Squalane (Squalane): This skin-identical fat makes the skin supple

Plant-based squalane (also called phytosqualane ) is derived from olive oil or sugar cane. But beware: Unfortunately, some cosmetic products also use squalane derived from shark liver. This is unnecessary and anything but animal-friendly. Sharks are vital for the biological balance of the oceans. Without sharks, many species would become extinct.

Squalane makes the skin supple and soft. It strengthens the skin barrier .

It's a sustainable and natural alternative to mineral oil. And it's gentle on the skin , making it particularly suitable for sensitive, stressed skin prone to redness, blemishes, and dryness. Unlike typical plant oils, it's not only significantly more stable, but it also retains moisture better . In this respect, it's almost as effective as mineral oil. Typical plant oils don't retain moisture as well as squalane or caprylic/capric triglycerides (also a skin-identical lipid). Unlike unprocessed plant oils such as argan oil, almond oil, and the like, squalane doesn't feed acne bacteria and doesn't clog pores. It's also suitable for those with rosacea .

Squalane can do this:

• retains moisture ideally in your skin

• It makes your skin supple and gives you a radiant glow.

• strengthens the skin barrier

• improves skin elasticity

• Helps to offset UV damage (does not replace sunscreen)

• softens lines and wrinkles

• It has an antioxidant effect: It prevents fat oxidation on the skin, thus reducing the formation of pimples.

• Does not clog pores: suitable for all skin types

• Penetrates 20 times deeper than other moisturizing oils

• It helps that other active ingredients can be 40 times stronger.

Squalane is a clear oil. Its texture is very different from typical plant oils. It's a very light, dry oil and doesn't leave a greasy residue. If you find this oil in your skincare products, you can assume that the products are easily absorbed by your skin.

You can also use squalane to add more glow to your makeup. For example, you can mix mineral makeup with squalane to improve the texture.

Squalene, which occurs naturally in your skin, has an antioxidant effect, but it is unstable. This means it can break down (oxidize) when exposed to sunlight. This can lead to pimples or blackheads. That's why sunscreen protects against blackheads and pimples. ( Find the right sunscreen for you here .)

To prevent the fat from breaking down (in the bottle or on the skin), squalene is converted into stable squalane through hydrogenation. Squalane protects your skin from fat oxidation, thus preventing, for example, blackheads.

This is why it's often said that squalane has an antioxidant effect. A more accurate description would be: it prevents fat oxidation on the skin. In fact, squalane is even more potent as an antioxidant, but it cannot prevent fat oxidation.

If you would like a squalane that is richer in antioxidants and vitamins, you can use our Human Glow , which combines the effects of antioxidants, vitamins and squalane in a serum-oil.