Squalane or argan oil: which one for your skin?

Squalane is a pure molecule, argan oil is a complete blend. Both nourish the skin, but one does so without adding anything else, while the other provides everything a vegetable oil contains. That's where the choice lies.

What sets them apart

What is squalane?

Squalane is obtained from olive oil or sugarcane, then hydrogenated to become stable. The animal origin, historically shark liver, is no longer used in common products.

The result is a pure molecule, without odor or color. Squalane provides no vitamins, antioxidants, or essential fatty acids: it is an emollient, and nothing else.

This neutrality is its main advantage. On sensitized skin, or alongside a demanding active ingredient, the fewer interacting compounds there are, the better.

Its texture is remarkably light and it penetrates quickly, leaving no film. It can be stored for years.

What is argan oil?

Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, native to southwestern Morocco. Its composition is rich in oleic acid and linoleic acid, with a notable fraction of vitamin E.

It nourishes and softens, with a noticeable effect from the first application on tight skin. Its texture remains moderately rich, which suits most skin types.

Unlike squalane, argan oil therefore provides active compounds in addition to its emollient effect. This is an advantage when seeking a single product, a disadvantage when neutrality is desired.

Which one to choose?

Alongside a retinol or an acid: squalane, for its neutrality.

A single product that does it all: argan oil, more complete.

Oily skin, heavy textures not well tolerated: squalane, very light.

Dry or mature skin: argan oil, more nourishing.

Very reactive skin: squalane, whose purity eliminates any risk of interaction.

Using them together

It's possible and sometimes useful. Squalane first, being more fluid, then argan oil as the final layer on areas that need it.

Most people don't need both. Choosing one of the two and using it correctly will produce more results than layering both without a method.

Application

Two to three drops are enough for the entire face. Warm them between your palms and press onto the skin rather than spreading.

Apply to skin that is not completely dry: an oil does not contain water; it prevents the skin's water from escaping. This is what distinguishes nourishing from hydrating.

How to choose your argan oil

First cold press, non-deodorized, in a dark bottle. The ingredient list should be a single line: Argania spinosa kernel oil.

Cosmetic argan oil does not have the roasted scent of food-grade oil, whose kernels are toasted before pressing. A roasted hazelnut smell indicates cooking oil.

How to choose your squalane

The list should be limited to squalane. Check the stated origin—olive or sugarcane—if it's important to you.

Do not confuse it with squalene, without the "a," which is the non-hydrogenated form and oxidizes quickly. The difference of one letter changes the product's stability.

Storage

Squalane can be stored for years without any special precautions. Argan oil lasts twelve to eighteen months after opening, stored away from light and tightly closed.

Rancid oil has lost its useful fraction, and its smell becomes pungent. That's the only test you need.

What neither of them does

Neither product acts on established wrinkles or spots. They are fatty substances: they improve comfort and suppleness, which is already a lot, but they don't transform the skin.

Neither protects from the sun either. Daily sun protection remains essential, and it has a greater effect on the signs of aging than any oil.

The final word

These products are cosmetics and act on the skin's appearance without treating conditions. Skin that remains irritated despite discontinuing products requires dermatological advice.