INGREDIENT · EMOLLIENT
Squalane in skincare: how it differs from squalene
One letter separates squalane from squalene, and the difference is the whole reason one of them is in your moisturiser. The human trials on squalane itself are the thinnest part of the story.
You may see it written as
- Squalane
Squalene, squalane, and why the letter matters
Squalene is a polyunsaturated hydrocarbon found in certain fish oils, some vegetable oils in smaller amounts, and in human sebum, where it makes up about 13%. Squalane is its saturated derivative.1
The difference matters because of what happens to squalene on skin in the sun. A 2000 study isolated squalene monohydroperoxide, the first product formed when squalene is irradiated with UV-A, and applied it to rabbit ears. It caused comedones, with a stronger effect than well-known comedogenic cosmetic ingredients. Squalene itself and the reduced form (squalene hydroxide) were less comedogenic.2
That is a rabbit study of an oxidation product, not of squalane. But it is the plain reason a moisturiser would prefer the saturated version, which has no double bonds to oxidise. That last point is our chemical reasoning from the word saturated, not a finding from either paper.
What the evidence for squalane is
A 2012 review says squalene and squalane have shown anticancer, antioxidant, drug-carrier, detoxifying, skin-hydrating and emollient activities in animal models and in vitro.1
We did not find a trial on human skin that tested squalane’s own effect. It is likely well tolerated, given how widely it is used, but that is an inference. What the shelf calls a hydrating oil is, for squalane, mostly a statement about its chemistry.
What the safety review found
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel assessed squalane and squalene in 1982. They were used in cosmetics at concentrations from 0.1% or less to over 50%. In animals the acute toxicity of both was low, and both were non-irritating to rabbit skin and eyes at full strength. Formulations containing squalene were not significant human skin irritants or sensitisers. The panel concluded both are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the practices of use and concentration of the time.3 In 2023 the panel reviewed studies published since then, along with current product types and concentrations, and confirmed both are safe as cosmetic ingredients.4 The panel was set up in 1976 by the cosmetics industry’s trade association, with support from the US Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Federation of America.5
Using squalane with other products
We did not find a source saying squalane has to be kept apart from any other ingredient, or any study of it layered with actives. It is a light oil often used as a base, so the more useful question is what else is in the product.
Squalane in pregnancy and breastfeeding
We found no pregnancy- or lactation-specific evidence for this ingredient.
Evidence on cosmetic products in pregnancy is limited overall, so ask your doctor or midwife about the specific product you use.6
What you will see on the label
The names to look for are Squalane. In Snifff, it reads as Risk-free. For the rest of the formula, see what the score means and how to read the list.
As Snifff shows itSqualane
Pregnancy and nursing
We found no pregnancy- or lactation-specific evidence for this ingredient.
Wording as it appears in the extension, which can change between releases.
A FEW MORE ANSWERS
Common questions about squalane
What is the difference between squalane and squalene?
Squalane is the saturated derivative of squalene, a polyunsaturated hydrocarbon found in human sebum and some oils.1 Squalene oxidises under UV light to peroxides that caused comedones in rabbit skin.2
Is squalane good for skin?
A review reports skin-hydrating and emollient activity in animal and lab studies,1 but we found no human trial testing squalane on its own.
Does squalane clog pores?
We found no human data. The comedogenic effect in the one study we cite was caused by squalene's peroxide, not squalane.2
Is squalane safe?
A 1982 expert-panel review concluded squalane and squalene are safe as cosmetic ingredients, citing low acute toxicity and no significant skin irritation or sensitisation,3 and a 2023 re-review confirmed it.4 Snifff rates it Risk-free.
Is squalane safe in pregnancy?
Snifff found no pregnancy-specific evidence for Squalane. Ask your doctor or midwife about the product you use.
WHERE THIS COMES FROM
Sources
- Biological importance and applications of squalene and squalaneKim SK, Karadeniz F · Advances in Food and Nutrition Research · 2012
- Comedogenicity of squalene monohydroperoxide in the skin after topical applicationChiba K, et al. · Journal of Toxicological Sciences · 2000
- Final report on the safety assessment of squalane and squaleneCosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel · Journal of the American College of Toxicology · 1982
- Squalane and squaleneFiume M, et al. · International Journal of Toxicology · 2023
- Fifty years of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and the Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety: an independent, transparent, and science-forward program for ingredient safety assessmentInternational Journal of Toxicology · 2026
- Cosmetic dermatology in pregnancy and lactation: a risk-benefit framework for clinical practiceKovacs T, et al. · International Journal of Dermatology · 2026
This page explains an ingredient. It is not medical advice, and it is not an assessment of any product. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a skin condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist.