Combining Squalane and Jojoba Oil: The Method

These two skincare products perform similar functions, and layering them only makes sense in specific cases. Squalane is a pure molecule, while jojoba oil is a liquid wax similar to sebum. This page explains when and how to combine them.

Key points

• Order: Squalane first, then jojoba oil.
• Quantities: Two drops of each, no more.
• Before: A product that provides water to the skin.
• When: As the last layer, morning or evening.
• In the morning: Follow with sun protection.

What each provides

Squalane is obtained from olive oil or sugarcane, then hydrogenated to become stable. It is a pure, odorless molecule: neither a vitamin, an antioxidant, nor an essential fatty acid.

Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis, a shrub from arid regions of North America. It is not composed of triglycerides like other vegetable oils but of wax esters.

This composition makes it chemically very similar to human sebum. It also provides a fraction of vitamin E, which squalane does not.

Both penetrate quickly and leave no film. This is what distinguishes them from richer vegetable oils, and why people hesitate between them.

When combining them makes sense

On dry skin in winter, when a single oil-based product is no longer sufficient. On combination skin, where squalane covers the face and jojoba oil treats tight areas. And alongside a demanding active ingredient, where squalane cushions and the oil nourishes.

In all other cases, one of the two is sufficient. Using one product well provides more benefits than layering two products without a method.

Application order

The thinnest product first. Squalane penetrates very quickly; jojoba oil, being a bit waxy, forms the final layer.

Reversing the order is not dramatic but remains pointless: the first oil applied would slow down the penetration of the second without adding anything extra.

Why apply to damp skin

An oil does not contain water. It prevents the skin's water from escaping, which implies that there must be water to retain.

Applying to skin that is still supple after cleansing is sufficient. An upstream hydrating serum works even better, and it's the most cost-effective addition to a routine focused on oil-based skincare.

Without this step, you get oily skin on the surface and dry underneath. This is the most common mistake with oils, and the easiest to correct.

Quantities

Two drops of squalane, two drops of jojoba oil for the entire face. Warm between your palms and press onto the skin rather than spreading.

Applying more does not nourish better: the excess remains on the surface, shines, and ends up on the pillow. The right amount is the one that has disappeared after two minutes.

Integrating them into a routine

Morning: cleanse, hydrate, squalane, sun protection. Jojoba oil can also be applied, in very small quantities, if your skin tolerates it under a sunscreen.

Evening: cleanse, hydrate, any active ingredients, squalane, jojoba oil. Oil-based products always come last, after anything that needs to penetrate.

According to your skin type

Dry skin: Both, every evening, generously on rough areas.

Combination skin: Squalane everywhere, jojoba oil on the cheeks.

Oily skin: Jojoba oil alone, as its similarity to sebum is well tolerated.

Sensitive skin: Squalane first, alone, for two weeks, before adding the other.

On the face and beyond

These products are not limited to the face. Jojoba oil is suitable for hair ends, the scalp for some, and hands; squalane for legs after showering.

Apply to damp skin, right after bathing. The cost per use then becomes negligible, and it's a natural way to get the most out of a bottle.

Choosing your products

For squalane, the ingredient list should be limited to squalane. Be careful of squalene without an "a," a non-hydrogenated form that oxidizes quickly.

For jojoba, look for Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, first cold pressed. A quality natural oil has a single line on the label.

Added essential oils do not provide any useful benefits here and increase the risk of reaction. A simple formula remains the best choice.

Preservation

Both last a very long time, which distinguishes them from most vegetable oils. Squalane is stable for years; jojoba, thanks to its wax nature, practically does not go rancid.

This is a real practical advantage: a bottle purchased is a bottle used to the end.

What this combination does not do

It does not act on wrinkles or dark spots. These are comfort products, and they fulfill this role well without exceeding it.

It does not protect from the sun. Daily sun protection remains essential, regardless of the products in your routine.

In conclusion

These products are cosmetics and improve the comfort and suppleness of the skin, without treating any condition. Persistent dryness despite appropriate care warrants medical advice.