It is impossible to have a conversation about oil without bringing up the possibility of it clogging the pores and squalane is no exception. With squalane’s rise in popularity, there are a lot of questions about the safety of squalane oil, especially for people with oily skin looking to enjoy its benefits but are scared of ending up with clogged pores. If that sounds like you this article will clear all your doubts.
Is Squalane Oil Comedogenic Or Does Squalane Oil Clog Pores?
I am one to always encourage people to introduce facial oils in their night routines because of how supple they make the skin feel the next day. Unfortunately, not all plant oils are great for every skin type and some tend to be comedogenic or clog the skin’s pores.
Every facial oil has a comedogenic rating - which is a rating or scale of how likely an oil is to cause an obstruction (clogging) within the skin’s pores.
Although this rating system is not standardized, it remains an important guide in choosing skincare products because clogged pores can lead to issues like acne, texture irregularities, inflammation, skin discoloration, and even infections, etc. which goes without saying, are things we all want to avoid. Squalane is a like-weight hydrogenated oil that is considered non-comedogenic with a rating of 0-1 on a scale from 0 to 5, where 0-1 means not likely to clog pores.
It is safe to use on all skin types including sensitive, oily/acne-prone skin and because squalane is one of the substances that make up our natural sebum, it helps the skin balance its sebum production for optimal function. It absorbs fast into the skin and replenishes the skin’s natural reserves of squalane, improving skin barrier function and reducing the risk of irritation.
Does Olive Squalane Clog Pores?
Most of the squalane used in the skincare industry is mainly sourced from plants like olive, rice bran, amaranth seeds, and sugar cane. Olive-derived squalane is obtained during the olive oil refining process as a by-product and then purified. This results in a lighter and quick-to-absorb oil as opposed to a heavier olive oil that is moderately comedogenic. Regardless of the plant source, squalane has the same molecular structure and low comedogenic rating.
The Debate Around Pore Clogging And Squalane
Concerns about squalane potentially clogging pores primarily arise from misunderstandings or confusion with similar ingredients, usage formulations…etc. Here are a few reasons for these concerns:
Confusion with Squalene:
Some people worry that squalane might clog pores because they confuse it with squalene, its unsaturated/unstable counterpart. Squalene is naturally produced by human skin and can oxidize, potentially leading to clogged pores and acne. However, squalane is a hydrogenated, stable form of squalene and does not oxidize in the same way, making it much less likely to cause these issues.
Perception of Oils as Comedogenic:
Oils in skincare have suffered a negative PR over the years and have often been associated with pore-clogging, especially by individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. Squalane, despite being an oil (technically it isn’t), is lightweight and non-greasy, which allows it to be absorbed quickly without leaving a heavy residue. This reduces the risk of it sitting on the skin's surface and clogging pores.
Overuse or Layering:
Another concern arises when squalane is layered with multiple products, potentially creating an occlusive layer that might trap sebum or other ingredients against the skin. This is not a direct issue with squalane but rather with the overall skincare routine. Using too many layers of emollient products can increase the likelihood of clogged pores in some individuals.
Inconsistent Formulations:
Not all squalane products are created equal. Some formulations may include other ingredients that have a higher comedogenic rating, which could contribute to pore-clogging even if squalane itself does not.
Why Does My Skin Hate Squalane?
While squalane is generally non-comedogenic, skin reactions can vary from person to person. Some individuals with particularly sensitive or reactive skin might experience issues if they use a formulation that includes squalane with other comedogenic ingredients. However, this is more about the overall formulation rather than squalane itself being the cause.
To figure out if you have an allergic reaction to squalane you can patch test your squalane-based product on the skin of your forearm or neck to watch for possible reaction.
To know if your skin hates squalane (or any other active ingredient) get another squalane-based product from a different brand and compare the ingredient lists. Take note of all similar ingredients and check if you have any other product in your routine with these ingredients, that do not irritate your skin and proceed by illumination until you find the culprit.
PS: This was how I discovered my allergy to lactic acid and rose water.
Does Squalane Make Your Face Oily?
If you are considering squalane for your oily skin, rest assured that it is not likely to make your skin more oily. Squalane is very light, non-greasy, and absorbs fast into the skin with the additional benefit of helping your skin regulate the amount of sebum it produces.
Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can help oily skin experience less acne flare-ups resulting in smoother skin.
Squalane Comedogenic Rating
Here is a comparison between squalane oil and other oils that are great for oily skin.
Oil | Properties | Comedogenic Scale | Main Benefit |
Squalane | Lightweight, non-comedogenic, mimics natural sebum | 0-1 | Moisturizes and soothes without clogging pores |
Jojoba Oil | Non-comedogenic, resembles human sebum | 0-2 | Balances oil production, light hydration |
Argan Oil | Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, slightly heavier | 0-1 | Nourishes, anti-aging, suitable for combination skin |
Rosehip Oil | Dry oil, quick absorption, rich in vitamins A and C | 1-2 | Brightens skin, reduces scars, and hyperpigmentation |
Coconut Oil | Highly comedogenic, deeply moisturizing, antibacterial | 4-5 | Deep moisturization, is not suitable for oily skin |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Squalane Oil Clog Pores?
Squalane oil is highly unlikely to clog pores due to its lightweight and non-comedogenic nature. It closely mimics the skin's natural sebum, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue, making it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
Is Squalane Comedogenic?
Squalane is generally considered non-comedogenic, with a rating of 0-1 on the comedogenic scale. This means it has a very low likelihood of causing clogged pores or acne, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin.
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