If like me – these two words confuse you – you are not alone.
Whilst searching for the ultimate hydrating ingredient whilst developing the Everything Skin Range – I became extremely confused as to what I was actually trying to use because I didn’t want anything to do with squalene as it was animal based – but also because it isn’t ethically harvested, yet there were ingredient suppliers saying that their product was plant based squalene, yet other wholesalers were insisting that squalane was the only plant based one – and then other companies were selling shark squalane……… definitely didn’t want that!
2.7 million sharks are captured and killed each year to harvest squalene from their livers. It is causing some of the shark varieties to become extinct – even if you are afraid of sharks – without them, the food chain will break down, and who knows what will happen to the oceans – we have seen the side effects on land.
The good news is there is an ethical vegan version of squalane/squalene – which works even better than shark squalene – and is sourced from olives – which I use in the Everything Skin Cream.
Be aware of packaging – some companies that tout that they use Squalane – are actually using squalene derived from sharks. Unless you see the word plant based or vegan on the product or its product page – you could be using the shark squalene.
But what is squalene/squalane – and why does the cosmetic industry love it so much?
Squalene is a natural oil which exists in our epidermis (top layer of the skin). This natural oil is even more important to our skin’s health than hyaluronic acid. Olive Squalane – mimics the skin’s natural squalene.
Because it mimics the skin’s natural oils – it has so many benefits in improving all skin types – from oily to inflamed to dry skin health!
9 reasons to love squalane.
1. It reduces the appearance of fine lines.
Squalane boosts cell regeneration and oxygenation, it is also extremely hydrating, so softens and smooths fine lines and wrinkles.
2.It moisturizes skin.
Squalane helps the skin to retain moisture which even the oiliest of skins need. It soothes dehydrated and or dry flaking skin and calms it.
3.It softens texture.
Because of its hydrating and antioxidant prperties, squalane oil softens rough-textured skin without leaving an oily residue leaving your skin baby smooth.
4. It soothes skin and prevents irritation.
Squalane benefits include a soothing quality that can help prevent and alleviate irritation. It is a source of fatty acids that replenish and nourish the skin, counteracting conditions related to eczema, psoriasis, and post-operative skin.
5. It controls oil.
Because squalane mimics our skin’s natural sebum, or oil, it can help to control natural oils. The skin recognizes squalane as a naturally occurring oil and therefore produces less on its own, making it a great choice for anyone with oily skin.
6. It can help fade the look of dark spots.
Squalane prevents the formation of age spots, heals chapped and cracked skin helps prevent UV damage to the skin, and helps the skin to retain moisture.
7. It helps strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Squalane like our own squalene protects our skin’s natural barrier which is often damaged due to the use of soap-based cleansers (many oil based cleansers if they are wash off are actually soap based), AHAs and retinols. Olive squalane is also a natural antioxidant and because of this property – it strengthens the skin’s natural barrier. This barrier blocks environmental stressors and pollutants that can harm and age your skin.
8. It’s light and breathable.
Because squalane is naturally occuring in the skin, it offers moisture without the added heaviness that some oils and products create.
9. It can help reduce redness and inflammation.
Squalane has a gentle effect on the skin and can actually lessen the appearance of redness and inflammation. Expect it to help alleviate discomfort and promote an even, revitalized skin tone.
Like all of the ingredients chosen for the Everything Skin Cream – squalane – helps to balance the skin’s natural oil flow – to increase hydration where needed and to calm skin where the oil flow is too active.
Our squalane is harvested in Spain or France from naturally grown olives without use of pesticides or sprays, in some cases the olives are organic – but the squalane isn’t listed as organic as no one as yet has the accreditation as it is hard and expensive to achieve this.
Yvette xx
Thank you for reading my blog!
Hi!
I am Yvette van Schie, I am a holistic beauty therapist, skin nutritionist, skincare developer and makeup artist. I am passionate about sharing real beauty advice with a whack of reality.
For over 30 years I have worked with the best in the beauty and health industry as a trainer, educator and product formulator and I still do – so my knowledge is diverse – I am not blinkered when sharing my information with you because everyone I speak to shares what they know, and I turn it into easy to digest information because I want my readers to feel empowered to make their own decisions and to feel that they are fully in control of their beauty and well being.
