Does squalane cause acne?

What does squalane do for acne prone skin?

Squalane is a moisturizing oil that sits on the skin's surface and helps prevent moisture from escaping. It can suit skin that feels dry despite moisturizer, including oily skin that also needs hydration. Its anti inflammatory properties may help reduce acne redness and swelling. Squalane and squalene are different: squalene occurs naturally in skin, while squalane is the more stable form used in skincare, which gives one vowel rather a lot of responsibility.2

How do you choose a squalane product?

Look for a moisturizer labelled noncomedogenic or "won't clog pores", then read the ingredients. Noncomedogenic is not a regulated claim, which is a lot of freedom for a word dressed as a certification. The bottle's headline is not the whole formula, however much space the headline gets. Lightweight gels and fluid lotions are common options for acne prone skin. Ingredients to watch for include coconut oil, cocoa butter, isopropyl myristate, oleic acid and lanolin, which can be unsuitable for acne prone skin.1

If you have sensitive skin or a history of contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction, pay attention to fragrance, preservatives and dyes. These can trigger reactions even when the product's squalane is well tolerated.2

How should you use it?

1. 1Cleanse gently once or twice daily. Avoid abrasive scrubs and repeated washing to tackle oiliness.
2. 2For a moisturizer containing squalane, apply after washing while some water remains on your skin. Use moisturizer daily when your skin feels dry.
3. 3For a separate squalane oil, apply lighter products such as serums first, then layer the oil on top to help retain moisture.
4. 4Keep daily noncomedogenic sunscreen in your routine to help reduce dark marks left by acne.

Moisturizer is especially useful if benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, a topical retinoid or prescription isotretinoin leaves your skin dry or irritated. Daily moisturizing can help you tolerate those treatments. Squalane's role is hydration, not replacing acne treatment; a dropper is packaging. Acne treatments can take 4 to 8 weeks to show some improvement. That is not a timetable for squalane to clear acne.134

What if you break out after starting it?

Stop using a product that appears to be causing breakouts, and review your other skincare, makeup and hair products too. Product related acne often improves after the pore clogging product is removed. Cosmetic breakouts can take days to months to appear, so timing alone can make the culprit difficult to identify. Acne also involves oil production, blocked follicles and inflammation, rather than one ingredient alone.14

See a dermatologist if you cannot identify the trigger or breakouts continue after stopping the suspected product. Seek treatment promptly for severe acne, scarring or significant emotional distress: delaying effective acne control increases the risk of lasting scars.14