Squalane vs. Hyaluronic Acid: What Are the Variations?

On the planet of skincare merchandise, there are quite a few moisturizing substances to contemplate, similar to glycerin and oils. Nevertheless, hyaluronic acid and squalane have rapidly generated a variety of buzz—and for good purpose. Each have cropped up in all the things from serums to face washes, moisturizers, complexion make-up, and extra, touted for his or her light-weight really feel and skill to work harmoniously with the pure pores and skin barrier.

Whereas the 2 could appear comparable at first look, hyaluronic acid and squalane have distinct properties and capabilities that set them aside. Relying in your wants, you might discover one or the opposite higher on your routine. So, to reply your entire burning questions on squalane vs. hyaluronic acid and enable you to resolve which is finest on your pores and skin kind, we turned to board-certified dermatologists Rebecca Marcus, MD, and Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD.

Hold studying for all the things you have to find out about squalane and hyaluronic acid.

What Is Squalane?

Squalane is a lab-developed, hydrogenated type of squalene, which “is a naturally occurring lipid element of sebum that moisturizes pores and skin,” says Murphy-Rose. “Squalane is an emollient that softens and smooths pores and skin and helps to maintain moisture within the pores and skin. [It] protects and helps the pores and skin barrier and has antioxidant properties to reverse and stop free radical harm.”

If you happen to’re questioning what makes squalane distinct from squalene, Murphy-Rose explains that the previous was developed to harness the pores and skin advantages of squalene whereas making it extra shelf-stable. This implies squalane is, subsequently, extra appropriate to be used in skincare since squalene is an unstable molecule. As we age, the pure manufacturing of squalene declines, so these substances could be useful in the event you’ve discovered your pores and skin has turn out to be drier over time. “Squalane can be lighter than squalene and subsequently appropriate for acne-prone pores and skin, in contrast to squalene,” Murphy-Rose provides.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating molecule that may appeal to and maintain water within the pores and skin. “It’s a pure element within the pores and skin, eyes, and joints, and is utilized in pores and skin as a humectant, or a substance that attracts moisture into the pores and skin,” says Marcus

Hyaluronic acid has an instantaneous plumping impact on the pores and skin, which may scale back the looks of high quality strains. This makes the hydrophilic ingredient extremely well-liked, and you’ve got virtually definitely seen manufacturers spotlight that their serums or moisturizers include the supercharged but light acid.

Squalane vs. Hyaluronic Acid: The Variations

The primary distinction between squalane and hyaluronic acid is their chemical make-up in addition to the best way they moisturize the pores and skin, Murphy-Rose tells us. Right here’s a mini science lesson to interrupt it down: “Squalane is a lipid and hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan (mainly a sequence of sugar molecules),” Marcus says. “Whereas hyaluronic acid is a humectant and attracts water into the pores and skin, squalene is an emollient, which implies that it acts as a barrier and traps moisture within the pores and skin.”

Nonetheless, the truth that they work in a different way doesn’t imply the 2 substances don’t have lots in widespread. “Each assist maintain pores and skin wholesome and hydrated,” Murphy-Rose says. “Each are hypoallergenic and usually appropriate for delicate pores and skin.”

“They’re each hydrating molecules that assist to enhance pores and skin moisture ranges,” Marcus provides. “They’re each naturally occurring within the physique. Nicely, virtually—squalene is of course occurring, whereas squalane is a chemically modified type.”

Whether or not squalane or hyaluronic acid is healthier for you relies upon. “Each are extremely efficient substances for all pores and skin sorts, together with delicate pores and skin,” Murphy-Rose says. “Hyaluronic acid is nice for hydrating oily or acne-prone pores and skin as a result of it’s gentle and brings water to the pores and skin’s floor with out clogging pores. Squalane is a really efficient ingredient for moisturizing dry pores and skin, nevertheless it will also be utilized in formulations that won’t exacerbate zits.”  

How typically to use every relies on the kind of product, similar to a serum, lotion, or moisturizer, however Murphy-Rose usually recommends as soon as to twice day by day use. “Each work nicely in lotions and lotions,” she says.

Can You Use Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid Collectively?

Sure, you need to use squalane and hyaluronic acid collectively, whether or not by way of layering separate merchandise or attempting a components that accommodates each. “If utilizing individually, hyaluronic acid needs to be utilized first, because it attracts water into the pores and skin,” Marcus advises. “Apply squalane afterward to create a barrier that may maintain the moisture within the pores and skin and stop its evaporation.”

The Last Takeaway

Finally, hyaluronic acid and squalane are each standout skincare substances which have perks for many pores and skin sorts. Given every ingredient helps replenish our pores and skin’s pure moisture processes, each are nice choices to strive in the event you’re coping with dryness or dehydration—simply be sure you discover a components that is tailor-made to your pores and skin kind general. “Each are nice for dry pores and skin, acne-prone pores and skin, infected pores and skin, and even delicate pores and skin,” Marcus says. “It actually comes down to non-public desire.”