With its warm, earthy aroma and centuries of traditional use, Ginger Essential Oil remains a favourite in aromatherapy and natural wellness. But what makes it so popular?
In this blog, we'll explore what Ginger Essential Oil is, its history, benefits, uses, and popular ways you can incorporate Ginger Oil into your daily routine.
Have you ever seen the words squalene and squalane on skincare products and wondered if they're the same thing? It's an easy mistake to make, but they are different – and understanding more about each one can help you make more informed skincare choices.
In this guide, you'll learn the difference between squalane and squalene, why squalane is used in modern skincare products, and what it means for your skin. By the end, you'll know exactly what sets these two ingredients apart and which one you'll find in your favourite skincare products.
Squalene and Squalane Explained
When comparing squalene vs squalane, it's helpful to know that these two ingredients are closely related. In fact, squalane starts out as squalene. The main difference is that squalane is a more stable version, making it better suited for skincare products.
What is Squalene?
Squalene is a lipid that's naturally produced by your skin as part of its sebum. It also occurs naturally in certain plants, including olives, rice bran, and sugarcane.
The challenge is that squalene is highly unstable. When it's exposed to air, it oxidises quickly, which makes it less suitable for use in skincare formulations and shortens a product's shelf life.
What is Squalane?
Squalane is created by hydrogenating squalene, a process that makes it much more stable without changing its moisturising properties. Olives, for example, can be used to produce Olive Squalane —a stable, plant-derived ingredient that's ideal for skincare because it retains these beneficial properties while offering greater stability.
So, although their names are almost identical, understanding this simple distinction makes it much easier to see why Squalane has become a popular ingredient in modern skincare.
At-A-Glance Differences Between Squalene and Squalane
While squalene vs squalane share the same origins and many of the same skin benefits, there are a few key differences that explain why you'll almost always find squalane in skincare products.
| Squalene | Squalane |
| Naturally produced by your skin | Made by hydrogenating squalene |
| Less stable and oxidises quickly | Highly stable and resistant to oxidation |
| Shorter shelf life | Longer shelf life |
| Rarely used in skincare formulations | Commonly used in moisturisers, facial oils and serums |
| Found naturally in plants and human sebum | Derived from plant sources such as olives and sugarcane |
| Can degrade when exposed to air | Remains effective throughout a product's shelf life |
| Not typically used as a standalone skincare ingredient | Lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy |
| Historically sourced from shark liver and plants | Today, most skincare products use sustainable plant-derived sources |
Why Use Squalane Instead of Squalene?
If squalene occurs naturally in your skin, why isn't it used in skincare products? Here are a few reasons.
- It's more stable. Unlike squalene, squalane doesn't oxidise easily when exposed to air, helping skincare products stay effective for longer.
- It has a longer shelf life. Its stable structure allows products to maintain their quality from the first use to the last.
- It's lightweight and non-greasy. Squalane absorbs easily into the skin without leaving a heavy or oily residue, making it suitable for most skin types.
- It's incredibly versatile. You'll find squalane in everything from facial oils and serums to moisturisers and cleansers, where it helps lock in moisture and support the skin's natural barrier.
It can be sustainably sourced. Today, many skincare brands use plant-derived squalane from renewable sources like sugarcane or olives, offering the same nourishing benefits in a more sustainable way.
These qualities have made squalane the preferred choice in modern skincare, which is why you'll find it in far more products than squalene.
Do Squalene and Squalane Offer the Same Skin Benefits?
Although they're different ingredients, squalene and squalane share many of the same skincare benefits. Both help replenish moisture, support the skin's natural barrier and leave skin feeling softer and smoother.
The difference is that squalane can deliver these benefits more reliably in skincare products because it's stable. It won't oxidise as quickly as squalene, allowing it to remain effective throughout the life of the product.
One of the reasons squalane is so popular is its lightweight feel. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it suitable for most skin types, including dry, combination, oily and sensitive skin. Because it closely mimics your skin's natural oils, it helps lock in hydration without feeling heavy.
Regular use of squalane can help improve the look and feel of dry or dehydrated skin, leaving it softer, smoother and more supple. It also works well alongside other skincare ingredients, making it easy to incorporate into both simple and more advanced skincare routines.
Whether you're looking to boost hydration or support a healthy skin barrier, squalane is a versatile ingredient that's earned its place in modern skincare.
How to Choose a Squalane Product
Now that you understand the difference between squalane and squalene, here are a few things to look for when choosing a squalane product:
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Choose plant-derived squalane. Most high-quality squalane is sourced from renewable ingredients like sugarcane or olives, making it an effective and more sustainable choice.
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Pick a product that suits your routine. Squalane can be found in facial oils, serums and moisturisers, so choose the format that works best for your skin and skincare goals.
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Consider the full ingredient list. Squalane works well with a wide range of skincare ingredients, so look for formulations that support your specific concerns, whether that's dryness, sensitivity or maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
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Buy from a trusted brand. Choosing products from reputable skincare brands gives you confidence that you're getting high-quality, plant-derived squalane in a thoughtfully formulated product.
Where to Buy High-Quality Oils
If you've decided that squalane is the right choice for your skincare formulations, choosing a high-quality ingredient is just as important as choosing the source.
AWO supplies premium Olive Squalane derived from olives and suitable for a wide range of skincare and personal care applications. Its lightweight texture, excellent stability and skin compatibility make it ideal for facial serums, moisturisers, cleansers, facial oils and DIY skincare formulations.
Whether you're formulating professional skincare products or creating your own at home, AWO's Olive Squalane offers a versatile, plant-derived ingredient you can trust.
FAQs
Is squalane better than squalene?
Neither ingredient is inherently better than the other, but squalane is better suited to skincare products. While squalene is naturally produced by your skin, it oxidises quickly when exposed to air. Squalane is a more stable version that offers similar moisturising benefits while remaining effective throughout a product's shelf life.
Is squalane suitable for all skin types?
Yes. Squalane is lightweight, non-greasy and closely resembles your skin's natural oils, making it suitable for most skin types, including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin. It helps lock in moisture without feeling heavy and can easily be incorporated into both simple and advanced skincare routines.
Is squalane natural?
Yes. Squalane is derived from squalene, a naturally occurring lipid found in your skin and certain plants. Today, most skincare products use plant-derived squalane sourced from ingredients such as sugarcane or olives. This creates a stable, effective ingredient that delivers long-lasting hydration while offering a more sustainable alternative to animal-derived sources.