Squalene vs Squalane: Are They Different? Pair with These 4 Skincare Ingredients for Maximum Effect! Anti-Aging, Smoothing, and Firming Made More Noticeable!

Have you noticed that in recent years, many beauty and skincare products include an ingredient called squalene? Top brands have been actively promoting it, almost as if squalene is a skincare miracle that can solve all skin problems. So what exactly is this highly-discussed squalene, and how is it different from squalane? Today, let’s take a closer look and explore everything you need to know about squalene.

1

What is Squalene?

Squalene was first discovered in shark liver oil. It is an unsaponifiable lipid with the chemical formula C30H50. Its health benefits are impressive: it can increase the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the body, boost immunity, fight aging, and even help prevent cancer. In short, squalene is a biologically active marine compound with disease-preventing and healing properties.

Squalene is also naturally present in human sebum. Studies show that healthy skin contains about 3–4% squalene on average. It forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, helping to lock in moisture, maintain hydration, fight oxidative stress, and reduce UV damage. However, as we age, our natural squalene levels gradually decrease, which contributes to skin aging, dryness, pigmentation, and wrinkles. To address this, many skincare brands extract squalene from shark liver or plants like olives and sugarcane, adding it to products to boost hydration and antioxidant benefits.

2

Sources of Squalene

i. Animal Sources

Squalene got its name because it was first found in deep-sea sharks’ livers. Sharks synthesize high amounts of squalene to provide oxygen to their cells in oxygen-poor deep-sea environments. Deep-sea shark liver can contain 60–85% squalene.

Squalene extracted from sharks is highly pure and moisturizing. However, this method is extremely cruel, requiring mass shark killings, with only about one ton of squalene produced from 3,000 sharks. This harms the environment, disrupts ecosystems, and violates animal welfare principles. As a result, there has been a shift toward plant-based sources.

ii. Plant Sources

Olives were the earliest plant source for squalene. While plant extraction avoids harming animals and is suitable for vegetarians, olive-derived squalene is less pure and relatively viscous.

Later, scientists discovered that sugarcane is an excellent source of high-purity squalene (up to 99%), producing a lighter, more effective formula. Other sources include jasmine, wheat germ, and rice bran, all containing squalene.

3

What is Squalane?

Squalane is a common skincare ingredient derived by hydrogenating squalene. It is known for its strong moisturizing and water-retention properties, helping to repair damaged skin cells. Compared to squalene, squalane is gentler, less irritating, and more skin-friendly. Many brands add squalane to products to provide lightweight, nourishing hydration without greasiness.

4

Squalene vs Squalane: What’s the Difference?

Squalene and squalane are related but distinct. Squalene is a natural oil produced by the body, whereas squalane is hydrogenated squalene.

Squalene is unstable and oxidizes easily during extraction, which reduces effectiveness and can cause skin issues like breakouts, redness, or irritation. To improve stability and usability, brands convert squalene into squalane, making it more effective and gentle on the skin.

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Four Key Skincare Benefits of Squalene/Squalane

i. Long-Lasting Hydration

After age 25, natural squalene production decreases, leading to dryness and fine lines. Squalene penetrates deeply, boosting skin hydration and long-lasting moisture. Its similarity to sebum makes it highly effective for preventing water loss, especially for dry and combination skin.

ii. Repairing the Skin Barrier

Squalane is gentle and non-irritating, helping to repair damaged skin barriers. For thin or sensitive skin prone to redness, it strengthens the barrier and reduces visible capillaries. Studies show that after one month of consistent squalane use, skin cell counts can increase by over 30%, improving elasticity and resilience.

iii. Antioxidant Protection

Squalane forms a protective layer on the skin, shielding against free radicals and oxidative stress, slowing aging. It also promotes cell regeneration, brightening dull skin.

iv. Reducing Fine Lines

Squalene and squalane help diminish fine lines and wrinkles by protecting skin from oxidative damage. Over time, skin appears smoother, more youthful, and with improved texture and tone.

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Boost Squalane Effects by Combining with These Ingredients

i. Ceramides – Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, they enhance skin repair and strengthen natural defenses when used with squalane.

ii. Hyaluronic Acid – Squalane locks in moisture while hyaluronic acid regulates hydration, together improving water retention and balancing oil levels.

iii. Salicylic Acid – Penetrates pores to remove excess sebum and dead cells. Paired with squalane, it reduces irritation and enhances oil-moisture balance.

iv. Vitamin C – Brightens, reduces pigmentation, and protects against oxidative stress. Combined with squalane, it further restores elasticity and radiant skin.

7

Squalene: Topical and Oral Benefits

Squalene is not only effective on the skin but also in oral supplements. Extracted from shark liver cells, it enhances oxygen supply, activates immune cells, promotes wound healing, and supports tissue repair. It may help with fatigue, liver health, and immunity. Squalene also has documented anti-tumor properties and helps regulate cholesterol. Its antioxidant properties protect skin cells from free radicals and prevent moisture loss.

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For Anti-Aging, Smoothing, and Firming: Thermage FLX

While squalene and squalane offer hydration and protection, for noticeable anti-aging and contour-lifting effects, the Thermage FLX 5th Generation Face Lift Treatment is recommended.

Perfect Medical’s upgraded Thermage FLX 5th-generation treatment features a smart 4.0 tip that heats skin layers to 4.3mm depth, stimulating collagen production and repairing the skin’s elastin network. AccuREP® technology adjusts radiofrequency energy automatically for each area, ensuring uniform tightening and firming.

The upgraded treatment is 25% faster and more comfortable, delivering visible lifting and smoothing results. Online registration allows you to experience this world-renowned anti-aging treatment at a special promotional price.