Squalane E
Squalane E
Product Description
Product overview
A deeply nourishing hydrator made from 100% sugarcane-derived Squalane and infused with concentrated Vitamin E. This lightweight, non-greasy formula replenishes moisture, supports the skin barrier and helps protect against environmental stress—leaving skin soft, smooth and balanced.
Powerful Hydration
Pure Squalane deeply moisturizes to improve skin softness and elasticity while reducing transepidermal water loss by up to 18%.
Texture & feel
SENSORYPowerful Hydration
Pure Squalane deeply moisturizes to improve skin softness and elasticity while reducing transepidermal water loss by up to 18%.
Firming Support
Clinical studies show squalane decreases surface, volume, and depth of skin deformation for visibly firmer skin.
Antioxidant Boost
Infused with Vitamin E to nourish skin and help defend against UV-induced damage and environmental stressors.
Bio-Based & Pure
Sugarcane-derived squalane is the purest and most stable form available, with consistent quality between batches.
Safety & compatibility
SAFESqualane is a naturally derived, non-irritating hydrator that is completely safe during pregnancy and postpartum. No retinoids, no harmful chemicals.
Safe to use while nursing. The minimal, clean formula contains no ingredients that transfer through breast milk or pose risks.
Sugarcane-derived squalane is biochemically inert to Malassezia yeast. Its saturated C30 hydrocarbon structure cannot be metabolized by fungi.
Rating 0/5. Squalane mimics skin's natural sebum without clogging pores. Safe for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
Research shows squalane is non-irritating even at 100% concentration. Hypoallergenic and suitable for reactive skin.
One of the few oils recommended by dermatologists for Malassezia-prone patients due to its biochemical neutrality.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSqualane ~99%Proven
A saturated hydrocarbon derived from sugarcane that mimics the skin's natural sebum. Provides exceptional emolliency, surface occlusion, and TEWL prevention with cosmetic elegance—moisturizing without feeling heavy or greasy.
- Clinical Study: Reduces transepidermal water loss by 18% and enhances skin-lipid barrier
- Clinical Study: Decreases surface, volume, and depth of skin deformation (firming effect)
- Clinical Study: Smoothing effect and reduction in appearance of fine lines on crow's feet area
- Safety: Non-irritating even at 100% concentration per Cosmetic Ingredient Review
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) ~1%Proven
A stable, esterified form of Vitamin E that acts as a powerful antioxidant. Protects skin from free radicals and UV-induced damage while helping preserve the integrity of squalane over time.
- Function: Neutralizes free radicals that break down collagen and cause premature aging
- Clinical Study: When combined with Vitamin C, significantly decreases sunburned cells
- Stability: More stable than pure Vitamin E with longer shelf life
2 ingredients
Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after water-based treatments (serums) and before heavier creams. Can also be used as a standalone moisturizer for oily skin types, or mixed into your moisturizer for extra hydration.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Pat Dry
Start with clean, slightly damp skin. The oil absorbs best when skin retains a bit of moisture.
Apply 2-3 Drops
Warm a small amount between your palms. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Press Into Skin
Gently press and pat onto face, neck, and décolleté. Allow 10-15 seconds for full absorption.
Layer or Lock In
Follow with QRxLabs Squalane HA+ Moisturizing Cream for enhanced results, or use alone for lightweight hydration.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated, or dull skin
- You want a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer
- You need pregnancy or breastfeeding safe skincare
- You struggle with fungal acne (Malassezia)
- You have sensitive or reactive skin
- You want to minimize fine lines and wrinkles
- You prefer minimal, clean ingredient lists
- You want multi-use product (face, body, hair)
Consider alternatives if:
- You need heavy-duty anti-aging actives like retinol
- You prefer water-based, serum-like textures only
- You have extremely oily skin that doesn't tolerate any oils
- You're looking for active acne treatments (this is for maintenance)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESDeeply hydrates and locks in moisture. Reduces TEWL by 18%. Perfect for combating winter dryness and flakiness.
Lightweight and non-comedogenic. Mimics natural sebum without adding shine. Can actually help balance oil production.
Balances perfectly across different zones. Hydrates dry areas without overwhelming oily T-zone.
Non-irritating at 100% concentration. Fragrance-free, minimal ingredients. Ideal for reactive and easily-triggered skin.
Comedogenic rating 0. Fungal acne safe. Will not clog pores or feed acne-causing bacteria or yeast.
Clinically proven to reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness. Antioxidant Vitamin E fights free radical damage.
Results timeline
5+ WEEKSInstant Hydration & Softness
Skin feels immediately softer and more supple. The lightweight oil absorbs quickly leaving a dewy, healthy glow without greasiness.
95% felt instant hydrationImproved Skin Texture
Users report noticeable improvement in skin smoothness and hydration levels. Dry patches begin to heal. Skin looks healthier overall.
85% noticed improvementReduced Fine Lines
Smoothing effect becomes visible, especially around crow's feet and forehead. Enhanced skin-lipid barrier improves moisture retention.
