Alongside hyaluronic acid and retinol, squalane is one of the most searched-for skincare ingredients on the market. But what is it? How is it different to squalene? And is it suitable for all skin types? If you’ve been looking for the answers to these questions, you’ve come to the right place, as not only have we asked some industry experts to school us on the topic, but we’ve even compiled a list of the best squalane cleansers to get you started!
If you didn’t already know, your cleanser (alongside moisturiser) is the most essential step in your skincare routine – it removes your make-up, gets rid of any dirt, impurities, and also helps the skin to maintain a proper level of hydration. When choosing a cleanser, you should always consider your skin type and needs: for example, someone with textured skin or those that suffer with breakouts, can benefit from a salicylic acid cleanser, whereas nourishing balms and oils work great for dry skin-types. The good thing about squalane is that it works for all!
Dr Catriona Maybury, Dermatica Medical Lead and Consultant Dermatologist says: “Squalane is generally well tolerated by all skin types because it mimics the oils naturally made in the body. Our bodies produce squalane to protect healthy skin, but levels drop with age, which can cause dryness and irritation. Using products containing squalane helps restore this lipid our skin needs for lasting hydration and protection."
Closer’s best squalane cleansers at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Dermatica Non-Comedogenic Squalene Cream Cleanser, £12.95
Best budget-friendly squalane cleanser: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, £8
Best soothing squalane cleanser: Revolution Skincare Squalane & Oat Cleansing Balm, £10
Best foaming squalane cleanser: Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser, £20
Squalane cleansers come in all shapes and sizes, and prices too – with brands like The Ordinary, Revolution and Boots all boasting brilliant formulas that do the job for less. We've also included some more luxe options, in case your new year's resolution is to invest into your skincare routine. After all, it's more fun than giving up chocolate.
Whether you're looking for make-up melter, a foaming formula or something suitable for a second cleanse (more on that later) we've scoured the internet for the very best squalane-based cleansers to suit everyone! Just read below.
SHOP: The best squalane cleansers
Editor’s choice
Dermaticawww.dermatica.co.uk
Designed by dermatologists to work alongside active ingredients, this cream-to-oil-to-milk cleanser is packed with hydrating and barrier-protecting vitamins, such as squalane alongside grapeseed and rice bran oils to break down make-up, dirt and SPF without irritating the skin or drying it out. It's ideal for those with dry or combination skin.
Review: "Was influenced to buy this from Instagram and was not disappointed. Great price for such a high-quality product. It comes out as a cream but becomes an oil once warmed in your hands and melts away any make-up or product from your face. Leaves skin feeling really clean and dewy. This has become my new face wash. Love it."
Pros
- Doesn't dry the skin out
- Melt make-up away effectively
Cons
- Not suitable for oily skin types
Best budget-friendly squalane cleanser
The Ordinary www.lookfantastic.com
If you're not already familiar with The Ordinary, the brand is renowned for its no-nonsense, science-backed skincare – oh, and it's super affordable too! This squalane-based cleanser hydrates and protects the skin and its balm-oil texture makes removing make-up a breeze. It's gentle enough for daily use and the best part? It's just £8.
Review: "Repeat purchase, removes make-up so well even waterproof mascara. Suitable for my very sensitive eyes."
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive eyes
- Removes even waterproof mascara
Cons
- Isn't the biggest bottle
Best soothing squalane cleanser
Revolutionwww.lookfantastic.com
If winter has got your complexion feeling dry and irritated, this skin-softening cleanser will do the trick. As well as squalane, to restore suppleness, it also contains soothing oats. The silky texture of this balm doesn't leave any sticky residue, instead, it feels expensive on the skin, turning your cleansing routine into a spa-like experience.
Review: "I like the smell and texture, it really feels like an oil cleanser but it's not too greasy on the skin especially if you have dry skin. It feels hydrating and you don't have to use a lot of product."
Pros
- Doesn't feel sticky on the skin
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Not fragranced
Best foaming squalane cleanser
Biossancewww.cultbeauty.co.uk
If you're after something foaming – perhaps for a second cleanse – look no further than Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser. Infused with aloe vera, it's soothing, calming and hydrating, while also breaking down any dirt and grime left in the pores, leaving your complexion squeaky clean without that dry, tight-skin feeling.
Review: "One of the nicest cleansers I’ve ever used. I use this as my second cleanser after removing my makeup and SPF with the biossance cleansing oil - my skin feels clean but still soft and hydrated."
Pros
- Comes with easy-to-use pump
- Non-toxic and scent-free
Cons
- Might need to use an oil or balm cleanser beforehand
Best high-street squalane cleanser
Bootswww.boots.com
Next time you're at your local Boots store, why not track down this budget-friendly buy? At just £6, it's one of the most affordable options on the market, yet still effectively removes make-up and impurities, while helping the skin to retain moisture. Can't wait to try? Shop it online, while stocks last!
Review: "I was really happy with this product considering the price. I found that it worked better if I removed make-up first using micellar water, but overall, a good cleanser and my skin felt nice and soft afterwards."
Pros
- Available on the high street
Cons
- Not the biggest bottle
Best squalane cleanser for your shelf
22www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Not only will this soothing jelly cleanser look amazing on your bathroom shelf, with its recyclable packaging and pretty pink colour, but alongside a luxurious blend of rose water, coconut water and squalane alongside aloe leaf juice, it contains tremella mushroom, which is famed for being a hydrating hero. Your skin won't ever be thirsty again.
Pros
- Comes in recyclable packaging
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
- Has a natural, herbal scent
Best squalane cleanser for removing make-up
BYOMA www.cultbeauty.co.uk
With tons of five-star reviews, this nourishing milk-oil cleanser is all you need for both your morning and evening cleanse. It smells uhh-mazing and isn't stripping. Plus, those with oily skin claim it doesn't break them out. WIN!**
Review:** "Love this cleanser. My teen daughter started using it and loved it so I thought I’d give it a go. Smells like a spa and revives stubborn makeup- what more do you want? I use as a first cleanse in the evening but also in the morning as an only cleanse as it smells so nice."
Pros
- Works for all skin types
- Leaves zero greasy residue
Cons
- Isn't fragrance-free
What is squalane?
Still wondering what it means? Dermatologist Dr. Mamina Tureganoexplains: "Squalene and squalane (which is the vegan version of squalene) have wonderful hydrating properties and maintain our skin’s own moisture barrier. Our skin naturally produces squalene (with an “e”), but production decreases as we age."
"The squalane ingredient matches the lipids found in human skin, so our bodies know how to deal with squalane — it absorbs it faster and there are not irritating side effects," she adds. "It also has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and microbiome-nourishing properties."
What type of squalane is best?
To make it more confusing, yes, there are different kinds - so which is best? "I typically recommend looking for squalane because it’s a more sustainable and vegan friendly version of squalene," notes Dr. Mamina. "There is also hemi squalane, which is more beneficial for those with oily or acne prone skin, since it is lighter in weight."
Is it safe for all skin types?
"Squalane is also non-comedogenic, so even though it’s an oil, it’s suitable for even oily skin types."
Is squalene safe to use with retinol?
When it comes to using retinol and squalane, Dr Catriona Maybury says "these two are an excellent pairing".
"While retinol increases skin cell turnover to boost collagen, squalane provides critical moisture and skin barrier repair to minimise the dryness and irritation retinol frequently causes. The lipid rich-oil also enhances retinol's penetration so less is needed for dramatic effects on texture and tone," she explains.
Emma is a Style Writer at Bauer Media UK and covers all things fashion and beauty across print titles and online.