Looking for skin moisturization that also benefits your barrier? Meet squalane. This so-much-more-than moisturizing natural ingredient works on top of and below the skin to lubricate and protect the barrier, encourage cell turnover and replace lost lipids. But not all squalane ingredients are sourced equally. While some brands use an animal-derived version, Bioelements formulates with sustainably plant-sourced squalane derived from sugar cane. This key ingredient is multi-beneficial, especially for those with dry skin.

What is squalane?

Squalane is an ingredient often used in skin care products and cosmetics due to its moisturizing properties. It helps to hydrate the skin, restore its natural lipid barrier, and prevent moisture loss. Squalane’s antioxidant properties help protect the skin from environmental damage and signs of aging. Bioelements products including dewluxe, dewluxe for body, lip clinic hydrating serum, and recovery serum all have squalane as one of their key ingredients -- proven to nourish the skin.

How is squalane derived?

Bioelements formulates with plant-sourced squalane. The ingredient is found in vegetable oils like olive oil and amaranth oil, containing grains with squalane, healthy fats, and vitamin E. 

Squalane vs. hyaluronic acid – what’s the difference?

While both squalane and hyaluronic acid are effective moisturizing ingredients, they work differently and offer unique benefits for the skin. Squalane focuses on restoring the skin's lipid barrier and providing antioxidant protection, while hyaluronic acid specializes in attracting and retaining moisture, leading to hydrated and plump skin.

“Squalane has emollient properties to it, meaning it locks in moisture and when that happens the skin gets smooth and softens and gets supple,” licensed esthetician Dawn Gantt said. “It does all of this without leaving the skin feeling greasy like other emollient ingredients.”

Squalane is great for drier and more mature skin because it is a nourishing and weightless ingredient. For those with oily skin or easily prone to break-outs, Gantt cautions that they may not want to use this ingredient as squalane is also a part of the skin’s sebum -- the oily substance that protects your skin from drying out.

As for hyaluronic acid, this ingredient acts as a humectant, pulling moisture into the skin to hydrate and plump it. If you’re seeking hydration and plumping without added oils, like in squalane, this ingredient is for you.

“If you plan to use these two ingredients separately, apply hyaluronic acid first to attract moisture to the skin and then use a squalane product over to lock in the moisture, smooth the skin, and make the skin supple,” Gantt said. “If both are in the same product, it is a double benefit applied at the same time.”

Recommended squalane products:

1. dewluxe

Bioelements dewluxe is features a blend of occlusive argan and squalane synced together to moisturize the skin without it feeling greasy. To apply, just drop 5-10 concentrated drops onto the face to deliver a naturally dewy look while simultaneously diminishing wrinkles and fine lines. It contains a natural blend of different seed oils and maracuja oil which provides aromatherapeutic benefits for your overall wellbeing. dewluxe’s relaxing and clean aromatherapy scent can help reduce stress levels, and inhaling these aromas during skincare routines creates a calming atmosphere. Simply open the bottle and hold it up to your nose, taking slow, deep breaths to inhale the scent. 

2. dewluxe for body

dewluxe for body is similar to dewluxe for face, but specifically formulated for the arms, legs, and dry areas like the elbows. Consisting of squalane and halophytic sea kale, Dewluxe for Body melts into the skin providing necessary hydration and glow. And, the best part is the aromatherapeutic essential oils that leave your skin smelling fresh without competing with your other daily fragrances and perfumes. To use, apply the oil to your fingertips and inhale the aroma therapeutic scents, then massage into arms, legs, hand, and feet. 

3. lip clinic hydrating serum

This multi-benefit lip serum with shea butter and squalane provides long-lasting hydration for dry lips. Its light formula soothes your lips with additional ingredients like pomegranate and cranberry seed antioxidants. Whether it’s day or night, this lip serum can be applied alone or over lip color.

4. recovery serum

This moisture-sealing serum uses plant-based squalane as a key ingredient with natural antioxidants and fatty acids -- helping lubricate cells to encourage turnover improving roughness. For dry, visibly aging skin, recovery serum improves hydration and texture and allows makeup to easily glide on for a dewy look. Along with squalane, this product uses a blend of ceramides to help restore the skins’ barrier. Use after cleansing and toning and apply to the face and neck, night or day.

 

Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23449131/