Emollient oil

What is Squalane?

Squalane is a saturated hydrocarbon oil, made today mostly from sugarcane or olive. Formulators use it as an emollient, the part of a formula that stays on the surface and gives a texture its slip. Because it is saturated it does not go rancid the way many plant oils do, so it works in products meant to sit on a shelf for a long time.

Which products use it?

Of the 178 products whose labels we have read, 11 put this one on the front.

irecipe

Ceramide Yuzu Bio Cleansing Oil

We checked 7 lines this product advertises against the ingredient list and public documents. None of them hold up on their own. They are partly right at best.

1likely5partly backed1refuted

See the label check (7 lines)

Claims translated from Korean, originals preserved.

likely, not proven1

Sebum scaling inside pores with EZLite® low molecular weight oil, barrier care with CERAPLEX® ceramide
Korean original
EZLite® 저분자 오일로 모공 속 피지스케일링, CERAPLEX® 세라마이드로 장벽 케어

partly backed5

PEG-free, non-comedogenic cleansing oil
Korean original
PEG-free·논코메도제닉 클렌징오일
Blackhead and sebum scaling plus skin texture and unevenness care!
Korean original
블랙헤드·피지 스케일링 + 피부결·요철 케어까지!
Clean cleansing of waterproof makeup and sunscreen
Korean original
워터프루프·선크림 깔끔 클렌징
Non-comedogenic, PEG-free, low irritation test completed
Korean original
논코메도제닉 · PEG-free · 저자극 테스트 완료
Dermatest certification verified that the formulation is non-comedogenic
Korean original
Dermatest 인증을 통해 논코메도제닉 처방임이 검증됐습니다

evidence says otherwise1

A sebum scaling cleansing oil that is a low irritation vegan product yet has a result of 68% blackhead reduction after a single use
Korean original
저자극 비건제품이지만, 1회 사용만에 블랙헤드 68% 감소 결과를 가진 피지 스케일링 클렌징 오일

Official page (Korean)

Anua

HEARTLEAF 87 LOW pH DEEP CLEANSING WATER

We checked 4 lines this product advertises against the ingredient list and public documents. None of them hold up on their own. They are partly right at best.

1likely1partly backed2no evidence

See the label check (4 lines)

Claims translated from Korean, originals preserved.

likely, not proven1

For use on all skin types
Korean original
모든 피부에 사용

partly backed1

Functional cosmetic for the relief of acne-prone skin
Korean original
여드름성 피부 완화 기능성 화장품

no evidence2

Applying Anua's own fluid micellar method, it boasts a deep cleansing effect that cleanly removes up to 98% of waterproof mascara, 95% of lipstick, 96% of eyebrow makeup and 97% of base makeup in just one use
Korean original
아누아만의 플루이드 미셀라 공법을 적용해 단 한 번의 사용으로도 워터프루프 마스카라를 98%, 립스틱을 95%, 아이브로우를 96%, 베이스 메이크업을 97%까지 말끔하게 지워주는 딥 클렌징 효과를 자랑한다
It has completed an alternative eye irritation test and a skin irritation test, so even sensitive skin can use it with confidence
Korean original
안자극 대체 테스트와 피부 자극 테스트를 완료해 민감한 피부도 안심하고 사용할 수 있다

Official page (Korean)

뷰티레시피

리틀머메이드 디스 이즈 프린세스 클렌징워터

We checked 2 lines this product advertises against the ingredient list and public documents. None of them hold up on their own. They are partly right at best.

1likely1overstated

See the label check (2 lines)

Claims translated from Korean, originals preserved.

likely, not proven1

Soak a cotton pad well with the cleansing water and wipe along the grain of the skin. When cleansing point makeup, it is more effective to leave the cotton pad on for a moment before wiping.
Korean original
화장솜에 클렌징 워터를 충분히 적셔 피부 결을 따라 닦아줍니다. 포인트 메이크업 클렌징 시에는 화장솜을 잠시 올려두었다 사용하면 더욱 효과적입니다.

overstated ad line1

No more prejudice that cleansing water runs out fast! Deep cleanse every night with good ingredients using the 500ml Little Mermaid! Without worrying about skin irritation, keep clear and translucent skin for a long time with the large volume.
Korean original
클렌징 워터는 헤프다는 편견은 이제 그만! 500ml 리틀머메이드로 매일 밤 착한 성분으로 딥 클렌징! 피부 자극 걱정 없이, 대용량으로 오래오래 맑고 투명한 피부를 유지하세요.

Official page (Korean)

Illiyoon

Ceramide Ato Lotion

We checked 17 lines this product advertises against the ingredient list and public documents. One of them holds up. The rest are only partly right or have nothing behind them.

