10 Squalane Oil Products That'll Have You Glowing

If you’re forever on the hunt for your new favorite skincare MVP, consider adding squalane oil to your routine. The trendy ingredient is featured in an ever-rising number of anti-aging moisturizers and face serums, and it's even one of Jennifer Lopez’s skin secrets: Her recently-unveiled JLo Beauty line offers several products containing squalane, alongside another skin-supporting star, hyaluronic acid. "Squalane is a powerful anti-aging and anti-inflammatory ingredient that works by balancing the oil in your skin barrier," says Dr. Howard Sobel, founder of Sobel Skin and dermatologic surgeon at New York's Lenox Hill Hospital. "It’s also great for protecting against sun damage."

The plumping benefits of squalane oil are the same offered by squalene (with an e), a lipid that your skin makes naturally. Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, explains the science behind the glow-enhancing ingredient in deeper detail. “Squalene is a key component in the sebum that’s produced by your sebaceous glands, and sebum helps your skin barrier protect against irritants and allergens," Shainhouse says. “Squalene has antioxidant properties and can help prevent and undo daily free-radical damage caused by air pollution and UV exposure,” she adds (though that's still no stand-in for the UV protection of a great sunscreen).

Squalane with an a is the hydrogenized, and thus more shelf-stable, version found in products. While the use of squalene raised controversy in the past because it was often made from shark liver oil, check labels and you’ll find that squalane is typically plant-derived from cane sugar, olive, rice bran, or amaranth. It’s non pore-clogging, and great for people looking for a gentle but highly-effective moisturizer. “Squalane is ideal for sensitive skin, because it’s non-irritating and doesn’t induce allergic reactions—even at high concentrations,” says Samantha Ellis, a dermatologist based in Danville, CA. While you can see overnight improvement using it, as with any product, Ellis says, "consistent use is what leads to enhanced and long-lasting results."

Officially interested? Here are 10 of the best squalane oil products for your face and body, according to dermatologists.