Squalane Made from Olives

Is your skin looking dull and feeling depleted?

Or maybe it’s parched, crying out for hydration?

It’s time to bring out the big guns: squalane.

This silky, skin-loving oil makes up around 12% of your skin’s natural sebum.

So your skin recognises it instantly and absorbs it.

The result? A soft, radiant glow that even your friends will call dewy.

Trust us: once you try this radiance-reviving hero,

You won’t want anything else near your goddess-like face.

What the Heck is Squalane?

We don’t blame you for asking—botanicals can be downright baffling.

Let’s break it down. You might’ve seen squalane and squalene tossed around like interchangeable twins. But trust us, they’re not the same.

At The Naked Chemist, we stick with olive-derived squalane—a stable, skin-loving lipid.

The shark-derived version (squalene)? That’s a big no-no in our clean, cruelty-free, and ocean-friendly book.

So, what makes squalane so special? It’s a naturally occurring lipid found in your skin’s sebum. That’s the lovely oil your sebaceous glands produce to keep your complexion soft, supple, and oh-so-dewy.

And just for fun, here’s what else is in your skin’s natural oils: wax esters, triglycerides, fatty acids… and maybe unicorn tears (okay, not really, but it does feel magical).

Because squalane closely mimics the skin’s composition  the barrier, it integrates beautifully, nourishing, restoring, and helping your barrier feel balanced and calm.

The Benefits of Squalane

Because squalane is a vital component of our skin’s natural sebum, it plays a crucial role in protecting and hydrating the epidermis.

When applied regularly, you’ll likely notice fewer fine lines, increased hydration, and a healthy glow replacing dull, lacklustre skin.

Your skin’s natural levels peak in your early 20s and steadily decline, weakening your barrier and leaving you more vulnerable to dryness and damage. That’s why we recommend incorporating plant-derived squalane into your daily routine.

You’ll find it in its purest form in our elixir or, if you prefer a multitasking approach, in our Xcell Barrier Repair Skin Shot, which teams squalane with ceramides, phospholipids, and a host of other barrier-building ingredients.

Why Your Skin Will Love It

Deeply Hydrating

Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, draw moisture into your skin like a tall glass of water. This oil is the seal that keeps hydration sealed in. Its occlusive nature prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL), boosting hydration and maintaining a plump, dewy complexion.

Superior Moisturisation

Thanks to its emollient properties, squalane softens dry patches and repairs impaired skin barriers. Its skin-identical structure allows it to penetrate deeply, dissolving the rigid lamellar structures of the outer skin layer, leaving skin smooth, supple, and comforted.

Anti-inflammatory Powers

A 2004 study investigated the impact of the oil on chronic itching (uremic pruritus) in patients with kidney disease. After two weeks, those who applied a gel containing squalane, aloe vera, and vitamin E twice daily saw a marked reduction in redness, irritation, and itching, proving its powerful soothing potential.

That’s why we include it in our Barrier Repair Balm and other formulas designed to calm and heal compromised skin.

Anti-ageing Protection

It is a potent antioxidant that neutralises free radicals that can accelerate ageing. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, environmental damage, and UV-induced stress. Some research even suggests it may minimise pigmentation, though more studies are needed.

Strengthens the Barrier

Rich in omega-3, omega-6, and omega-7 fatty acids, squalane promotes cellular regeneration and skin resilience. Its high content of palmitoleic acid—another naturally occurring lipid—supports blemish-prone skin and helps rebuild the barrier for a stronger, healthier complexion.

Supports the Microbiome

Emerging research in dermatology suggests squalane may act as a natural prebiotic, helping to suppress harmful bacteria while encouraging the growth of beneficial strains. This balance is vital for maintaining the acid mantle, your skin’s first line of defence.

Let’s recap

Speeds up healing: Encourages cellular regeneration to support faster recovery.

Mimics skin’s natural oils: Its skin-identical lipids help lock in moisture and balance oil levels.

Powerful antioxidant: Highly stable and effective at protecting against environmental damage and oxidation.

Barrier-repairing emollient: Softens rough, dry skin without leaving an oily residue.

Soothes inflammation: Calms red, irritated, and ultra-sensitive skin—ideal for eczema, psoriasis, and post-procedure care.

To conclude. The naked truth

When the skin is thirsty, stressed, or just not playing nice, squalane steps in like a skin-soothing superhero.

It hydrates without heaviness, calms without clogging, and strengthens where your barrier needs most.

From flaky patches to fine lines, it targets the signs of imbalance and reverses them—fast.

Whether you use it alone or in one of our targeted treatments, your skin will thank you with restored radiance and long-lasting comfort.

In a world full of complicated skincare, this is one oil that is simple and effective.

References

Biological activities of squalane: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6253993/
What the heck is squalane: squalane: squalane:https://www.self.com/story/what-is-squalane-oil-skin-care
Plant sources of squalane: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ija/2018/1829160/
Benefits of squalane: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1526-0968.2004.00175.

</div