Squalane or hyaluronic acid for skin that feels dry?

What is the difference?

Which should you try first?

If you are starting from scratch, a moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid is a practical first choice. Hyaluronic acid is especially useful for dry or aging skin and is not irritating to most people. Despite its name, hyaluronic acid is not an exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid.4

If your current moisturizer leaves your skin feeling dry, squalane is a reasonable addition. Its lightweight feel also makes it an option if you dislike a thicker face cream. Squalane can help seal in lighter skincare products; adding it addresses moisture loss rather than simply adding another watery layer.2

Your skin's outermost layer acts as a barrier that prevents water loss. Humectants are ingredients that help skin hold water; occlusives form a barrier that limits water loss. A moisturizer can combine both jobs, which is more useful than making the bathroom shelf host an ingredient election. For very dry skin, a barrier cream is another option. Petroleum based products are particularly effective at reducing water loss, while dimethicone creams feel less greasy.5

How do you use both?

1. 1Cleanse gently. For dry mature skin, use a mild cleanser instead of soap, which can be too drying.
2. 2While skin is still damp, apply your hyaluronic acid serum if you use one. Follow the product directions for the amount.
3. 3Immediately follow with moisturizer containing a moisture sealing ingredient, such as petrolatum, mineral oil or shea butter.
4. 4If adding squalane oil, layer it after the lighter products to help limit moisture loss.

Hyaluronic acid serum can be used morning and evening after cleansing. Apply moisturizer after bathing and again during the day when skin feels dry. If your moisturizer already contains hyaluronic acid, you can keep the routine simpler rather than adding a separate serum.13

What should you expect?

With hyaluronic acid, expect modest improvement in dryness, fullness and the appearance of fine lines after about a week. Serums combining different molecule sizes can improve dryness and roughness within one to two weeks. Moisturizers can also make wrinkles less noticeable temporarily, which is moisturizing rather than time travel.36

What if your skin is sensitive or still dry?

Check the whole formula, not just the featured ingredient. Fragrances, preservatives and dyes can trigger reactions in sensitive skin, and other oils in a squalane product can contribute to clogged pores. Choose a fragrance free moisturizer if irritation is a concern. Squalane can be used with retinol, but persistent dryness while using retinol can call for a milder retinol product.12

During menopause, skin loses some ability to hold water, especially in dry air, so a hyaluronic acid moisturizer can be particularly helpful. See a dermatologist if dryness persists despite moisturizing, a rash lasts or an existing skin condition worsens. Do not try to exfoliate persistent menopausal dryness away without advice: thinner skin is more vulnerable to harm.1