Glycerin and Squalane: The Unsung Workhorses

Glycerin and squalane are two of the most universally tolerated skincare ingredients — found in everything from drugstore lotions to luxury serums. They serve different but complementary roles: glycerin pulls water into the skin; squalane helps lock it there while making the skin feel smooth and comfortable. Neither is comedogenic, and both suit almost every skin type.

• Glycerin: a humectant naturally produced by the skin; highly effective at drawing moisture from the environment into the skin's upper layers. Cheap, stable, and well-studied.
• Squalane: a saturated, stable form of squalene (not to be confused — squalene oxidises and can clog pores; squalane does not). Derived from sugarcane or olives (not shark liver, in modern formulations). Acts as a lightweight emollient and mild occlusive.
• Both are fragrance-free and non-sensitising — among the safest options for reactive or eczema-prone skin.
• Glycerin works best applied to damp skin; squalane can be used on damp or dry skin and also works as a dry oil for hair.
• They pair extremely well together: use a glycerin-based serum underneath, then a squalane-based moisturiser or facial oil on top.