Squalane is an ingredient in skin care that we’re hearing about more often these days that has become increasingly popular due to the numerous skin benefits it offers, including the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, improved skin elasticity, and powerful moisturizing properties. This multitasking moisturizer mimics the body’s natural version, and over the years squalane has been derived from various sources, many of which have been unstable or unethical.

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Clean beauty brand Biossance produces its own squalane, which is the key ingredient in all of its products. Drawing on the company’s rich history of science and sustainability, the brand creates skin care that is effective and safe without harming the environment or animals, while at the same time making a difference in the health of others. We spoke with Biossance President Catherine Gore, who answered all of our questions about squalane, its many benefits, and more.

#BeautyBoss: Catherine Gore, President of Biossance

What’s the difference between squalane and squalene?

The human body produces its own version of squalane (squalene), which is the skin’s own natural moisture. The amount present in your skin decreases as you age, leaving your skin dry and vulnerable. Biossance’s parent company, Amryis, Inc., was the first to develop a sustainable, sugarcane-derived squalane, which is recognized by your skin and weightlessly absorbed. No matter where it comes from, squalene is extremely unstable. When squalene is hydrogenated it converts to skin-friendlier and safer squalane.

What are the benefits of squalane?

Our weightless squalane ingredient instantly hydrates and locks in essential moisture, replenishing your skin with what it once had for a soft, smooth, and healthy-looking glow.

Is squalane good for all skin types?

Squalane is biology’s best moisturizer and is instantly recognized by your skin, making it good for all skin types and concerns. It’s the key that unlocks your skin’s moisture retention, which is why it’s the foundation for every product Biossance makes.

What are the different sources of squalane? Are some better than others?

Biossance’s sustainable, sugarcane-derived squalane was created as an alternative to the shark liver squalene, which was previously used in the beauty industry to moisturize skin. Harvesting from shark liver isn’t something we’re interested in—it isn’t just bad for the shark, but has an overall devastating environmental impact. Another widely used source is from olives. The quality of squalane produced this way depends on weather and crop growth, and can be unreliable. Both are still major sources of squalane on the market today.

How can squalane be incorporated into one’s skincare routine?

Our sugarcane-derived squalane is the foundation of every product we create, from our hero Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil to our latest launches, Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm and Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream. It’s also the only ingredient in our 100% Squalane Oil, an all-over body and facial moisturizer, that can be used wherever you’d like to add moisture from head-to-toe.

Anything else we should know?

Squalane boosts the active ingredients in every Biossance product. For example, it helps the oil-soluble vitamin C in our Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil to penetrate into the skin more deeply, instantly brightening and toning.

For more information, visit biossance.com and follow them on Instagram: @biossance

[Product image courtesy of Biossance]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk