You may not have heard of this bizarre-sounding beauty ingredient, but actress Reese Witherspoon, 45, has and she’s now a fully paid-up member of the squalane fan club.
So sold is she on the credentials of this plant-based oil, with anti-ageing superpowers, she’s signed up as Global Ambassador for squalane skincare brand Biossance.
What is squalane? Firstly, squalene (with an e) is one of the most common oils the body makes, which keeps our skin moisturised, supple and youthful-looking. As we age we make less of it, leaving us prone to dryness and wrinkles.
Victoria Woodhall puts a selection of creams and oils containing squalene to the test, as Reese Witherspoon (pictured) becomes Global Ambassador for squalane skincare brand Biossance
Squalane (with an a) is almost identical, can be made from plants, and our skin laps it up, softening lines and adding glow.
Aesthetician Fiona Brackenbury counts squalane among the top treats for skin conditioning. ‘There isn’t a skin type that wouldn’t benefit from this hero ingredient,’ she says.
If you’re prone to waking up with skin dry as a husk after a night of menopausal sweats, squalane will help prevent that moisture loss too.
For decades cosmetics companies put an animal squalene into everything from sun creams to lip balms. It came from shark’s liver. Now the plant version squalane, which comes from olives, sugar cane and rice bran, is having a moment.
It’s the vegan and sustainable halo that has captured Witherspoon’s attention. Biossance claims it saves two million sharks a year simply by using the plant alternative.
We put the best squalene creams and oils to the test . . .
HOLLYWOOD HIT
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, £61, 30ml, cultbeauty.co.uk (pictured above)
WHAT IS IT? Reese Witherspoon’s favourite, this rose-scented oil (from extracts of petals rather than artificial fragrance) is made from sustainably sourced sugar cane squalane and has vitamin C for brightening and antioxidant protection.
I loved the scent and the pretty packaging. Because it absorbs so fast you can end up finishing this pricey bottle in a flash. I spritzed on a face mist first, which helped it go further and locked in more moisture.
VERDICT: Sinks in easily for an A-list finish. Too pricey for regular use though. 3/5
HORMONE HEALING
CBD Moisturiser J’Tanicals £49.95, 50ml, jtanicals.co.uk
Victoria said CBD Moisturiser J’Tanicals (pictured) is like a spa break for your face
WHAT IS IT? Founder Julia Wilde struggled with hormonal breakouts and sensitivity and so this just-out moisturiser targets sensitive and reactive skin. Squalane is a key oil and it also uses probiotics which, like squalane, are a power player for the skin barrier, while CBD (cannabidiol, a cannabis-derived oil) calms and regulates oil production.
When I used it at night, my skin looked really rested and for once I awoke without that tight-face feeling.
VERDICT: Like a spa break for your face. 3/5
YASMIN’S CHOICE
320Mhz Hydration Recovery Bio-energetic Serum Concentrate, £75, 30ml, 320mhz.com
Victoria said a little of 320Mhz Hydration Recovery Bio-energetic Serum Concentrate (pictured) goes a long way
WHAT IS IT? The Rolls-Royce of organic facial oils and a repeat purchase of Yasmin Le Bon, this is all about moisture-locking, with a combination of olive squalane, moringa and baobab oils.
The aromatherapy-grade essential oils of rose otto and neroli make this a treat for the senses without being overwhelming.
I liked the 30 ml rollerball (it also comes as a bottle with a pipette), which makes the application easy and less wasteful (a plus given the price!).
There’s a microalgae extract too, to combat damaging free radicals. My skin felt supple and nourished.
VERDICT: A little goes a long way. 4/5
BUDGET BEAUTY BUY
Q+A Squalane Facial Oil, £10, 30ml, qandaskin.com
Victoria said Q+A Squalane Facial Oil (pictured) goes with everything
WHAT IS IT? There’s nothing but olive squalane in this handbag-friendly dropper bottle. It makes the perfect booster to ramp up your moisturiser or body lotion, or to apply directly to dry skin.
Beware, bearded members of your household might want to steal it for beard oil.
I used it on top of my nightly retinol serum and it effectively lessened that morning-after dry feeling. Squalane is so versatile and neutral it pairs well with almost any active ingredient.
VERDICT: Goes with everything. 4/5
FOR RAVAGED HANDS
Green People Manuka & Lemon Tea Tree Hand Cream, £13, 50ml, greenpeople.co.uk
Victoria said Green People Manuka & Lemon Tea Tree Hand Cream (pictured) is non-sticky and has a velvety feel
WHAT IS IT? An antibacterial, organic hand cream that soothes dry or cracked hands. If you don’t want to wait for a gloopy hand cream to sink in, this is your new best friend.
It stops hands from drying out and creates a strong barrier.
There’s a slight medicinal smell from the antibacterial lemon tea tree, but this is a real winner in the age of hand sanitiser.
VERDICT: Non-sticky with a velvety feel. 3/5