Squalane has become one of the most popular face oils—and it’s easy to understand why. With its thin and lightweight texture, it softens your skin and locks in moisture, without looking or feeling greasy.
Not only is it incredibly healing on dry, rough and chapped skin, it’s also unlikely to clog pores and is non-comedogenic for most people. Plus, it’s anti-inflammatory and non-irritating, so it’s perfect for sensitive skin, too. No wonder everyone is buzzing about squalane oil… even people who normally hate oils!
That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best squalane oils on the market. Read on to find out what they’re derived from, whether there’s any difference between brands, and the best options for your skin.
So where does squalane come from, and how do you choose the best one?
Squalane (with an “a”) is the stabilized form of squalene (with an “e”)—a hydrocarbon naturally found in human sebum, which keeps our skin hydrated and protected.[1] Traditionally, it was derived from shark livers, but because of the obvious ethical and sustainability concerns, virtually all skincare companies have now switched to plant sources:
Olives: During olive oil processing, squalene is extracted from the olive pulp, skin, and pits, and then combined with hydrogen to become squalane.
Sugarcane: Rather than extracting squalene from the sugarcane, squalane is produced by bio-engineered yeast, which feeds on the sugarcane.[2]
Does the Type of Squalane Oil Matter?
Olive Squalane
Sugarcane Squalane
Shark Liver Squalane
75-94% purity
75-94% purity
98-99% purity
May contain sterol esters and paraffin after hydrogenation
May contain isosqualane and monocyclosqualane after hydrogenation
No significant impurities after hydrogenation
Technically, the chemical structure of squalane is the same regardless of the source. However, there can be differences in purity.
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Researchers have found that both olive-derived and sugarcane-derived squalane can range between 74-95% purity.[3] Since each has different impurities that can remain after hydrogenation, this could account for subtle variations in oil weight, absorption rate and even performance.
Anecdotally, some people have reported getting breakouts from olive-derived squalane, which is often thicker and richer, but not from sugarcane-derived squalane, which is typically lighter and faster to absorb.
Personally, I’ve used both types, and neither triggered acne—even though I’m acne-prone and sensitive to most oils. However, if you want to be on the safe side, sugarcane sources might be best for acne-prone skin, while olive sources might be better for dry skin.
⚠️ It’s also important not to overload your skin with any oil, even squalane. Quantity matters. Sometimes, it’s the large amount of oil that triggers a breakout, whereas a small amount is tolerated well. Two or three drops should be plenty to cover your entire face. If you need more hydration, layer the oil over a good hydrating serum or face moisturizer.
For more on this ingredient and all it can do, see my squalane tutorial!
As an editor, I’ve tested and evaluated squalane oils from a range of brands. These are my top picks for every preference:
Best Clean Beauty
Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil
Indie Lee
Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil is derived from olives. (In Indie’s own words: “I found the highest grade you could get.”) If I had to pick just one squalane oil, it would be this—it just ticks off all the boxes with its performance, feel and packaging. Olive squalane is usually thicker, but this oil has a beautiful fine texture that melts right into your skin, yet is still extremely moisturizing. Plus, it comes in a durable, frosted glass bottle that looks gorgeous on your countertop, with a dropper that makes it easy to control the number of drops.
Biossance 100% Squalane Oil
Biossance
Biossance 100% Squalane Oil is derived from sugarcane. This is one of the most lightweight squalane oils I’ve tried, sinking into the skin instantly. It’s the perfect choice if you go through a lot of oil, since it comes in the largest size, in a plastic bottle with a pump. So if you plan to use it not only on your face but also on your body or hair, the pump will be more convenient than a dropper. (But if you only use a drop or two at a time, it may dispense more than you need!)
Acure The Essentials 100% Plant Squalane
Acure
Acure The Essentials 100% Plant Squalane is derived from olives. This is one of the more hydrating options, from one of the best vegan skincare brands. It’s on the thicker side of the squalane spectrum, and depending on how much you apply, leaves a nice protective veil on top of your skin. So it’s a good choice if you need to nourish dry areas while preventing moisture loss. It comes in a glass bottle with a pump, and a little goes a long way (so one pump should be all your face needs).
