Squalene

Category: Emollient, Antioxidant
Used in: Skincare, lipcare, haircare
INCI: Squalene

Typical Usage Levels

• 0.5% – 10%  in lightweight serums, lip balms, emulsions, facial oils, creams, and barrier-repair formulations

What This Ingredient Does

Squalene is a naturally occurring lipid found in human sebum, where it plays an essential role in keeping skin soft, supple, and comfortable. In skincare, it functions as an emollient, smoothing the skin surface and reinforcing the lipid barrier to reduce moisture loss.

In modern formulations, cosmetic-grade squalene is derived from plant sources such as olives or sugarcane. This plant-derived form closely mimics the skin’s natural lipids, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into the barrier and improve overall skin feel without heaviness.

In hair and scalp care, squalene helps support scalp comfort by maintaining lipid balance, reducing dryness, and improving hair softness when included in oils or conditioning treatments.

Benefits

• Softens and smooths skin/lips
  
• Helps reduce transepidermal water loss
  
• Supports skin and lip barrier health
  
• Provides antioxidant protection against environmental stress
  
• Helps improve scalp comfort and hair softness
  

Who It’s Suitable For

• Normal to dry skin
  
• Dehydrated or barrier-compromised skin
  
• Dry and chapped lips
  
• Dry or sensitive scalp
  
• Most skin and scalp types when properly formulated
  

Note by Dr. Su (M.D. Dermatologist)

Squalene is a naturally occurring component of human sebum, which is why it is well tolerated even by sensitive or compromised skin. In skincare and scalp care, its primary role is to reduce moisture loss and improve lipid balance rather than treat specific conditions. It is especially useful in routines focused on dryness, barrier damage, or post-treatment recovery.

References

• Free Radical Research, April 2002, pages 471–477
  
• The Lancet: Oncology, October 2000, pages 107–112