Squalane is quietly one of the best ingredients in skincare. It doesn’t get the attention that hyaluronic acid or retinol get — but for anyone with dry, sensitive or combination skin, it might be more useful than either.
Here’s what it actually is, what it does and why you’ll find it in almost everything we make at Glow and Flow Health.
What Is Squalane?
Squalane is a lightweight, stable oil derived from squalene — a compound that occurs naturally in human sebum (the oil your skin produces). The “a” on the end matters: squalene (with an “e”) is unstable and oxidises quickly. Squalane is the hydrogenated, stabilised version — the one that works in skincare.
Ours is derived from sugarcane, making it 100% plant-based.
What Does It Do?
Because squalane is structurally similar to your skin’s own oils, it absorbs almost instantly — without the greasy finish you might expect from an oil. It does three things particularly well:
- Deep hydration — it replenishes and locks moisture into skin without blocking pores
- Barrier support — it reinforces the skin’s natural protective layer
- Non-comedogenic moisture — it won’t cause breakouts, making it safe for oily and acne-prone skin
Why We Use It
Squalane is the reason our Glow Lip Oil doesn’t feel heavy. It’s the reason our Golden Hour Body Oil absorbs in under 90 seconds. And it’s the reason our Liquid Glow Drops blend so seamlessly — carrying the pigment into skin without sitting on top of it.
It’s a carrier and a hero. And it’s in almost everything we make because it makes everything work better.
Products That Use Squalane
- Glow Lip Oil — conditions while adding glassy shine
- Golden Hour Body Oil — the reason it absorbs fast and leaves skin glowing, not greasy
- Liquid Glow Drops — blends pigment seamlessly into skin
- Silk Layer Body Lotion — lightweight moisture that holds all day