What is Squalane?

Squalane is a unique oil with a story. It's named after squalus (Latin for shark), because the substance was originally extracted from shark liver. In the cosmetics industry, a large portion of squalane is still obtained this way, at the cost of millions of sharks per year. Our squalane is completely plant-based and extracted from olives, much more animal-friendly and equally effective.

Squalane is technically not an oil but a saturated hydrocarbon (C30), which is created through hydrogenation of squalene. That sounds complicated, but simply means: very stable, long shelf life and not susceptible to oxidation.

How is Squalane made?

Olives naturally contain a small amount of squalene, the unsaturated precursor molecule of squalane. This squalene is extracted from the olives and then gently hydrogenated, creating squalane. Through this step, the substance becomes exceptionally stable and barely oxidizes, while retaining its skin-compatible properties.

Why is Squalane so special?

Our skin naturally produces squalene, which makes up about 12 to 13% of our own sebum. From our twenties onwards, this production gradually decreases, contributing to drier, less supple skin. Applying squalane to the skin is therefore an almost direct supplement to something we naturally already produce.

Due to its unique molecular structure, squalane feels incredibly light, absorbs smoothly and is well tolerated by virtually every skin type, including oily or sensitive skin. Additionally, squalane is odorless and colorless, and is a nice ingredient to mix with other oils or in DIY skincare.

Benefits of Squalane for your skin

Light texture, feels silky smooth
Squalane feels remarkably light and silky smooth on the skin. It absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy film behind.

Suitable for every skin type
Because squalane is so similar to something the skin produces itself, it's almost always well tolerated, even by oily, sensitive or combination skin.

Pro-age effect
Squalane supplements what the skin produces less and less of from the twenties onwards. This contributes to supple, hydrated and elastic skin.

Ideal makeup base
Squalane absorbs smoothly and leaves behind smooth, hydrated skin. This makes it an ideal primer for makeup.

Benefits of Squalane for your hair

Gives shine without weight
A few drops of squalane in the lengths makes dry and frizzy hair softer and shinier, without feeling heavy or greasy.

How do you use Squalane?

For your face, take a few drops between your hands and distribute the oil over your face. Squalane is suitable for daily use, both morning and evening. For your body, apply a thin layer to damp skin after showering. For your hair, massage a few drops into the lengths and ends of dry hair.

Tips when using Squalane

• Squalane has an exceptionally long shelf life thanks to its stable structure. The oil barely oxidizes.
• Due to its neutral scent and color, squalane is ideal as a base oil for DIY face serums, oil blends and makeup primers.
• Mixes beautifully with more intensive oils like Rosehip Oil or Argan Oil to make their texture lighter.