Exfoliation | 14.05.2025

Squalane vs. Hyaluronic Acid: Which does your skin need?

There are several reasons why your skin might be lacking in hydration. Sun exposure, cold weather, indoor heating, and air travel can all leave it looking dull and feeling tight and irritated. 

Choosing the right skincare ingredients can help to restore balance. This is where squalane and hyaluronic acid can play a key role in your regimen. But what do they do, and how do you know which one your skin is craving?

In this guide, we'll explore the two, focusing on the difference between squalane and hyaluronic acid, what they bring to a skincare routine and look at the times when both ingredients work together.

What is squalane?

Squalane is a lightweight, long-lasting version of squalene. This natural lipid – a type of fatty compound – is something your skin already produces. Squalane is a refined, lightweight oil derived from natural sources like sugarcane. Squalene is an oily substance that's produced in the sebaceous glands and is one of the main components of sebum. 

In its natural form, squalene is prone to oxidation and clogging pores, so a saturated version – squalane – is obtained through a process called hydrogenation.

As we age, we naturally lose squalene, which is one of the reasons why the skin's hydration levels drop over time. Therefore, introducing squalane can help to enhance hydration in the skin. It feels silky, absorbs quickly, and doesn't leave a greasy residue. As it's an emollient, squalane softens skin and smooths texture, while its occlusive properties create a protective layer that locks in moisture and shields your skin from environmental damage.

Why use it? 

• Squalane mimics the skin's natural oils, so your body recognizes it. 
• If your skin feels rough, tight, or flaky, squalane can help restore softness and resilience. 
• It's non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores or cause breakouts and is suitable for oily or blemish-prone skin. 
• This ingredient is also ideal for dry skin, helping to prevent moisture loss and strengthen the skin barrier.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in your skin, as well as your eyes and joints. It's a humectant, which means it attracts water, binding to water molecules in the skin and helping retain hydration at the surface. It's a key ingredient for maintaining a plump, dewy and hydrated complexion.

Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types, especially dry or dehydrated skin. It can retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it ideal when you need to lock in moisture. 

Why use it?

• If your skin looks dull or feels tight, hyaluronic acid can rehydrate it fast. 
• It's especially effective when layered under a moisturizer to help seal in hydration.
• Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types but is particularly helpful for dehydrated, oily, or combination skin. 

What's the difference between squalane and hyaluronic acid?

While these two ingredients both provide skin hydration, they work in very different ways.

• Function

Squalane is an emollient and occlusive. It prevents water from evaporating and adds richness to your skin's natural oils.

Unlike squalane, hyaluronic acid doesn't stay on the surface. It's a humectant that penetrates the upper layers of the skin and draws in water from the environment or deeper layers. This plumps the skin, smooths fine lines, and gives a fresh glow.

• Texture

Squalane feels smooth and silky, like a dry oil. Hyaluronic acid is usually in a light gel or serum form and absorbs quickly, leaving a damp finish.

• Application

When introducing these two ingredients to your routine, use hyaluronic acid first to draw in the moisture. Apply squalane last to lock in hydration and protect the skin barrier.

• Effect on the skin

Hyaluronic acid gives you an immediate plumping effect. Squalane offers longer-lasting softness and helps keep your skin barrier intact.

To explore expert-formulated hydration using these ingredients, check out the ZO® Hydration Range, designed to nourish, protect, and hydrate all skin types with professional-grade formulas.

Squalane vs. hyaluronic acid: Which one should you use?

While both squalane and hyaluronic acid are considered suitable for all skin types, you may find your skin benefits from one more than the other. Here's a look at what each does for different types of skin:

• Dry: Squalane is your go-to if your skin is particularly dry. This is because it reinforces the skin barrier and helps seal in moisture over time. Use it after hydrating products to lock everything in.
• Dehydrated: Reach for hyaluronic acid. It boosts your skin's hydration content quickly and improves elasticity and radiance.
• Oily or blemish-prone: Both ingredients can help. Hyaluronic acid hydrates without adding oil, while squalane can regulate sebum production and soothe inflammation. Start with hyaluronic acid and follow with a product containing squalane.
• Sensitive: Squalane has calming, non-irritating properties that make it a safe choice. Hyaluronic acid can sometimes cause a tingling sensation if your skin barrier is compromised, so look for lightweight versions of the acid or swap it for squalane. 
• Combination: Use both, but strategically. Apply hyaluronic acid all over, then dab squalane onto drier areas.
• Aging or mature: Layer both. Hyaluronic acid plumps fine lines and squalane helps improve firmness and elasticity over time by supporting your skin's protective layer.

Can I use squalane and hyaluronic acid together?

These two ingredients work very well together. Hyaluronic acid brings water to the skin, while squalane keeps it there.

To use them together:

• Wash your face with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser.
• While your skin is still slightly damp, apply a hyaluronic acid serum.
• Wait about 30 seconds, then apply a lightweight moisturizing product that contains squalane. ZO® Recovery Crème features an emollient blend of squalane, shea butter and ceramide NG. It pairs beautifully with hydrating serums. 

Introduce squalane and hyaluronic acid to your regimen with ZO®

If you want to introduce squalane and hyaluronic acid into your routine, we can help. Create your ZO® to-do list using our regimen finder tool. We can then match you with the best products for your skin. 

We're also here to answer your questions and offer tips and advice about our products. Get in touch and we'll talk to you about hydrating ingredients that are suited to your skincare needs.