100% Plant-Derived Squalane
100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Product Description
Product overview
A pure, single-ingredient facial oil featuring 100% plant-derived squalane from sugarcane. This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula delivers exceptional hydration while supporting your skin's natural moisture barrier. Also works beautifully on hair for added shine and heat protection.
Deep Hydration
Mimics your skin's natural oils to deliver exceptional moisture without heaviness or greasiness.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDeep Hydration
Mimics your skin's natural oils to deliver exceptional moisture without heaviness or greasiness.
Barrier Support
Strengthens the skin's moisture barrier and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Multi-Use
Works on face, body, and hair. Adds shine to hair while protecting against heat damage.
Bio-Identical
Squalane naturally occurs in skin sebum, making it highly compatible with all skin types.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or any ingredients of concern. Safe to use throughout pregnancy and while nursing.
Sugarcane-derived squalane is recommended for those with fungal acne concerns. Contains no fatty acids, ferments, esters, or polysorbates that feed Malassezia.
Comedogenic rating of 0/5. Will not clog pores. Suitable for acne-prone skin despite being an oil-like product.
Single-ingredient formula with no fragrance, dyes, or common allergens. Research shows squalane is non-irritating even at 100% concentration.
Can be mixed with other products or layered with actives like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs without adverse interactions.
While reactions are rare, The Ordinary recommends patch testing before first use, especially for very reactive skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSqualane 100%Proven
A saturated, stable hydrocarbon found naturally in human sebum. This plant-derived version comes from sugarcane through eco-friendly fermentation processes. Provides exceptional emolliency and moisture retention.
- Mechanism: Forms a protective barrier on skin surface to prevent water loss while softening and smoothing
- Source: 100% plant-derived from sugarcane (ECOCERT approved, USDA Bio-Based certified)
- Stability: Highly stable due to saturated molecular structure - long shelf life, won't oxidize easily
- Research: CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) concluded squalane is safe in cosmetics at concentrations up to 100%
1 ingredient
Squalane
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after water-based treatments (serums, essences) but before heavier creams. Can also be mixed directly into your moisturizer or used as the final step at night.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense
Apply 2-4 drops to your palm. A little goes a long way—start with less and add more if needed.
Warm
Gently rub between palms to warm the product for better absorption and spreadability.
Apply
Press onto face, neck, and décolleté using gentle patting motions. Avoid tugging or pulling skin.
For Hair
Work a few drops through damp or dry hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends to add shine and reduce frizz.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated, or aging skin needing moisture support
- You want a simple, single-ingredient product without additives
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe hydration
- You have fungal acne and need a malassezia-safe oil alternative
- You want to boost hydration without clogging pores
- You need a multi-use product for face, body, and hair
- You prefer budget-friendly, effective skincare
- Your skin barrier feels compromised or damaged
Consider alternatives if:
- You dislike the feel of any oil-like products on your skin
- You need active ingredients (retinol, vitamin C) in the same product
- You want a product with humectants—squalane is an emollient, not a humectant
- You have very oily skin and find oils too heavy (try Hemi-Squalane instead)
- You prefer scented products (this is completely fragrance-free)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal for dry skin. Provides rich emollient benefits, locks in moisture, and prevents water loss. May need a humectant underneath for best results.
Lightweight and non-comedogenic. Some oily skin types love it; others prefer the even lighter Hemi-Squalane formula.
Balances well across different face zones. Can be applied all over or targeted to drier areas only.
Single ingredient, fragrance-free, no common irritants. Mimics skin's natural oils for excellent tolerance.
Non-comedogenic (0/5 rating), fungal acne safe. Won't clog pores or feed acne-causing bacteria or yeast.
Perfect for aging skin as natural squalene production decreases after 30. Helps maintain suppleness and elasticity.
Results timeline
8+ WEEKSInstant Softness
Skin feels immediately softer and smoother. Lightweight formula absorbs within seconds without leaving a greasy residue.
95% noticedImproved Hydration
Skin looks more supple and plump. Dry patches diminish. Overall texture becomes smoother and more even.
85% noticedBarrier Strengthening
Moisture barrier noticeably stronger. Skin retains hydration better throughout the day. Less sensitivity and reactivity.
75% noticedLong-Term Benefits
Consistent hydration contributes to a healthier, more radiant complexion. Fine dehydration lines appear reduced.
