Quick Comparison
| Argan Oil | Squalane | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Concentration | Apply 2-4 drops to damp or dry skin after water-based products. Can be used morning and night. For hair: apply to damp ends. Cold-pressed, cosmetic-grade oil preferred over culinary grade (which is roasted and has different properties). | Can be used pure (100% squalane oil) or in formulations. Apply 2-3 drops after water-based products. Can be mixed with moisturizer. Safe for morning and night use. Non-comedogenic rating: 0-1 (very unlikely to clog pores). |
| Application | Topical (pure oil or in formulations). Apply as final step of skincare or mixed with moisturizer. | Topical (oil, serum, cream ingredient). Apply as the last step of skincare (after water-based products) or mix into moisturizer. |
| Research Papers | 10 papers | 10 papers |
| Categories |
Mechanism of Action
Argan Oil
Oleic acid (43-49%) and linoleic acid (29-36%) provide emollient and barrier-repair effects. Linoleic acid is component of ceramide 1 (acylceramide); acne-prone skin has been shown to have 50% less in sebum — topical supplementation may normalize follicular linoleate levels and reduce comedone formation. Oleic acid enhances penetration of other actives but can disrupt barrier in excess. Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) at 600-900 mg/kg provides antioxidant protection against lipid peroxidation. Squalene (6-8%) mimics skin's natural sebum composition. Polyphenols (ferulic acid, vanillic acid) provide additional antioxidant effects and may inhibit tyrosinase. Fatty acid profile supports lamellar body formation and ceramide synthesis in keratinocytes. Comedogenic rating 0-2. Cold-pressed oil retains tocopherols and polyphenols lost in refined versions.
Squalane
Squalane is the fully hydrogenated form of squalene—a C30 isoprenoid hydrocarbon. As a saturated branched-chain hydrocarbon, squalane forms a non-occlusive emollient film that fills intercellular lipid spaces and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by approximately 20-30%. Squalene comprises ~12% of human sebum (synthesized via mevalonate pathway); squalane's structural similarity confers high biocompatibility and minimal comedogenic potential. Hydrogenation of squalene's six double bonds eliminates oxidative susceptibility—squalene peroxidizes with UV exposure while squalane remains stable. Squalane penetrates the stratum corneum and may support barrier lipid organization. Plant-derived squalane (sugarcane, olive) is structurally identical.
Risks & Safety
Argan Oil
Common
May cause breakouts in some acne-prone individuals despite relatively low comedogenic rating.
Serious
None.
Rare
Allergic reaction (tree nut allergy cross-reactivity is very rare but possible).
Squalane
Common
Essentially none. May cause breakouts in a small percentage of people despite low comedogenic rating.
Serious
None.
Rare
Allergic reaction is extremely rare.
Full Profiles
Argan Oil →
A luxury oil from the Argania spinosa tree native to Morocco, rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin E, and squalene. Argan oil provides excellent moisturization, antioxidant protection, and anti-inflammatory effects. It has a favorable comedogenic rating for an oil and is absorbed relatively quickly. Used for face, hair, and body. Cold-pressed, unrefined oil retains the most bioactives.
Squalane →
A lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient oil derived from squalene — a lipid naturally produced by human sebaceous glands. Squalane (the hydrogenated, stable form) mimics the skin's natural oils, making it an excellent moisturizer that rarely causes breakouts. It softens skin, reduces water loss, and has antioxidant properties. Increasingly sourced from sugarcane and olives rather than shark liver.