Ingredients 101: Squalane

WTF: Squalane is a derivative of squalene, a powerful natural substance that is found in olives, rice bran, wheat germ and palm trees. Importantly, squalene is also found naturally in our blood and skin, blessing us with protection and hydration. At birth, about 12% of our skin surface is made of squalene. However sadly its production begins to decline rapidly in our mid-to-late twenties. By 50, squalene production drops below 5% - yay to ageing. Squalane is derived from squalene through a process called hydrogenation; this process increases its shelf life and makes it more stable.

Beauty Benefits: Squalane is a hero skincare ingredient as it promotes skin elasticity, diminishes age spots and hyper pigmentation and promotes cell regeneration and oxygenation. The free-radical fighter also prevents UV damage, increases skin hydration and locks in moisture. It diminishes the production of excess oil, helps combat skin allergies, eczema, psoriasis and post-operative scar tissues and stimulates better blood circulation to rejuvenate skintone. It's basically the shit.

Squalane is highly effective because its molecular structure resembles the skin’s own design, enabling it to completely and rapidly penetrate the skin. It can permeate into the skin at a rate of 2mm per second, so it won’t clog pores or leave a greasy residue behind.

Warnings: Squalane is safe to use topically

Get Your Fix: This hero ingredient is found in Pestle & Mortar's Hydrate and Indie Lee's Squalane Facial Oil. Pestle & Mortar's Hydrate (£38.00 pestleandmortar.com/uk / $74.00 pestleandmortar.com/us) is a triple peptide moisturiser that softens, repairs and firms skin while Indie Lee's Squalane Facial Oil (£22.00 abeautifulworld.co.uk / $32.00 indielee.com) is a scent-free lightweight oil that absorbs into the skin really quickly, leaving it soft, supple and problem free!