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Squalene

What Squalene is & what it does

A lipid naturally present in skin's sebum that softens and conditions while supporting the barrier. It is less stable than its hydrogenated form, squalane, but highly skin-compatible.

What does Squalene do in skincare?

Squalene is a lightweight oil used as an emollient, helping soften the skin and give products a smooth, non-greasy feel. It occurs naturally in the skin's own surface oils, which is part of why it is popular in moisturizers and sunscreens. In formulas it works as a conditioning agent that supports the oil phase.

Is Squalene comedogenic?

Squalene is generally regarded as low on the comedogenic scale and is often chosen for lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas. Individual responses vary, so a product can still feel heavy on very oily or acne-prone skin depending on the full formula. If you are prone to clogged pores, testing on a small area first is sensible.

Is Squalene vegan?

Squalene can be sourced from animals, historically from shark liver, or from plants such as olives and sugarcane, so the name alone does not tell you its origin. Many modern cosmetic suppliers use plant-derived or fermentation-based squalene. To confirm a vegan source, check the brand's labeling or ingredient sourcing statements.

Sunscreens with Squalene

We rate 95 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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