What is squalane? The trendiest new skincare ingredient of 2021

It’s one of the most popular skincare of the moment, popping up on the packaging of skincare products everywhere.

So if you’re intrigued by what squalane is all about, we’re here to clear the fog. Here’s what you need to know about its benefits and using it in your skincare routine...

What is squalane?

In skincare, squalane’s primary function is all to do with moisturisation. It’s a hydrogenated form of squalene, which is naturally present in our skin (this process makes it more stable in products). 

However our home-grown levels decrease significantly as we get older, usually starting in our thirties. Using squalane in your skincare routine, therefore, is a great way to replenish lost moisture and improve skin’s elasticity. Squalane is also a great anti-inflammatory ingredient, and helps to prevent skin’s water loss.

Although historically the ingredient was primarily sourced from sharks, nowadays more sustainable, vegan options are available from sources like sugar cane. 

How do you add squalane to your skincare routine? 

Squalane is found in tons of products, but the most common way to reap its skin-loving benefits tends to be through a face or body oil. 

Want to factor it into your skincare routine? To start you off, you can snap up a bottle of Nuture’s Nourishing Skin Treatment Oil, worth £8.99, for just £7.50* when you sign up to the OK! Beauty Box. 

Described as a “deeply nourishing, moisturising and restorative oil”, this multipurpose product is suitable for use on both the face and body, and can even improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. 

You’ll also snap up four other hydrating skincare products in this month’s beauty box, all worth a combined total of more than £90, to help see your complexion through the winter months.

Monthly OK! Beauty Boxes will cost you just £15 thereafter and the contents will always be worth at least £60 – a steal if ever we heard one!

*New subscribers only