Best Budget
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
The Ordinary
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is derived from sugarcane. It’s the least expensive option on this list, so it’s ideal if you’re on a budget or just want to try out the ingredient without spending a lot. Although sugarcane is usually lighter, I find this has a medium-weight texture that can be slightly slower to absorb. But we’re still talking squalane here—so in the grand scheme of things, this is a still a very light oil! It comes in a glass bottle, too. (Heads up, the label peels off after a while… but for this price, who cares?)
The Inkey List Squalane
The Inkey List
The Inkey List Squalane is derived from sugarcane. It’s nearly as affordable as The Ordinary and has a slightly lighter texture that I find penetrates my skin more quickly. Note that one reviewer who broke out using The Ordinary (perhaps because it is richer) reported being able to use this one without issue. The packaging, however, is not as desirable—it’s in a plastic bottle with a flip top, so it’s a little harder to control how much oil comes out.
Good Molecules Squalane Oil
Good Molecules
Good Molecules Squalane Oil is derived from olives. It has the same low price point as The Ordinary, although keep in mind that the bottle is half the size. Even so, a little squalane goes a long way—and this version may be of higher quality. The texture is on the thicker side, but reviewers have noted that it penetrates readily instead of sitting on top of the skin. It comes in a glass bottle with a dropper, and the colourful label is so fun and unique.
Timeless Squalane Oil 100% Pure
Timeless
Timeless Squalane Oil 100% Pure is derived from olives. It’s the most popular squalane oil on Amazon, where it is available in a range of sizes, and there are currently over 5,000 four-star reviews and counting! It’s not the lightest squalane, nor is it the heaviest, just right in the middle. (One reviewer went as far as claiming it “gave me the best skin of my life!”) The packaging was recently revamped, so it now comes in an opaque glass bottle with a dropper and bamboo top. Besides hydrating, the brand also recommends using it as a primer before makeup, to help it go on smooth and stay in place all day.
Best Clinical
Peter Thomas Roth Oilless Oil 100% Purified Squalane
Peter Thomas Roth
Peter Thomas Roth Oilless Oil 100% Purified Squalane is derived from sugarcane. This was one of the first squalane oils on the market—it first launched way back in 2013—and it’s still a great option today. Back then, there was nothing else like it: a silky, weightless oil with no greasy after-feel. No wonder the brand dubbed it an “oilless oil.” It comes in a glass bottle with a dropper, so it’s easy to control the number of drops. (Just like with The Ordinary, I found the label ended up peeling off after a while… no big deal, though!)
BeautyStat Universal Moisture Essence
BeautyStat
BeautyStat Universal Moisture Essence is derived from olives. This is an elegant option by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, whose skincare line is best-known for its cult-favourite vitamin C. He created this oil to mimic our skin’s natural lipids, which decrease with age and leave skin vulnerable to damage. In clinically testing, 51% of users saw improvement in the look of fine lines and wrinkles after just four weeks. The packaging is just as high quality as what’s inside: it comes in an opaque white glass bottle with a dropper.
ClarityRx Nourish Your Skin 100% Squalane Additive Oil
ClarityRx
ClarityRx Nourish Your Skin 100% Squalane Additive Oil is derived from olives. This brand is all about minimalistic, high-quality formulas—so it’s no surprise that this is a deep-penetrating variety that works wonders on dry and flaky skin. It is even said to increase oxygen flow to the skin and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles with continued use. I’d layer this over the bestselling four-ingredient hyaluronic acid serum (reviewed here)—no moisturizer required.
Indeed Labs Squalane Facial Oil
Indeed Labs
Indeed Labs Squalane Facial Oil is derived from sugarcane. That gives it a thinner, almost “dry oil” texture, and it sinks in fast, making it ideal for anyone who doesn’t like the weight and greasy feel of most oils. According to the brand, it also helps to diminish the production of excess oil and has both anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties—so it’s one of the best choices for oily and acne-prone skin types. The glass bottle with a dropper makes it easy to measure out, drop by drop.
Best K-Beauty
Purito Plainet Squalane Oil 100
Purito
Purito Plainet Squalane Oil 100 is derived from sugarcane. For those seeking a K-beauty option, this Korean-made squalane is the way to go. The brand actually conducted its own clinical study, having participants use this oil instead of a regular moisturizer. Over 90% strongly agreed that it hydrated and softened, and over 80% strongly agreed that it gave them a healthy glow. It has a medium-weight feel and comes in a glass bottle with a dropper.
