How should squalane be used?

The squalane is a biomimetic ingredient renowned for its perfect compatibility with the skin. Derived from squalene naturally present in human sebum, it helps to restore the skin barrier and to reduce transepidermal water loss. Its emollient action makes the skin more supple and softer, while limiting sensations of tightness. Unlike some heavier vegetable oils, the squalane has a light, non-comedogenic texture suitable for all skin types, including oily or acne-prone skin.

How to use squalane to care for your skin?

Owing to its hydrating and softening properties, squalane is suitable for all skin types but remains particularly recommended for dry skin. It can be used pure, as an oil serum. In this case, just a few drops suffice for the face and neck. Squalane is then applied before moisturiser. Thanks to its stability and lack of photosensitisation, it can be used morning and evening throughout the year. It can also be added to a cream or serum to enhance their nourishing efficacy without weighing down the texture.

The squalane, thanks to its structure being similar to that of sebum squalene, can help to maintain the natural hydrolipidic film of the scalp. When applied to the hair, it forms a lightweight protective film around the hair fibre, which may help to limit dehydration and enhance softness and shine along the lengths. Its relatively dry feel and high stability make it an interesting active ingredient for imparting suppleness to the hair without weighing it down. However, caution is advised: these effects remain hypotheses based on its biological properties, not conclusions drawn from studies on hair.

To date, there is no scientific evidence demonstrating the benefits of squalane when applied to hair.

How to use squalane in haircare applications?

If you wish to use squalane on your hair, it is advisable to apply a small amount. On the scalp, a few drops are sufficient, as an excess could unnecessarily grease the roots. As a nourishing treatment, it can be used as a hair mask – in the manner of plant oils – by applying a few drops along the lengths and ends. Squalane can be left on for 30 minutes to several hours, or even overnight, before shampooing.

The skin of the lips is exceptionally thin and devoid of sebaceous glands, rendering it particularly susceptible to dehydration and external stressors, such as cold, wind or even UV rays). This fragility often manifests as tightness, chapping or fissures. Thanks to its structure closely resembling the squalene found in sebum, squalane serves as an excellent emollient: it restores the missing hydrolipidic film on the lips and limits water loss. Furthermore, its lightweight texture and safety make it particularly suitable for application to the lips.

How to apply squalane to moisturise and soften your lips?

While squalane is highly beneficial for caring for dry lips, in winter for example, it can be used all year round. To do so, after washing your hands, place a few drops of squalane on your finger and gently tap your lips to aid absorption. This procedure may be repeated as often as desired throughout the day. You may also use a lip applicator to apply the squalane directly to your lips.

Squalane, thanks to its lipid nature and its excellent affinity with the skin, could also be beneficial for nails and their cuticles. By forming a protective film on the surface, it could help to maintain their hydration and to prevent the dehydration responsible for splitting and breakage. Like plant oils rich in fatty acids, it would help to soften the cuticles and to improve nail lustre.

However, caution should be exercised, as to date no specific study has investigated the effects of squalane on nail health.

How should squalane be applied to nails?

To use squalane on the nails, several methods are possible. You can begin by applying it daily at a dosage of one drop per nail, massaging it in until it is fully absorbed. It is also possible to give your nails a weekly squalane oil bath: pour some squalane into a small container and immerse your nails for around fifteen minutes to strengthen them. Finally, as with hair, you can employ squalane as an overnight mask. To do this, in the evening coat your nails with a thin layer of squalane, then wrap them in cellophane or wear cotton gloves. By morning, your nails should be noticeably shinier.

Unlike squalene, squalane has not been studied following oral administration.

In contrast, squalene has been investigated in a nutritional and pharmacological context, notably because of its role in cholesterol biosynthesis. Indeed, squalene is an intermediate metabolite in the body’s synthesis of cholesterol. It occurs naturally in certain oils, particularly extra virgin olive oil. Studies have shown that 60 to 80% of orally ingested squalene is absorbed. Although some is converted into cholesterol, this conversion does not lead to a significant rise in blood cholesterol levels, except at very high doses (≥ 1 g per day). Conversely, at lower doses (around 0.5 g/day), it does not appear to have any detrimental effect on plasma cholesterol and may even enhance the cholesterol-lowering action of certain treatments, such as statins.

Several epidemiological studies also suggest a protective role of dietary squalene against certain cancers, notably those of the breast, colon and lung. These observations mainly stem from research conducted in Mediterranean countries, where olive oil consumption is high. Researchers partly attribute this protective effect to the high squalene content of this oil, recognised for its antioxidant properties and its ability to scavenge free radicals.

Oral intake of squalene, as with squalane, has not been investigated for cosmetic benefits on the skin, hair or nails.

Note: Oral squalene is primarily intended for specific nutritional or therapeutic use, often provided as dietary supplements with a dosage ranging from 0.5 to 1 g per day. Before considering supplementation, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional, particularly in cases of hypercholesterolaemia or metabolic disorders.

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