Squalane

A lightweight oil that mimics skin's own sebum and almost never clogs pores.

moderate evidencePregnancy-safeIrritancy 0/5

Squalane is the stable, saturated version of squalene, a lipid the skin produces naturally. It absorbs quickly, leaves no greasy film, and has an unusually low tendency to clog pores for an oil. Most cosmetic squalane is now derived from olives or sugarcane rather than shark liver.

What it helps with

Dryness · 4/5 Barrier damage · 3/5 Dehydration · 3/5 Sensitivity · 3/5

Products containing it

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer$13.15 The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane$7.90

Related reading

Repairing a damaged skin barrier

The fix is almost entirely subtraction. Here is what to stop, and what to keep.

Routine is educational and is not medical advice. Recommendations are generated from the answers you gave and general dermatological guidance — they cannot account for your full history. For persistent or severe skin conditions, or before starting anything new during pregnancy, speak to a doctor or dermatologist.