The Ordinary squalane serum: what it does and how to use it

Which squalane product do you mean?

For a purchase aimed at dryness, 100% Plant Derived Squalane is the relevant option. Buy for the concern named on the bottle, not for the amount of chemistry the name manages to fit.1

Can squalane replace your moisturizer?

For very dry skin, make a cream or ointment the foundation of your routine rather than relying on a serum alone. Creams and ointments hold more moisture in the skin than lotions. A moisturizing product aimed at dryness is an option, but persistent dryness calls for a routine that actually keeps the skin comfortable.2

Moisturizers can contain ingredients with different jobs. Emollients soften and smooth skin. Humectants attract and retain water in the outer skin layer. Occlusives form a surface barrier that reduces water loss. Those are general moisturizer functions, not interchangeable promises for every serum.3

How to fit it into dry skin care

1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser. Use enough to remove dirt and oil without building a thick lather.
2. 2Pat your skin gently instead of rubbing it dry.
3. 3Apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp. For overly dry skin, choose a fragrance free cream or ointment.
4. 4Follow your squalane bottle's directions for its amount and application order. These steps are general dry skin care, not a product specific layering schedule.
5. 5Protect your skin during the day with a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

General moisturizer frequency depends on how dry your skin is. Slightly dry skin can need only a light moisturizer at night; very dry skin can benefit from a richer product applied more often. Reapply moisturizer when your skin feels dry rather than treating one morning application as a full day's care.3

Creams are useful during the day because they are less greasy and absorb quickly. Ointments are thicker and more moisturizing, making them useful for very dry skin and nighttime use. A moisturizer you can comfortably use is more useful than one you keep abandoning, however impressive its bathroom shelf credentials.35

What results should you expect?

Keep the goal specific: hydration and less dryness. With effective general dry skin care, improvement tends to appear within two weeks. That is a useful checkpoint for your routine, not a fixed results deadline for The Ordinary squalane. If dryness continues or gets worse, a dermatologist can check whether dry air, medication or another cause is involved.2

What if your skin is sensitive or prone to breakouts?

For dry, sensitive skin, choose gentle products labeled fragrance free. Unscented is not the same thing: an unscented product can contain ingredients that hide other odors and irritate skin. Do not assume a moisturizing product cannot cause breakouts. Some occlusive moisturizers can cause or aggravate acne or inflamed hair follicles, so watch for new bumps or a facial rash after introducing a product.34

Stop using a moisturizer if an itchy, inflamed rash develops. Tell a dermatologist if products cause burning, stinging or irritation. Persistent burning, inflamed hair follicles or a new facial rash are reasons to speak to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist rather than continuing unchanged.345

Can you use it alongside a prescribed skin treatment?

For emollients used alongside a steroid cream or another treatment for a skin condition, leave 20 to 30 minutes between applications and ask your doctor which goes first. This general guidance helps avoid diluting the treatment or spreading it to skin that does not need it. Keep a prescribed dry skin treatment plan in place rather than substituting a cosmetic serum.45