In skincare, there's a constant quest for ingredients that deliver both effectiveness and plant-based goodness. If you've been searching for the best hydrating creams for your skin, you might've stumbled upon squalane, an ingredient that stands out for its remarkable versatility and skin-loving properties. But why is it such a beloved ingredient in the skincare world, what's the controversy surrounding it and why would you want to include this power hydrator into your skincare routine? Let's begin by clarifying what squalane actually is.

What is Squalane? 

Squalane is a natural lipid (an organic, fatty compound) found in human skin that plays a crucial role in moisture retention and skin barrier function. After around the age of 30, our skin's natural squalane production decreases, which can contribute to the skin getting increasingly drier as we age. 

Benefits of Squalane for your skin

Apart from combatting dryness, there are many reasons why squalane is a great thing to include in your skincare routine, for example: 

• Biocompatible hydration - Squalane's molecular structure mimics the skin's natural lipids, allowing it to penetrate deeply and hydrate without leaving a greasy residue. 


• Skin barrier support - By replenishing the skin's lipid barrier, squalane helps to protect against moisture loss and external aggressors, promoting overall skin health.


• Graceful aging - Squalane's antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals to keep premature signs of aging at bay and reduce UV damage. 


• Non-comedogenic - Unlike some heavier oils, squalane is non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. 

What is the difference between Squalane and Squalene?

When looking at skincare ingredient lists, it's easy to get confused by what seems to be the same ingredient, spelled in slightly different ways: squalane and squalene - but there is an important difference that makes squalane the superior choice. Although often confused with its precursor squalene, squalane is a more stable version that is less prone to oxidation, allowing for a better delivery of benefits to your skin. 

Is Squalane made from shark liver or can it be vegan?

There are also other things to consider when purchasing a skincare product containing either squalane or its more unstable form squalene, especially from a sustainability and ethical perspective. Even though squalane is often plant-based, both squalane and its precursor squalene can be sourced from shark liver oil, making it extra important to purchase from a brand with strong ethical and vegan standards. 

Plant-based squalane can be derived from various sources, including plants like olives and amaranth seeds. The journey of plant-based squalane began in the 1980s when manufacturers pioneered techniques to extract and purify squalane from olive oil, a process that also contributes to reducing waste in olive oil production. Opting for plant-derived squalane is not only better from an environmental perspective but also aligns with cruelty-free and vegan principles.

The perfect Squalane-based mix for deep hydration

LXMI's Crème du Nil encapsulates the essence of plant-based skincare, featuring olive-derived squalane as a key ingredient in the fully vegan formula. This luxurious daily moisturizer combines the hydrating prowess of squalane with other botanicals hero ingredients such as deeply nourishing Nilotica, gently resurfacing hibiscus flower, and antioxidant-rich Ugandan Vanilla to nurture and rejuvenate the skin.

Whether you're targeting dryness, dullness, or are looking to maintain your skin's youthful radiance, incorporating the Crème du Nil into your skincare ritual elevates your hydration game and supports a healthy barrier.