All About Squalane: Benefits, Application, and What It Really Does for Your Skin
Discreet but remarkably effective, squalane is one of the most popular moisturizing active ingredients among dermatologists and formulators. Lightweight, perfectly tolerated, and 100% plant-derived at LILI MARGO, it restores the skin barrier and maintains skin radiance without ever making it greasy. We explain everything: its mechanism, its proven benefits, and the right way to use it.
~12%
of natural sebum is composed of squalene
100%
plant-derived at LILI MARGO
0
comedogenic effect (does not clog pores)
All
skin types, even sensitive
What exactly is squalane?
Squalane is an emollient lipid derived from squalene, a molecule naturally present in our skin's hydrolipidic film, where it accounts for approximately 10 to 12% of sebum. The problem is that native squalene is unstable and oxidizes quickly upon contact with air. To make it stable and usable in cosmetics, it is hydrogenated, resulting in squalane, an unalterable, odorless, and incredibly well-tolerated version.
Historically extracted from shark liver, squalane is now responsibly produced from plant sources like olive or sugarcane. This is precisely the choice made by LILI MARGO: 100% plant-derived squalane, which respects both your skin and the marine environment.
💡 Common misconception
"Squalane is greasy and makes your skin shiny." False. Its texture is dry and melting: it spreads like an oil but absorbs instantly, with no greasy film or shine. This is precisely what makes it suitable even for combination to oily skin.
How does it work? Its proven benefits for the skin
Squalane is first and foremost a skin barrier restoring agent. Because its structure is biomimetic—meaning very similar to the lipids the skin produces itself—it integrates perfectly into the intercellular cement and fills in the micro-fissures of the epidermis. The result: it limits transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the phenomenon by which hydration evaporates from the skin.
Concretely, squalane provides four major benefits. It deeply and lastingly hydrates by sealing water into the upper layers of the epidermis. It softens and smooths the skin, which regains comfort and suppleness. It has antioxidant properties that help neutralize some of the free radicals responsible for premature aging. Finally, it soothes reactive skin by strengthening its protective film, reducing tightness and feelings of discomfort.
🔬 Expert advice
Squalane is an excellent routine "finisher." Applied as the last layer on slightly damp skin, it acts as a seal that traps the hydration from serums and creams applied just before. One to two drops are enough for the entire face.
⭐ Our flagship product
Floractiv20+® Anti-Aging Serum
A concentrate that combines Floractiv20+® technology — 20 patented floral extracts and 15 anti-aging factors — with biomimetic lipids to plump, hydrate, and smooth. +23.4% measured collagen.
YUKA 90/100+23.4% collagenMade in France
Discover the serum →
How to integrate it into your LILI MARGO routine
At LILI MARGO, biomimetic lipids like squalane complement the Floractiv20+® signature: where the 20 patented floral extracts act on firmness and radiance, squalane locks in hydration and preserves comfort. It is naturally integrated into our face and body care products, for nourished skin without heaviness. Here are the products that make the most of it:
📌 Key takeaway
Squalane is not a "corrective" active ingredient like retinol: it is a repairing and moisturizing lipid. It doesn't treat wrinkles on its own, but it optimizes your entire routine by strengthening the skin barrier and sealing in hydration. An essential and universal ally, ideal as a complement to anti-aging active ingredients.
For which skin types?
🏜️
Dry skin
Ideal: it restores comfort, deeply nourishes, and permanently stops tightness.
🌸
Sensitive skin
Perfect: non-irritating and soothing, it strengthens the barrier of reactive skin.
💧
Combination to oily skin
Suitable: its dry and non-comedogenic texture hydrates without excess sebum.
⏳
Mature skin
Recommended: it plumps, smooths, and supports the action of anti-aging active ingredients.
Application method: the right steps
Squalane is applied at the end of your routine, after cleansing, serum, and possibly cream. In the morning, apply one to two drops to the face and neck, as the last step before sunscreen; it layers very well under makeup. In the evening, apply it to clean skin, as a final seal after your anti-aging serum, to optimize nightly regeneration. For the body, massage the dry oil onto slightly damp skin after showering for quick absorption. Since squalane is perfectly compatible with all other active ingredients—retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide—it seamlessly integrates into your existing ritual and even helps alleviate any potential irritations.
FAQ
Is squalane suitable for oily skin?
Yes. Contrary to popular belief, squalane has a dry texture and is non-comedogenic: it hydrates without clogging pores or causing shine, making it suitable for combination to oily skin.
What is the difference between squalene and squalane?
