May 3, 2021
Our squalane – never heard of it? 6 reasons why you should know it
by Lena Severin
Squalane. Strange name, but what lies behind it is quite effective! Find out here why we decided to include squalane in our product family, how it is obtained, what good it does for you and of course how you can best use this new favorite product!
- Squalane – What’s behind it?
- 6 reasons why it should no longer be a foreign word
- How do I integrate it into my routine?
- Squalane – More than a skin care product
- How to integrate squalane into your skincare routine
Squalane – What’s behind it?
Before the information about the new oil becomes clearer, I have to confuse you a bit more, because the actual substance that already occurs in the skin is not called squalane, but squalene. No typo! However, since squalene is an unsaturated fatty acid, it is not particularly suitable for use in cosmetics in this form, as it is quite reactive and therefore does not last long. Squalane, on the other hand, is oxidation-stable, which means it lasts longer and we do not have to worry about the good properties of the active ingredient being lost after a short time. 15% of our skin already consists of squalene, which is why plant-based squalane is very similar to the skin's own sebum. You can find out why this is so beneficial for the care of our largest organ below.
Squalane, the plant-based active ingredient (so-called phytosqualane), is extracted from vegetable oil residues from olives. However, it is not comparable to conventional olive oil. Squalane is transparent, completely odorless and less greasy, which is why it can score well in the skincare routine - even for oily skin.
Anyone who knows a little about our JUNGLÜCK range knows that we already have some pure oils in our product family. Argan oil, almond oil, castor oil and jojoba oil. Squalane complements our oil family wonderfully. Our product developer Monika explains why: “Our new squalane is the fastest absorbing and lightest oil of all in the JUNGLÜCK range. This makes it perfect for oily or impure skin and for anyone who doesn't like a heavy, oily skin feeling. It is the perfect addition to our other natural oils.” Our squalane is obtained from 100% olives from southern Europe, so it is purely plant-based, vegan and of course not tested on animals according to PETA standards, just like all of our other pure oils.
6 reasons why squalane should no longer be a foreign word:
1. Squalane is a real moisture booster
An oil as a moisture booster? Yes, of course! If you use squalane for a longer period of time, it supports the formation of the hydrolipid film on the skin, which is responsible for moisture regulation. If this film is strengthened in its natural function with the help of squalane, it prevents transdermal water loss. In short: the skin's moisture is in balance and stays where it should be.
2. Squalane for blemishes, acne and oily skin
Minus times minus equals plus, that's what we learned in math class. But this rule can also be applied in the world of cosmetics, as in the example of squalane. Oily, blemished or even acne-affected skin can be balanced out again with prolonged use. And this is how it works: Since squalane is very similar to the skin's sebum, constant use tricks the skin into thinking that it has already produced enough oil. This balances out the overproduction and allows the pores to relax a little. On top of that, the oil moisturizes and is non-comedogenic, i.e. does not clog pores, which is why squalane can also be used to control blemishes and acne.
3. Squalane as a carrier
Due to its light texture, it is easy to spread; just a few drops are enough for larger areas and it is quickly absorbed into the skin. Combined with other active ingredients, the squalane simply pulls them along on the way into the deeper layers of the skin, as you can see in the graphic below. This is advantageous, for example, when using the vitamin C or retinal serum on sensitive skin, in order to transport the active ingredients into the skin layers, but at the same time also soothe the skin, provide it with moisture and thus prevent redness and irritated areas.
4. Champion of Durability
As you have already read above, the skin's own substance squalene is unfortunately not particularly durable because it reacts quickly with environmental influences. Squalane has a more stable molecular structure and therefore does not oxidize as quickly. In its pure form, without added preservatives, it can be used for several months without you having to worry about it going bad.
5. An all-round talent
Due to its light texture and yield, it can be used either on its own or as a drop-by-drop addition to body lotion, aloe vera gel or creams. You can achieve a lot with a little: namely, a silky-soft skin feeling, even in particularly dry areas. But the possible uses are not limited to that. Squalane also shows its positive properties in the hair. Here, it is of course very individual whether and, if so, how much you need for your hair. In general, the oil can also be used for less thick, normal and slightly finer hair as a leave-in product after washing, because it does not weigh down the hair and does not leave an oily film on it, but supplies it with valuable nutrients and gives it strength.
6. Sharing is Caring: An oil for mom and baby
Our squalane can be used without hesitation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and baby's skin also benefits from the light but rich care. Squalane is not a foreign substance for the skin, as it is already familiar with it from its own sebum, which is why the oil has an anti-allergenic effect. It helps to strengthen the skin's protective layer, particularly for dry baby and mother's skin, and thus gives the skin moisture and keeps it nice and soft and elastic. A property that is particularly helpful for growing mothers' bellies to avoid and care for stretch marks as best as possible.
But now let’s get down to business: How does squalane find its place in your skincare routine?
Face
We always order the products from thin to thick. Oils are therefore used at the end of your care routine. To do this, apply around three to five drops of squalane to your damp face as needed and massage it into your skin with gentle movements. If you want to make your day or night cream a little richer, you can mix a few drops of squalane into the back of your hand and then apply it to your face. For a less rich treatment, you can also mix the squalane with a pump of aloe vera gel. This combination is particularly recommended for blemished and oily skin!
Hair
After washing your hair, knead a few drops of the oil into the lengths of your hair. For finer hair, 2-3 drops are enough. For everyone in the curly hair club, here is my personal insider tip: Mix a few drops of the oil with 1-2 pumps of the aloe vera gel and knead the mixture into the entire length of your hair. This will give your curly head a beautifully defined head of curls!
By the way, do you already know our hair care lines and scalp tonics ?
body
If your skin is particularly dry in winter, you can either use the oil on its own or add it to your body lotion. Thirsty summer skin will appreciate an extra dose of moisture with the aloe vera gel. Mixed with a few drops of squalane, the product penetrates deep into the skin, making it the ideal combination for final care after days in the sun (not without sunscreen, of course).
Squalane – Mediterranean miracle cure?
There have been some studies on the incidence of cancer that have shown that the numbers are significantly lower in the Mediterranean region than, for example, in the Americas or Scandinavia. It has also been found that in countries such as Italy, Spain and Greece the risk of developing breast cancer is 65% lower than in the other regions mentioned. The connection with the diet in these Mediterranean countries is obvious, because they consume around 200-400 mg of squalene per person every day through the consumption of olive oil. This is around 10 times more than in other countries. Scientists around the world are therefore discussing the use of squalene as an immunostimulant therapeutic agent. Applying squalene or squalane externally through cosmetics and at the same time absorbing it internally through the consumption of high-quality olive oil is not only good for the skin and hair, but also for the rest of the body.
Off to the bathroom cupboard with it!
Squalane is an absolute all-rounder that, thanks to its skin-like structure, has a nourishing effect that can help restore balance, especially for greasy, oily, dry and blemished skin, and supports the skin in its natural functions - one of many reasons to include it in our range and that is why I would particularly like to recommend it to you if your skin is causing you problems. Because for us at JUNGLÜCK, the most important thing is that we feel comfortable in our skin.
If you would like to find out more about our new highlight, please take a look at our Instagram page or our YouTube channel. Our customer care team and skincare experts are available to provide you with individual advice by phone, email or social media message. We look forward to hearing from you!
Have a good time!