INCI Name: Squalane
Source: Olive-derived (plant-based)
Appearance: Clear, colorless, lightweight liquid
Solubility: Oil-soluble
Usage Rate: 1% – 100%
Function: Emollient, skin conditioner, moisture enhancer, hair softener
Olive Squalane is a highly stable, non-greasy emollient that mimics the skin's natural lipids. Naturally derived from olives, it deeply hydrates and softens without clogging pores. Its fast absorption and silky after-feel make it a go-to ingredient for serums, creams, balms, and hair oils.
Olive Squalane is a hydrogenated derivative of squalene—a lipid naturally found in human sebum. As we age, natural squalene levels drop, leading to dryness and dullness. Squalane replenishes this loss, offering lightweight yet long-lasting hydration for skin and hair. It’s especially valued in clean beauty for being plant-based, non-comedogenic, and universally compatible with sensitive skin.
Use in the oil phase of emulsions or anhydrous formulas. Blends well with esters, triglycerides, and natural oils. Pairs well with actives like bakuchiol, CoQ10, or vitamin E.
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Unlike triglyceride oils, Squalane is a hydrogenated form of squalene (a natural lipid in human sebum). It’s stable, non-oxidizing, and mimics skin’s natural lipids giving hydration without greasiness or rancidity issues.
It has an exceptionally light, dry-touch slip. It spreads easily and absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy after-feel, unlike many plant oils that linger or feel heavy.
Yes. Because it’s fully saturated, it resists oxidation far better than polyunsaturated oils. This extends shelf life, prevents rancid odors, and improves formula robustness.
Yes. It has excellent skin affinity and helps transport lipophilic actives (like Retinol, Vitamin E, or botanical oils) deeper into the epidermis, boosting efficacy.
By mimicking sebum lipids, it reinforces the stratum corneum’s natural defenses. This reduces TEWL (water loss) and improves resilience in dry, sensitive, or compromised skin.
It replenishes declining natural squalene levels (which decrease after age 30), helping restore suppleness and elasticity while acting as an antioxidant against oxidative stress.
Yes. Unlike comedogenic oils, it absorbs quickly without clogging pores. Its skin-identical structure means it hydrates without triggering excess oiliness, making it suitable even for acne-prone formulas.
Unsaturated oils oxidize quickly. Swapping part of the oil base with Olive Squalane dramatically improves stability and prevents rancid odors.
Adding Olive Squalane reduces drag and greasiness while improving absorption, giving a lighter, “luxury” texture without sacrificing richness.
Yes. It improves glide and slip in anhydrous systems (lipsticks, deodorant sticks, solid balms), making application smooth without waxy tugging.
Yes. Olive Oil can be unstable and sometimes comedogenic. Olive Squalane offers the emollient benefits without heaviness, stickiness, or oxidation risks.
