How to Use Squalane Oil: The Ultimate Head-to-Toe Beauty Guide
Lately, I’ve fallen back in love with squalane oil. After upping the strength of my Tretinoin and dealing with some serious ‘retinol uglies’ in the form of dry, peeling skin, this lightweight but deeply hydrating oil has come to my rescue.
But did you know this lightweight, non-comedogenic oil can do more than just moisturise your face? Let’s explore how squalane can benefit your entire beauty routine, from head to toe!
1. Facial Skincare: Hydration Without the Heaviness
Squalane is a must-have for facial skincare, offering intense hydration without clogging pores. Its lightweight texture mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it ideal for all skin types- yes, even oily and acne-prone skin!
- Deep Moisturisation: Squalane absorbs quickly into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration without leaving a greasy finish. It’s perfect for layering under makeup or sunscreen.
- Supports Skin Barrier: It strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, protecting against environmental stressors and locking in moisture.
- Anti-Ageing Properties: Regular use can soften fine lines and wrinkles, keeping skin plump and youthful.
- Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its gentle, non-irritating nature makes it suitable for sensitive or reactive skin.
I personally find squalane a little too heavy for my morning routine, so I reserve it for nighttime. After applying my serums and treatments, I follow up with squalane before sealing everything in with my moisturiser. It’s been a game-changer for my post-retinol or exfoliated skin!
If you are interested in facial oils, check out my recent article on the 6 Best Facial Oils for Winter!
2. Body Skincare: Hydration for Every Inch
Squalane isn’t just a face oil—it also works wonders on the body. With winter on the horizon, my skin has been in desperate need of moisture, and squalane has been the perfect solution.
- Lock in Moisture: Squalane seals in hydration, making it ideal for use right after a shower when your skin is still damp.
- Smooth Rough Areas: It softens elbows, knees, and heels, leaving your skin smooth and supple.
- Lightweight and Non-Sticky: Unlike heavy body lotions, squalane absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue, making it perfect for everyday use.
I’m not a fan of heavy body creams, so I’ve been avoiding them for years. Squalane has finally convinced me to pay attention to my body care—my skin feels soft, hydrated, and never sticky!
How to Use: Apply pure squalane to your body or mix a few drops into your regular body lotion for an extra hydration boost.
3. Hair and Scalp: Frizz Control and Shine
Squalane is an excellent addition to your haircare routine. Whether your locks are straight or curly, this oil can hydrate, add shine, and tame frizz.
- Adds Shine and Softness: Smooth a few drops onto the ends of your hair for instant shine without weighing it down.
- Soothes a Dry Scalp: Massage into your scalp to relieve dryness and irritation, promoting a healthier scalp environment.
- Pre-Wash Treatment: Apply squalane to your hair before shampooing to give dry or damaged strands a nourishing boost.
For my wavy hair, I love using JVN Hair Nourishing Shine Drops, which contain hemisqualane—a lighter version of squalane. It adds just the right amount of shine and controls frizz without making my hair greasy. This product is also featured in my Silicone-free Hair Products article!
When my hair’s feeling particularly dry, I also use Biossance 100% Squalane Oil on the ends.
4. Nails: Strengthen and Nourish
If you prefer to keep your nails natural, squalane is a must for keeping them healthy and hydrated:
- Cuticle Care: Squalane softens and moisturises dry, cracked cuticles, making them easier to manage.
- Strengthens Nails: Regular application can help strengthen brittle nails, reducing breakage and splitting.
- Nourishes Nail Beds: Massage squalane into your nail beds to keep them hydrated and healthy.
I’ve made it part of my nightly routine to massage squalane into my nails before bed—it’s been a game-changer for my cuticles!
5. Beard Care: Not Just for You!
If anyone in your life has facial hair, you may want to share your squalane oil! My husband has started using it for his beard, and now he swears by it.
- Softens Beard Hair: Keeps coarse facial hair soft and manageable.
- Nourishes Skin Underneath: Prevents dryness and beard dandruff by hydrating the skin beneath the beard.
6. Stretch Marks: Prevention and Minimisation
Squalane is also great for preventing and reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
- Improves Elasticity: Regular use can improve skin elasticity, reducing the chance of stretch marks forming.
- Safe for Sensitive Areas: Gentle enough for use on sensitive skin, even during pregnancy.
Massaging squalane into areas like your stomach, thighs, and hips can help keep your skin supple, especially during pregnancy or times of rapid weight changes.
7. Massage Oil: Lightweight and Customisable
Squalane is the perfect massage oil base. Its light texture provides nourishment without a greasy finish.
- Non-Greasy: Absorbs quickly, leaving skin moisturized but not sticky.
- Customisable: Add essential oils for a relaxing, personalized massage.
I love using squalane for a facial massage with a gua sha or jade roller. It glides smoothly across the skin, leaving my face feeling nourished.
8. Makeup Magic: Boost Your Glow
This one may depend on your skin type. I have oily-combination skin so usually am not keen on adding more oil to my skin before makeup. However, it works brilliantly as a targeted treatment for dry patches before makeup application and I will be doing this more often during the winter! If you have dry skin this may be the perfect step to add to your makeup routine to enhance your skin’s glow:
- Mix with Foundation: Add a drop to your foundation for a dewy, radiant finish—perfect for dry or combination skin.
- Preps Skin for Makeup: Apply a thin layer before makeup for a smooth, hydrated base.
- Revive Dull Makeup: Pat squalane over your makeup throughout the day to refresh your glow without disrupting your look.
Squalane vs. Squalene: What’s the Difference?
You might have heard of both squalane and squalene. The key difference? Squalene is naturally found in the skin but is unstable and oxidises quickly. Squalane, on the other hand, is the hydrogenated, more stable version, making it a great ingredient for skincare. Most of the squalane in products today comes from sustainable plant sources like olives and sugarcane.
Top Picks for Squalane Oil: Best Value, Luxury, and Budget Options
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After repurchasing all three of these products multiple times, I’d find it tough to pick a favourite, but here’s how they stack up in terms of value, luxury, and budget:
Best Value for Money: Biossance 100% Squalane Oil
This cult-favourite is derived from sugarcane and offers eco-friendly hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula. The 100ml bottle with a pump is an absolute staple on my dressing table—so much so that I’d buy it by the litre if I could! It’s perfect for both morning and night routines, making it a versatile and long-lasting option.
You can buy it here at Space NK for £26 (100mls). If you aren’t in the UK it’s available at Sephora for $34.
Best Luxury Pick: Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil
Indie Lee’s olive-derived squalane oil is the way to go if you’re after a touch of luxury. Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive or reactive skin, this lightweight, non-greasy oil feels incredibly soothing. It also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skincare routine an indulgent upgrade. This is the fastest-absorbing squalane oil I’ve tried, making it an ideal option for those with very oily skin.
If you are in the US or Canada you can buy directly from the Indie Lee website for $38 (30mls). In the UK it is stocked at Naturismo for £36.
Best Budget Pick: The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
For those looking for an affordable yet effective option, The Ordinary’s squalane oil is unbeatable. It locks in moisture, soothes dry patches, and won’t break the bank. It’s an excellent choice for anyone wanting the benefits of squalane without a hefty price tag.
You can buy it here at Space NK for £9.99/$10 (30mls).
Have you tried squalane oil before? How do you like to use it in your beauty routine? Let me know in the comments below! And if you’re new to squalane, I hope this guide helps you discover your new go-to beauty product.