70% noticedRatings by platform
27K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Exceptional value—high-quality squalane at a fraction of luxury brand prices
- Single, pure ingredient with no unnecessary additives
- Fast-absorbing without greasy residue
- Safe for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fungal acne
- Non-comedogenic—won't clog pores
- Versatile—works on face, body, nails, and hair
- ECOCERT and USDA certified sustainable sourcing
- Excellent for sensitive and reactive skin
- Mixes well with other products
Criticized
- Small bottle size (30ml) for daily users
- No humectant properties—works best with hyaluronic acid underneath
- Some find it too oily for daytime wear
- Dropper can be imprecise
- Plain, clinical packaging
- Rare reports of breakouts (individual sensitivity)
- May rub off on pillowcase if not fully absorbed
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Even lighter version from the same brand. Lower molecular weight for faster absorption and drier finish. Better for oily skin or hot climates.
Same 100% squalane formula, slightly larger 60ml bottle. Also derived from olives. Nearly identical results at similar price point.
Another budget-friendly 100% squalane option. Similar formula and results. Comes in a pump bottle instead of dropper.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Peter Thomas Roth Oilless Oil
Storage & shelf life
6 MONTHS6 months after opening. Oils typically have a 6M PAO to ensure freshness and efficacy.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required—squalane is highly stable.
Dark amber UV-protected glass bottle with screw-on dropper cap to protect from light degradation.
Yes, 30ml is under the 100ml TSA liquid limit. Glass bottle—pack carefully to avoid breakage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, absolutely! Squalane is considered one of the safest skincare ingredients during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any ingredients flagged as concerns during pregnancy. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has concluded that squalane is safe for cosmetic use. Many dermatologists recommend it as an ideal moisturizing option for expecting and nursing mothers.
Yes! This is one of the few oils that is safe for fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis). Because The Ordinary's squalane is derived from sugarcane through fermentation (not olive), it contains no fatty acids, ferments, esters, or polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. Sugarcane-derived squalane is specifically recommended for those with fungal acne concerns. It's a pure hydrocarbon, not a triglyceride, making it an excellent choice for those who need to avoid traditional oils.
Yes, squalane is highly compatible with active ingredients. You can use it with retinol (it actually helps buffer irritation), vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and niacinamide without any issues. In fact, The Ordinary makes Retinol products formulated in a squalane base. Apply your water-based actives first, allow them to absorb, then seal with squalane. The emollient properties can help reduce irritation from potent actives while boosting hydration.
Squalane works for all skin types, but it's especially beneficial for dry, dehydrated, mature, and sensitive skin. Because it mimics natural sebum and is non-comedogenic, even oily and acne-prone skin can use it—though those with very oily skin might prefer the lighter Hemi-Squalane. It's ideal for anyone with a compromised moisture barrier or those using drying treatments like retinoids or acids.
You'll notice immediate softness and a smoother skin feel from the first application. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, skin appears more hydrated and supple, with reduced dry patches. After 4-6 weeks, you should notice improved moisture barrier function and better hydration retention throughout the day. Long-term use (8+ weeks) contributes to overall skin health and can help reduce the appearance of fine dehydration lines.
Apply after cleansing, toning, and water-based treatments (like hyaluronic acid serums, niacinamide, or vitamin C). Squalane should go before heavier creams and moisturizers. Think of it as the "seal" step—it locks in the hydrating ingredients you've already applied. In the morning, follow with sunscreen. At night, you can use it as your final step or under a sleeping mask. You can also mix a few drops directly into your moisturizer.
No, squalane has a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5, meaning it will not clog pores. Despite its oil-like texture, squalane is technically a hydrocarbon (not a true oil) that closely mimics the squalene naturally found in human sebum. It's lightweight, fast-absorbing, and won't contribute to blackheads or breakouts. It's widely recommended for acne-prone skin as a safe way to add moisture without causing congestion.
The Period After Opening (PAO) for The Ordinary oils is typically 6 months. Squalane is a very stable molecule due to its saturated hydrocarbon structure, so it resists oxidation better than many other oils. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maximize shelf life. If unopened and stored properly, The Ordinary products can last up to 3 years from the manufacturing date.
Verdict: The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is an exceptional value in the skincare world. For under $8, you get a pure, ECOCERT-certified, sugarcane-derived squalane that rivals products costing 4-5x more. It's pregnancy-safe, fungal acne-safe, non-comedogenic, and works for virtually all skin types. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, strengthens the moisture barrier, and provides lasting hydration without clogging pores. While it lacks humectant properties (pair it with hyaluronic acid for best results) and some may find the bottle size small, these are minor trade-offs for such an effective, versatile, and affordable product. A must-have staple for any skincare routine focused on hydration and barrier health.
Browse related
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.