Squalane Or Hyaluronic Acid: Which Is The Better Ingredient When It Comes To Skin Hydration?

While hyaluronic acid has been the go-to for years, a new star, squalane, has entered the chat!

Hydration is one skin concern that almost everyone in India deals with, whether it’s from the hot, dry weather or just not drinking enough water. Dull, dry, flaky skin is incredibly common especially if you have naturally dry or dehydrated skin. That’s why hydrating skincare ingredients have become such a rage in recent years. And if you’re even slightly into skincare, you’ve probably heard of two of the biggest names in hydration: hyaluronic acid and squalane. While hyaluronic acid has been the go-to for years, a new star, squalane, has entered the chat. But which one is actually better for your skin? Let’s break it down.

What Are Squalane And Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a sugar molecule that naturally exists in our skin and helps hold onto water, literally up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture. When applied topically, it acts like a moisture magnet, pulling water into the skin and giving it a plump, juicy appearance. That’s why HA serums are so popular for that dewy, glass-skin look.
Squalane, on the other hand, is a lightweight oil derived from olives or sugarcane, and it mimics the skin’s natural oils. It’s a more stable version of squalene (with an ‘e’), which we produce naturally but lose over time. Squalane helps prevent moisture loss by forming a barrier on the skin, locking hydration in and leaving the skin soft and smooth.

So How Are They Different?

Think of hyaluronic acid as a humectant, it draws moisture in. But that’s the catch: if the air around you is dry (which is often the case in Indian climates or air-conditioned rooms), HA can actually pull water from deeper layers of your skin, making it even more dehydrated if not sealed in with a good moisturizer.

Squalane, however, is more like a sealant. It doesn’t attract water, but it keeps it from escaping. Plus, it’s incredibly gentle, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), and works beautifully even on sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Also Read: Is Hyaluronic Acid Drying Your Skin? 4 Alternative Skincare Ingredients You Can Try

What Should You Use?

If your skin feels tight, parched, and thirsty all the time, you might actually need both. A good approach? Start with a hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin to draw in moisture, and follow it up with a few drops of squalane oil to lock that hydration in.
But if you live in a dry climate or have very sensitive skin, you might find that squalane alone gives you longer-lasting, irritation-free hydration without the need for layering.

While hyaluronic acid is still a great beginner hydrator, squalane might just be the underrated hero your skincare routine needs, especially if you’re looking for deeper nourishment and long-lasting softness. And if you can, combine the two for a hydration duo that works both above and below the surface.

Also Read: Hydration Or Moisturisation What Should Be On Your Priority List This Dry Winter?

First Published: April 08, 2025 1:36 PM