Ingredient guide · S

Squalane

Squalane is a lightweight, non-greasy oil that feels silky on the skin. It is a stable, hydrogenated form of squalene, a natural moisturising compound found in human skin. Widely used in UK skincare and beauty products, it helps to soften, hydrate and protect without clogging pores.

Squalane — Although originally sourced from shark liver, the squalane used in modern UK beauty pro… | UK Lips ingredient guide

How it works in skincare

In cosmetics and skincare, squalane functions as an exceptional emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It mimics the skin’s own natural oils, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into the skin barrier where it locks in moisture, smooths rough texture and improves the overall feel of creams, serums, facial oils and lip products. Because it is fully saturated, squalane is highly resistant to oxidation, giving formulations a longer shelf life while remaining gentle enough for daily use.

Key benefits

  • Provides long-lasting hydration without heaviness
  • Softens and smooths dry or rough skin
  • Helps reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier
  • Non-comedogenic and suitable for blemish-prone skin
  • Calms and soothes sensitive or irritated skin
  • Enhances the spreadability and luxurious feel of products

Best for

dry skin, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, acne-prone skin, combination skin

Where it comes from

Although originally sourced from shark liver, the squalane used in modern UK beauty products is almost exclusively plant-derived, most commonly from olives, sugarcane or amaranth seeds.

Products with Squalane

Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Squalane than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.

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