Squalane, the emollient that speaks your skin’s language
By Jeremy Fain, founder of Restelys. Updated 17 October 2026. 3 sources cited.
Our skin makes squalene itself. Olive squalane is its stable version: that is why it softens without ever feeling heavy.
Human sebum contains a significant share of squalene, a molecule the skin produces to stay supple and protected. Researchers consider it one of the most characteristic lipids of the skin surface.
Squalene oxidises quickly in air; squalane, obtained from olives and then stabilised, keeps its qualities without that drawback. It spreads easily, sinks in without a greasy film and adds softness, which makes it an emollient of choice.
In our body lotion it brings the silky feel you notice from the first application; in our conditioner it coats the fibre and makes detangling easier.
Sources
- Pappas A. “Epidermal surface lipids”. Dermato-Endocrinology, 2009.
- Huang Z.R., Lin Y.K., Fang J.Y. “Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: potential uses in cosmetic dermatology”. Molecules, 2009.
- Kim S.K., Karadeniz F. “Biological importance and applications of squalene and squalane”. Advances in Food and Nutrition Research, 2012.
The studies cited concern the ingredient or the skin, not our finished products.
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