78% saw visible changesFirmer, More Radiant Skin
Clinical studies show increased cell renewal rate. Skin appears visibly firmer with improved elasticity and a healthy, youthful glow.
100% increased cell renewalRatings by platform
400+ REVIEWSPros & cons
STRONGPraised
- Ultra-clean 2-ingredient formula
- Sugarcane-derived is purest form available
- Excellent value ($15.95 for 2 oz)
- ECOCERT + USDA certified
- Made in USA, FDA-registered facility
- Multi-use: face, body, and hair
- Pregnancy and fungal acne safe
- No detectable smell or fragrance
- Comparable quality to The Ordinary
- Leaves skin glowing, not greasy
Criticized
- Absorption time 10-15 min (some prefer faster)
- No dropper applicator included
- Vitamin E percentage not disclosed
- May not be enough for extremely dry skin alone
- Less available in retail stores vs. online
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Pure squalane without Vitamin E. Smaller size (1 oz) but lower price per oz. Popular cult-favorite with thousands of reviews.
Olive-derived squalane (0.44 oz). More affordable but smaller size. May contain trace impurities for fungal acne-prone skin.
Pure plant-based squalane (8 oz). Better value for bulk buyers. Fragrance-free and suitable for dry skin types.
Premium sugarcane squalane (3.3 oz). Luxury brand with beautiful packaging. Higher price point for similar formula.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Squalane is highly stable and resistant to oxidation.
Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required.
Opaque bottle with pump dispenser. Eco-friendly minimal packaging.
Yes, 2 fl oz is under 100ml TSA limit. Safe for carry-on luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, absolutely. QRxLabs Squalane E is 100% safe for use during pregnancy, postpartum, and while breastfeeding. It contains only squalane (a naturally occurring compound that mimics your skin's own sebum) and Vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate). There are no retinoids, salicylic acid, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients of concern. Squalane is actually recommended by dermatologists for pregnant women to help with stretch marks and skin hydration.
Yes, this product is fungal acne safe. The squalane is derived from sugarcane, which produces the purest form of squalane without fatty acid impurities that Malassezia yeast can metabolize. Squalane's saturated C30 hydrocarbon structure is biochemically inert—meaning it cannot be broken down or used as food by the yeast that causes fungal acne. Tocopheryl acetate is also considered safe for Malassezia-prone skin.
Yes, squalane pairs beautifully with all these actives. Apply water-based serums (vitamin C, AHA, BHA) first, allow them to absorb, then apply Squalane E on top to lock in moisture and create a protective barrier. For retinol, you can apply squalane before retinol to buffer its effects (if you have sensitive skin) or after to seal in the treatment. Squalane actually enhances the penetration and efficacy of other ingredients.
QRxLabs Squalane E is excellent for ALL skin types. It's particularly beneficial for dry, dehydrated, sensitive, and mature skin due to its deep moisturizing and barrier-repairing properties. Even oily and acne-prone skin can benefit—squalane mimics natural sebum without clogging pores (comedogenic rating 0), which can actually help balance oil production. It's also ideal for those with fungal acne, eczema, or reactive skin conditions.
Many users notice immediate hydration and softness after the first application (95% in clinical studies). Within 1 week, you'll likely see improved skin texture and reduced dryness. For anti-aging benefits like reduced fine lines and improved firmness, expect visible results in 2-4 weeks with consistent twice-daily use. Clinical studies show 100% of participants had increased cell renewal after 5 weeks of use.
Apply Squalane E after water-based products (toners, essences, serums) and before heavier creams or sunscreen. The general rule is thinnest to thickest consistency. For AM: Cleanser → Toner → Serum → Squalane E → Moisturizer → Sunscreen. For PM: Cleanser → Toner → Treatments (retinol, etc.) → Squalane E → Night Cream. You can also use it alone as a lightweight moisturizer, or mix 2-3 drops into your existing cream.
No, QRxLabs Squalane E has a comedogenic rating of 0/5, meaning it will not clog pores. Squalane is technically a hydrocarbon, not a traditional oil—it's chemically similar to your skin's own sebum and is completely non-comedogenic. This makes it safe for acne-prone skin. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has confirmed squalane is non-irritating even at 100% concentration.
QRxLabs Squalane E has a shelf life of 12 months after opening (PAO 12M). Because squalane is a saturated hydrocarbon with no double bonds, it is highly stable and resistant to oxidation—unlike unsaturated squalene which goes rancid quickly. The added Vitamin E further protects the formula's integrity. Store in a cool, dark place for best results.
Verdict: QRxLabs Squalane E is an exceptional value in the squalane oil market. With just 2 clean ingredients (sugarcane-derived squalane + Vitamin E), ECOCERT and USDA certifications, and a price that undercuts most competitors per ounce, it delivers premium quality without the premium price tag. Perfect for those seeking a minimalist, multi-use hydrator that's pregnancy-safe, fungal acne-safe, and suitable for all skin types. The only minor drawbacks are the slower absorption time and lack of a dropper applicator. Overall, an excellent choice for anyone wanting pure, effective hydration.
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
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant
|
Anti-Aging
|