Here’s what you need to know about squalane, an essential skincare emollient.
– KEYS SOULCARE
Squalane is all the buzz in the skincare world, but remains a mystery to many. Time to break down this trendy ingredient and get straight to the facts.
Once you understand the hype around squalane, you’ll be ready to add it to your daily soulcare ritual. (You can also peep Alicia Keys’ favorite radiant skin ritual for inspo.) Next, we’ll dive into the benefits of squalane and how versatile this lipid-rich hydrating ingredient can be — whether you reach for squalane in a luxurious nightly oil or on the daily with your moisturizer.
WHAT IS SQUALANE?
Squalane is the saturated form of squalene. What’s squalane vs. squalene, you ask? Good question.
Squalane is a lipid-rich, plant-based (ours is olive-derived!) moisturizing ingredient that helps to soften and hydrate skin. Notably, squalane is non-comedogenic, making it friendly for acne-prone skin types, and squalane can help to improve the appearance of skin texture.
Squalane is the more stabilized version of “squalene,” which is an oil (or lipid) found in sebum. Lipid-rich oils and emollients like squalane can help prevent transepidermal water loss, which is when your skin loses hydration over time. While this process is totally normal (and human!) using the right formulations and a dermatologist-backed skincare ritual can help your skin retain moisture.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SQUALANE FOR THE SKIN?
Squalane and skincare work in perfect harmony. Here are four major ways squalane benefits your skin:
1. SQUALANE DOESN’T CLOG PORES
Most skin types can benefit from squalane without the risk of breakouts. It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Squalane also mimics the skin’s naturally occurring oils.
Dermatologist-developed formulas featuring squalane as a key ingredient can be a good fit for acne-prone skin types who are looking to help improve the appearance of their complexion.
2. SQUALANE IS ANTIOXIDANT-RICH
Squalane is antioxidant-rich. The skin-loving ingredient can help defend against free radicals. It can also help improve the appearance of the skin’s texture and complexion by aiding the appearance of tone, smoothing the appearance of lines, and hydration.
3. SQUALANE IS HYDRATING
Another thing to love? Squalane is considered a non-greasy feeling moisturizer option for more luminous-looking skin. Its gentle composition can help hydrate and soothe skin with every use.
4. HELPS IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE OF SKIN TEXTURE
In addition to being a hydrating powerhouse, squalane is also often a key player in moisturizers and facial oils that help to improve the look of skin texture and helps soften skin, making it a favorite for dry and mature skin types who find their skin craving additional moisture.
TRANSFORMING YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE INTO RITUAL WITH SQUALANE
We pair skin-nourishing ingredients — like squalane — with soul-nurturing rituals to foster your mind, body, and spirit connection. Use these soulcare offerings to encourage moments of presence and unveil your inner glow.
KEYS SOULCARE OFFERINGS CONTAINING SQUALANE OIL
1. LET ME GLOW ILLUMINATING SERUM
Prime to shine with the Let Me Glow Illuminating Serum, made with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide and antioxidant-rich rose water plus squalane. Niacinimide helps brighten and balances the skin’s appearance while rosewater helps to replenish dull, dry skin. There are plenty of benefits of adding a skin brightening serum to your soulcare ritual.
Let Me Glow is also easy to apply: simply blend the formula into clean, moisturized skin and enjoy the glow. Wear this skincare alone or as a lustrous base for makeup. Your glow is unique, so Let Me Glow comes in 3 distinct shades — we call them “auras” — to play with based on your desired look and your mood. All three serum shades can be worn alone or as a lustrous base for makeup while infusing a burst of hydration.
2. DEEPLY REPLENISHING SQUALANE FACIAL OIL
For a moment of deep relaxation as part of your nightly soulcare ritual, reach for Deeply Replenishing Squalane Facial Oil. There are many benefits of facial oils, including their hydrating properties. Plus, gently pressing the facial oil into clean, freshly-washed skin can be a relaxing and revitalizing process.
Some avoid facial oils because they feel too “heavy” on the skin, and others are wary of breakouts. Deeply Replenishing is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-comedogenic. It uses a blend of antioxidant-rich and nutrient-rich oils like squalane, plus prickly pear seed oil and pomegranate seed oil to help hydrate and replenish skin overnight. Learn the art of applying facial oils, and pair with your favorite moisturizer afterward for elevated hydration.
3. IT’S LIKE SKIN: 2-IN-1 SKIN TINT AND CONCEALER
Squalane doesn’t stop at serums and face oils. It’s also a versatile ingredient infused in our makeup-skincare hybrids. It’s Like Skin brings together the brightening power of niacinamide plus a squalane blend with 40 unique shades of radiant, buildable skin tint.
4. PROTECT YOUR LIGHT DAILY MOISTURIZER SPF 30
Finish your skincare ritual with the moisture-enriching Protect Your Light SPF 30. Protect Your Light helps protect you from UVA and UVB rays without the whitecast. Make sure to apply at least every two hours.
Have you tried any of our squalane-infused soulcare offerings? Dive into our Ingredients Glossary for explainers on dozens of skin-nourishing, soul-soothing ingredients.
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