emollient
Saturated analogue of squalene (a natural skin lipid); forms an occlusive film that reduces TEWL, is non-comedogenic, and enhances absorption of co-applied actives.
| Concern | Strength | Studies | What the research says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dryness | Relevant | 5 | Review documenting squalane for compromised barriers: non-comedogenic, non-sensitizing, and highly biocompatible; does not trigger immune responses in atopic dermatitis skin; serves as an effective penetration enhancer… |
No known conflicts — Squalane isn’t flagged against any concern or skin condition.
Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.
Squalane is a emollient backed by a moderate body of supporting evidence (evidence tier 2 of 4). We track 11 studies for it, 10 reporting a positive effect. It is typically effective at 1–100% in a formulation.
Indian Journal of Dermatology · 2016 · systematic review
Review of cosmeceutical emollients: squalane ranked among the best-tolerated options for sensitive and acne-prone skin; non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and biomimetic; preferred over mineral oil (less aesthetically elegant), silicones (occlusive), and plant oils (variable comedogenicity)
Molecules · 2009 · systematic review
Review documenting squalane for compromised barriers: non-comedogenic, non-sensitizing, and highly biocompatible; does not trigger immune responses in atopic dermatitis skin; serves as an effective penetration enhancer for co-applied therapeutic actives without causing additional barrier disruption; suitable for both atopic and eczematous skin
Dermato-Endocrinology · 2009 · systematic review
Review establishing squalane as one of the most biocompatible emollients for compromised skin barriers: naturally present in human sebum at ~12%, making it intrinsically non-sensitizing; hydrogenated form (squalane) is oxidatively stable unlike squalene; does not disrupt lipid lamellae or provoke irritant reactions in barrier-damaged atopic skin
Dermato-Endocrinology · 2009 · systematic review
Review of squalene/squalane in skin biology: squalene comprises ~12% of human sebum and is a key component of the skin surface lipid film; squalane (hydrogenated form) is non-oxidizable, preventing squalene peroxide-mediated comedogenesis; topical squalane replenishes the lipid film without promoting acne
Molecules · 2009 · systematic review
Review establishing squalane properties: hydrogenated form of squalene (naturally present in human sebum at ~12%); highly biocompatible, non-comedogenic, oxidatively stable (unlike squalene); functions as emollient, penetration enhancer, and antioxidant vehicle; suitable for all skin types including acne-prone
Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings · 2005 · systematic review
Malassezia lipase specificity study: Malassezia species require fatty acids (C11-C24) obtained by lipase hydrolysis of esters; squalane is a saturated hydrocarbon (C30H62), NOT a fatty acid or ester, so Malassezia lipase cannot cleave or metabolize it; this makes squalane one of the few safe emollient options for seborrheic dermatitis patients who need moisturization without feeding Malassezia
+ 5 more studies in our evidence base.
In 2,012 products — most often moisturizers (806), serums (685), eye creams (155), from $3.00 to $1786.24. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
ELEMIS
Elemis Superfood Facial Oil (15ml)
Face Oil
$72.0015ml · $4.80/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
ELEMIS
Elemis Superfood Facial Oil (15ml)
Face Oil
$72.0015ml · $4.80/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Elemis Superfood Facial Oil (15ml) is a face oil by ELEMIS. Key ingredients include Sweet Almond Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane.
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Caudalie
Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Retinol Alternative Firming Refillable Night Moisturiser 50ml
Moisturizer – for Dryness, Fine lines & wrinkles
$62.2350ml · $1.25/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caudalie
Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Retinol Alternative Firming Refillable Night Moisturiser 50ml
Moisturizer – for Dryness, Fine lines & wrinkles
$62.2350ml · $1.25/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Retinol Alternative Firming Refillable Night Moisturiser 50ml is a antioxidant serum by Caudalie. Key ingredients include Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate.
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Furtuna Skin
Furtuna Skin Biphase Moisturising Oil 30ml
Serum
$225.0030ml · $7.50/ml
Ideal for
Furtuna Skin
Furtuna Skin Biphase Moisturising Oil 30ml
Serum
$225.0030ml · $7.50/ml
Ideal for
Furtuna Skin Biphase Moisturising Oil 30ml is a hydrating serum by Furtuna Skin. Key ingredients include Squalane, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.
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SkinMedica
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 (1 fl. oz.)
Serum
$96.0029.6ml · $3.25/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
SkinMedica
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 (1 fl. oz.)
Serum
$96.0029.6ml · $3.25/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 (1 fl. oz.) is a retinoid treatment by SkinMedica. Key ingredients include Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin.
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SkinMedica
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.25 (1 fl. oz.)
Serum
$64.0029.6ml · $2.16/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
SkinMedica
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.25 (1 fl. oz.)
Serum
$64.0029.6ml · $2.16/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.25 (1 fl. oz.) is a retinoid treatment by SkinMedica. Key ingredients include Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Squalane.
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Estée Lauder
Moisturizer
$57.1550ml · $1.14/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Estée Lauder
Moisturizer
$57.1550ml · $1.14/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Estée Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer SPF15 50ml is a spf moisturiser by Estée Lauder. Key ingredients include Octinoxate, Octisalate, Dimethicone.
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Omorovicza
Omorovicza Illuminating Moisturiser (50ml)
Moisturizer
$120.6550ml · $2.41/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Omorovicza
Omorovicza Illuminating Moisturiser (50ml)
Moisturizer
$120.6550ml · $2.41/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Omorovicza Illuminating Moisturiser (50ml) is a antioxidant serum by Omorovicza. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Jojoba Oil.
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Kiehl's Since 1851
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (Various Sizes)
Moisturizer
$78.0028ml · $2.79/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Kiehl's Since 1851
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (Various Sizes)
Moisturizer
$78.0028ml · $2.79/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (Various Sizes) is a exfoliant by Kiehl's Since 1851. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Squalane, Stearyl Alcohol.
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Caudalie
Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Refillable Retinol Alternative Serum 30ml
Serum
$66.0430ml · $2.20/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caudalie
Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Refillable Retinol Alternative Serum 30ml
Serum
$66.0430ml · $2.20/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Refillable Retinol Alternative Serum 30ml is a antioxidant serum by Caudalie. Key ingredients include Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Squalane.
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L'Oréal Paris
L'Oréal Paris Cell Renew Midnight Serum 30ml
Serum
$40.6330ml · $1.35/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
L'Oréal Paris
L'Oréal Paris Cell Renew Midnight Serum 30ml
Serum
$40.6330ml · $1.35/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
L'Oréal Paris Cell Renew Midnight Serum 30ml is a peptide serum by L'Oréal Paris. Key ingredients include Dimethicone, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat.
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Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.