What is squalane in skincare?
Squalane is the stable, hydrogenated version of squalene – a lipid your own sebaceous glands produce, and one of the components that keeps skin soft and water-resistant. Squalene itself oxidises quickly; squalane does not, which is why formulations use it.
It was historically harvested from shark liver, but cosmetic-grade squalane today is almost always derived from olives or sugarcane fermentation. Squalene levels in skin decline with age, which is part of why mature skin feels drier.
What skin concerns does squalane treat?
It relieves dryness, tightness and rough texture, and supports barrier repair without the heaviness of a butter or the shine of a traditional oil. It is lightweight, absorbs fast and is non-comedogenic, so oily and acne-prone skin can use it comfortably.
Research also points to antioxidant activity and a protective effect on collagen synthesis after UV exposure, giving it a mild role in ageing prevention as well as comfort.
What ingredients are best paired with squalane?
Use it as the sealing step over humectants – hyaluronic acid, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate – and alongside ceramides for full barrier repair.
It is an ideal buffer for strong actives: applied before or after a retinoid or acid, it noticeably reduces stinging and flaking without blocking the active. It suits every skin type and has almost no interaction risk. Take our Skin Quiz.
What are dark spots?
Dark spots are localised patches where the skin has produced more melanin than the surrounding area. The umbrella term covers sun spots, post-acne marks, melasma patches and freckles – different causes, same visible result.
They are flat rather than raised, vary from light tan to deep brown, and are most noticeable on the face, hands and chest. In deeper skin tones they tend to be darker and to last considerably longer.
What causes dark spots?
Two mechanisms dominate. Ultraviolet exposure triggers protective melanin production, and inflammation – from acne, ingrown hairs, eczema, friction, burns or harsh treatments – leaves post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation behind as it heals.
Hormonal change, some medications and heat add to it. Picking at spots is one of the most avoidable causes: the extra inflammation reliably makes the mark darker and longer-lived than the original blemish.
What ingredients are best for dark spots?
Vitamin C, niacinamide and azelaic acid are the everyday workhorses. For stubborn pigment, alpha arbutin, tranexamic acid, kojic acid and liquorice root extract interrupt melanin production directly.
Retinoids and gentle AHAs clear pigmented cells faster from the surface. Give any routine twelve weeks before judging it, and wear broad-spectrum SPF daily or the spots will simply redarken. Take our Skin Quiz.
