Have you ever looked at the back of a skincare product and seen “squalane” or “squalene” and thought, wait... is that a typo?
You’re not alone. These two ingredients sound almost identical — and they’re both used in skincare — but they’re not the same. One is shelf-stable, skin-friendly, and deeply hydrating. The other? Not so much.
As we prepare to relaunch Luma, our signature facial oil, I want to pull back the curtain and show you why we carefully chose squalane as one of our new key ingredients — and what it’s doing for your skin behind the scenes.
Squalene (with an "e") — The Natural Compound
Squalene is a naturally occurring lipid that your body actually produces on its own. It’s found in your skin’s sebum and helps keep it soft and hydrated. It’s also found in olives, rice bran, and — traditionally — shark liver oil (😬 don’t worry, we don’t use that).
The downside? Squalene is highly unstable. It oxidizes quickly, which can cause it to go bad or even clog pores. That’s why you rarely see it in its raw form on ingredient lists anymore.
Squalane (with an "a") — The Skincare Hero
Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene. That one little letter makes a big difference.
Here’s why we love it:
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Stable + Long-Lasting: Doesn’t oxidize like squalene
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Non-Comedogenic: Won’t clog your pores
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Lightweight + Fast-Absorbing: Feels silky on the skin without leaving a greasy layer
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Hydrating + Soothing: Mimics skin’s natural oils to restore balance
Squalane is one of those quiet powerhouse ingredients — it helps everything else in your skincare routine work better by reinforcing your skin barrier and locking in moisture.
Why We Added It to Luma
As part of Luma’s reformulation, we wanted to make sure every ingredient worked with your skin, not just on it. By adding plant-based squalane (derived from olives), we’re giving your skin a dose of nourishment that’s effective, gentle, and fast-absorbing — perfect for everyday use.
Combined with prickly pear, rosehip CO₂, and sea buckthorn, squalane helps create a balanced glow that feels as good as it looks.
Want First Access?
Luma is coming back on September 22.
If you want early access and behind-the-scenes updates, sign up below to join our relaunch list. You’ll be the first to know when it drops.
Closing Thought:
Squalane may not get the same spotlight as other buzzy skincare ingredients, but it’s the kind of behind-the-scenes hero your skin will thank you for. Trust us — your glow will tell the story.
