It's also found in some plants, like olives. The catch: squalene reacts easily with air, so it doesn't last long on a shelf.
What is squalane?
Squalane (with an "a") is made by hydrogenating squalene, which makes it stable. That one change gives you an oil that stays fresh in the bottle, feels very light, and absorbs fast with no greasy feel.
Side by side
| Squalene | Squalane | |
|---|---|---|
| Spelling | With an "e" | With an "a" |
| Where it's found | Naturally in skin oils and some plants | Made from squalene for skincare use |
| Stability | Breaks down quickly in air | Stable in the bottle |
| Feel | Heavier | Featherlight, fast-absorbing |
| Used in skincare | Rarely | Very commonly |
Where does squalane come from?
Squalane can be sourced in different ways, so check the label. Ours is 100% pure and olive-derived, which means it's plant-based, vegan and cruelty-free.
How to use squalane
- Face: press a few drops into clean, slightly damp skin, morning or night.
- Hair: smooth a drop or two through ends to tame frizz and add shine.
- Body and nails: use it as a light body oil or cuticle softener.
- Mix it: add a few drops to your favorite lotion.
As with any new oil, do a small patch test first.
Where to buy squalane
For daily use, our Squalane Oil comes in 1 oz and 2 oz sizes. Making your own serums or facial oils? See our bulk squalane oil in 1 gallon jugs. It's shipped from us with no drop shipping, and a few gallons is fine.
For general information only, not medical advice. For external use only.