All the buzz about squalane in the skincare world is happening for a reason. This soothing emollient — derived from soybeans, in our case — is proven to deliver transformative results for your skin.
If you’re scratching your head wondering about the various benefits, don’t worry. We’re breaking it down for you so you can be as well acquainted with this trustworthy ingredient as you are with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.
1. It helps skin look more youthful and rejuvenated.
For starters, squalene (with an “e”) is found naturally in our bodies, particularly in the skin. As we age, we produce less of it, making it extra beneficial to apply topically — and that’s where squalane (with an “a”) comes in with your skincare. Mimicking the squalene found in your skin’s sebum, squalane helps boost skin elasticity for a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.
2. It softens and smooths skin.
As an emollient, squalane is a soothing powerhouse whose hydrating and moisturizing capabilities soften skin’s texture and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. In turn, it helps replace rough, uneven, and dehydrated skin with a more even-toned, radiant complexion that never feels tight or dry.
3. It moisturizes and seals in hydration.
While squalane is primarily used in skincare for its nourishing qualities, it goes beyond instant benefits to help lock it all in for long-lasting moisture. Despite acting as a seal to keep the hydration in and the environmental aggressors out, squalane is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores. That said, it’s important to always apply it atop cleansed skin to make sure you’re not sealing in any dirt, debris, or bacteria with that moisture.
Pro Tip: Cleanse with Reflekt 1 Daily Exfoliating Face Wash to thoroughly unclog pores for a clean slate before locking in the moisture.
4. It helps to minimize inflammation.
As if its hydrating and moisturizing benefits don’t make squalane appealing enough, its anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce redness and inflammation for a soothed complexion. This makes it a very popular ingredient, experts say, for helping to calm skin that’s prone to acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions that often tend to cause inflammation and irritation.
5. It supports skin’s moisture barrier function.
On one hand, our moisture barriers provide essential protection for our bodies, acting as the first line of defense against bacteria, pollutants, environmental aggressors, and more. On the other hand, it plays a critical role in keeping hydration, topical ingredients, and the like inside the skin and body. By assisting in sealing in this “good stuff,” squalane effectively supports our moisture barrier function and, therefore, helps keep it healthy and uncompromised.
Reflekting on Squalane’s Benefits
At Reflekt, we believe wholeheartedly in the proven power of squalane to moisturize, soften, and smooth the skin without clogging pores. It’s precisely why we used it in our formulas for Reflekt 3 Power Peptide Sculpting Face Cream and Reflekt 4 Smoothing Squalane Eye & Lip Treatment Cream.
In Reflekt 3 face cream, squalane works in tandem with water-soluble peptide polyglutamic acid (PGA), which increases the production of natural moisturizing factors to further preserve and reinforce skin elasticity. Similarly, in Reflekt 4 eye and lip cream, squalane functions alongside sustainably-sourced avocado polyphenols to deeply nourish, fight inflammation, minimize fine lines, lift sagging, and prevent environmental damage with every use.