Squalene is the molecule naturally present in sebum, but it is unstable and sensitive to oxidation. Squalane is its hydrogenated version, stable, odorless, and long-lasting, ideal for cosmetics.
Is LILI MARGO squalane of animal origin?
No. The squalane used by LILI MARGO is 100% plant-derived, from sources such as olive or sugarcane, in an approach that respects the environment and oceans.
Is squalane enough to fight wrinkles?
No, it is not an anti-wrinkle active ingredient like retinol. It is a repairing and moisturizing lipid that plumps and strengthens the skin barrier. It optimizes the effectiveness of anti-aging active ingredients but does not replace them.
Can squalane be combined with other active ingredients?
Yes, squalane is compatible with all active ingredients: retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide. It even helps limit irritations that some powerful active ingredients can cause.
Give your skin the comfort of plant-based squalane
Discover LILI MARGO skincare that combines biomimetic lipids and patented Floractiv20+® floral technology.
Discover the collection →
All About Squalane: Benefits, How to Use It, and What It Really Does for Your Skin
All About Squalane: Benefits, Application, and What It Really Does for Your Skin
What exactly is squalane?
Squalane is an emollient lipid derived from squalene, a molecule naturally present in our skin's hydrolipidic film, where it accounts for approximately 10 to 12% of sebum. The problem is that native squalene is unstable and oxidizes quickly upon contact with air. To make it stable and usable in cosmetics, it is hydrogenated, resulting in squalane, an unalterable, odorless, and incredibly well-tolerated version.
Historically extracted from shark liver, squalane is now responsibly produced from plant sources like olive or sugarcane. This is precisely the choice made by LILI MARGO: 100% plant-derived squalane, which respects both your skin and the marine environment.
"Squalane is greasy and makes your skin shiny." False. Its texture is dry and melting: it spreads like an oil but absorbs instantly, with no greasy film or shine. This is precisely what makes it suitable even for combination to oily skin.
How does it work? Its proven benefits for the skin
Squalane is first and foremost a skin barrier restoring agent. Because its structure is biomimetic—meaning very similar to the lipids the skin produces itself—it integrates perfectly into the intercellular cement and fills in the micro-fissures of the epidermis. The result: it limits transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the phenomenon by which hydration evaporates from the skin.
Concretely, squalane provides four major benefits. It deeply and lastingly hydrates by sealing water into the upper layers of the epidermis. It softens and smooths the skin, which regains comfort and suppleness. It has antioxidant properties that help neutralize some of the free radicals responsible for premature aging. Finally, it soothes reactive skin by strengthening its protective film, reducing tightness and feelings of discomfort.
Squalane is an excellent routine "finisher." Applied as the last layer on slightly damp skin, it acts as a seal that traps the hydration from serums and creams applied just before. One to two drops are enough for the entire face.
Floractiv20+® Anti-Aging Serum
A concentrate that combines Floractiv20+® technology — 20 patented floral extracts and 15 anti-aging factors — with biomimetic lipids to plump, hydrate, and smooth. +23.4% measured collagen.
How to integrate it into your LILI MARGO routine
At LILI MARGO, biomimetic lipids like squalane complement the Floractiv20+® signature: where the 20 patented floral extracts act on firmness and radiance, squalane locks in hydration and preserves comfort. It is naturally integrated into our face and body care products, for nourished skin without heaviness. Here are the products that make the most of it:
Squalane is not a "corrective" active ingredient like retinol: it is a repairing and moisturizing lipid. It doesn't treat wrinkles on its own, but it optimizes your entire routine by strengthening the skin barrier and sealing in hydration. An essential and universal ally, ideal as a complement to anti-aging active ingredients.
For which skin types?
Application method: the right steps
Squalane is applied at the end of your routine, after cleansing, serum, and possibly cream. In the morning, apply one to two drops to the face and neck, as the last step before sunscreen; it layers very well under makeup. In the evening, apply it to clean skin, as a final seal after your anti-aging serum, to optimize nightly regeneration. For the body, massage the dry oil onto slightly damp skin after showering for quick absorption. Since squalane is perfectly compatible with all other active ingredients—retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide—it seamlessly integrates into your existing ritual and even helps alleviate any potential irritations.
FAQ
Is squalane suitable for oily skin?
What is the difference between squalene and squalane?
Is LILI MARGO squalane of animal origin?
Is squalane enough to fight wrinkles?
Can squalane be combined with other active ingredients?
Give your skin the comfort of plant-based squalane
Discover LILI MARGO skincare that combines biomimetic lipids and patented Floractiv20+® floral technology.
Discover the collection →Follow us