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Liberty Lab Notes: What is Squalane?

What Is Squalane?

It’s the much-loved emollient that even the sensitive and breakout-prone among us can use, but should we all be including squalane in our skincare routine? Liberty investigates
By: Laura Kennedy

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What Is Squalane?

What Is Squalane?

It’s the much-loved emollient that even the sensitive and breakout-prone among us can use, but should we all be including squalane in our skincare routine? Liberty investigates

By: Laura Kennedy

What Is Squalane?

Squalane is instantly recognisable by its ability to lend skincare products a silky, cocooning texture. A deeply moisturising ingredient, it helps to hold water in the skin and maximises its suppleness, making it a common inclusion in barrier-reinforcing creams and facial oils. Squalane is believed to mimic the natural squalene produced by our bodies in sebum to lubricate our skin, but without any heavy or greasy feel. Because squalane is a biocompatible ingredient – recognisable to our bodies – it won’t cause irritation and our skin works with it to protect and moisturise itself, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin too. It’s a no-fuss, non-irritating ingredient that lends quick, noticeable results.

What’s the Difference Between Squalane and Squalene?

Squalane is a fatty acid and a derivative of squalene. It can be derived from plant oils like olive, sugarcane, and rice bran. Squalane is more stable than squalene – as a result, it makes a better addition to most skincare products as it won’t begin to break down when exposed to air.

Our skin’s natural ability to produce squalene begins to ebb at around thirty, and only continues to reduce as we age. Using squalane in skincare is a way to supplement your skin’s natural ability to reinforce itself and maintain moisture levels.

Can You Use Squalane If You Have Oily Skin?

Yes. Squalane is a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil, so it won’t clog pores or contribute to breakouts. If your skin is oily or breakout-prone, squalane may even help to regulate your skin’s natural sebum production by keeping it balanced and moisturised, and counteracting drying skincare. It can also help to ease inflammation in breakout-prone skin, so it’s good news all round.

How Do You Incorporate Squalane Into Your Skincare Routine?

This incredibly versatile ingredient can be used in skincare as well as lip and hair products due to its light texture and quick absorption. You can add a few drops of a squalane oil to your moisturiser when skin needs a boost, or just opt for a cream that contains squalane already. It’s in everything from oils to eye creams – it’s just a matter of choosing the texture your skin loves best.

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The Taylor Taylor salon at Liberty

Routines & Rituals: The Spa in the Heart of Soho

From transportive massages to transformative facials, and haircare tailored to modern life: there’s a world of ritual wonder hidden at Liberty
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The New Skin Tech to Try with Dr. David Jack

As his new clinic opens in store, the renowned aesthetics doctor and brand founder talks Liberty through the latest innovations in skin health
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By: Harriet Brown
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Inspired by LBTY: Liberty 1875 by RA Schools Graduate Esther Gamsu

Meet the winning Royal Academy Schools graduate behind the design of Liberty LBTY. Fragrance’s latest scent.
By: Team Liberty

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Discover the new Beauty Kits just launched at Liberty

Liberty, Home of the Best Beauty Kits and Boxes

All hail the Liberty beauty kit: our expertly curated edits of must-have beauty products designed to satisfy your every beauty need
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In Full Colour: Inside the Bold Kaleidoscope of Dries Van Noten Beauty

Liberty explores Dries Van Noten’s unbridled expression of maximalist bliss as the innovative brand brings its beauty collection to our Beauty Hall…

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In the Lobby with Réservation Parfums

Check in to the fantastical world of Liberty’s latest fragrance arrival, and uncover a world where scent and storytelling combine.
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By: Harriet Brown
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A Spotlight On: Black Owned Brands at Liberty

This Black History Month, discover the work of five Black-owned brands at Liberty leading a new generation of Liberty’s artistic movement

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Professional Skin Advice, in a Bottle

The hardest-working formulas full of cutting-edge ingredients, straight from the pros. Liberty shares the expert-led skincare brands deserving of your precious shelf space
By: Shannon Peter

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Ex Nihilo Blue Talisman Eau de Parfum

In The Studio with Ex Nihilo

Join Liberty as we step into Ex Nihilo’s world of boundary-pushing perfumery - where Parisian artistry meets innovation, and every scent is a statement of individuality.
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Anything but Routine: 4 Products to Transform Your Haircare Rituals

Relax into a new era of haircare routines: redefined for modern beauty needs.
By: Team Liberty

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Perfumer Clement Gavarry

Meet the Perfumer: Clement Gavarry

The creator of Liberty LBTY.’s new fragrance tells us about bottling 150 years of history and collaborating with the Royal Academy Schools
By: Georgia Graham

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By: Georgia Graham
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Arabella Preston’s Natural Skincare Mission

Liberty talks to the Votary co-founder about building a skincare empire, from the kitchen table to the Liberty Beauty Hall
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