1backed5likely5partly backed2overstated4no evidence

See the label check (17 lines)

Claims translated from Korean, originals preserved.

backed by evidence1

Because no fragrance is blended in, the inherent smell of the ingredients may be noticeable.
Korean original
향료를 배합하지 않아 성분의 고유 취가 느껴질 수 있습니다.

likely, not proven5

On severely dry areas it is even better to layer Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream on top.
Korean original
건조함이 심한 부위에는 일리윤 세라마이드 아토 집중 크림을 덧발라주시면 더욱 좋습니다.
Spread a sufficient amount gently over the face and whole body wherever dryness is felt.
Korean original
건조함이 느껴지는 얼굴 및 전신에 충분한 양을 부드럽게 펴 발라줍니다.
It provides a melting texture that absorbs quickly without stickiness
Korean original
끈적임 없이 빠르게 흡수되는 멜팅 텍스처를 제공합니다
It helps with skin barrier improvement, moisture supply, prevention of moisture loss and skin soothing, and
Korean original
피부 장벽 개선, 수분 공급, 수분 손실 방지, 피부 진정에 도움을 주며
With an airless double structure that blocks air from entering, use it without opening the pump.
Korean original
공기 유입을 차단하는 에어리스 이중 구조로 펌프를 열지 말고 사용하세요.

partly backed5

it has received safety verification including a completed sensitive panel test and allergy test, confirmation of allergy after 3 weeks of cumulative application on 100 subjects, and passing the German Dermatest 24-hour patch test
Korean original
민감성 패널 테스트 및 알러지 테스트 완료, 100명 대상 3주간 누적 도포 후 알러지 여부 확인, 독일 더마테스트 24시간 패치 테스트 통과 등의 안전성 검증을 받았습니다
With a Fragrance Free formula that infants can also use, it has completed a sensitive panel test and an allergy test.
Korean original
영유아도 사용 가능한 무향(Fragrance Free) 포뮬러로, 민감성 패널 테스트와 알러지 테스트를 완료했습니다.
It is fragrance free and, being free of 10 specified ingredients (10 FREE), can be used more gently.
Korean original
무향이며 특정 성분 10가지 무첨가(10 FREE)로 보다 순하게 사용할 수 있습니다.
It passed the German Dermatest 24-hour patch test, a dermatological test, a sensitive panel test and an allergy test (3 weeks of cumulative application on 100 subjects), and
Korean original
독일 더마테스트 24시간 패치 테스트, 피부과 테스트, 민감성 패널 테스트, 알러지 테스트(100명 대상 3주 누적 도포)를 통과했으며
it received vegan certification from the Korea Vegan Certification Institute.
Korean original
한국비건인증원 비건 인증을 받았습니다.

overstated ad line2

Third generation Ceramide Ato sensitive moisture soothing lotion
Korean original
3세대 세라마이드 아토 민감보습 진정로션
Moisture lasts 100 hours, and
Korean original
100시간 보습이 지속되며

no evidence4

on the basis of 10 stratum corneum tape strippings, it fills inner moisture down to 10 layers of the stratum corneum
Korean original
각질층 테이핑 10회 기준으로 피부 각질 10층까지 속보습을 채워줍니다
on the basis of moisture content measurement it moisturises 2.8 times faster, and
Korean original
수분량 측정 기준으로 2.8배 빠르게 보습되며
with numerically verified sensitive skin resilience, it helps recover temporary redness caused by external irritation and the damaged skin barrier
Korean original
수치로 검증된 민감피부 회복력으로 외부자극에 의한 일시적 붉은기와 손상된 피부 장벽 회복에 도움을 줍니다
In customer satisfaction after just one use, it was confirmed at 96% for sufficient moisture without reapplying, 93% for feeling gentle because it is fragrance free, 90% for relieving inner tightness, 90% for immediate moistness and 93% for recommending it for delicate skin
Korean original
단 1회 사용 후 고객 만족도에서 덧바르지 않아도 충분한 보습감 96%, 무향이라 순한 느낌 93%, 속당김 완화 90%, 즉각적인 촉촉함 90%, 연약한 피부에게 추천 93%로 확인되었습니다

Official page (Korean)

inyoe

3-Seed Cleansing Oil with 5% Olive Squalane

We checked 5 lines this product advertises against the ingredient list and public documents. None of them hold up on their own. They are partly right at best.

2likely1partly backed2overstated

See the label check (5 lines)

likely, not proven2

Transforms into a soft milky texture upon contact with water, rinsing clean without heavy residue.
Helps dissolve daily makeup, excess sebum, and impurities while maintaining a smooth, hydrated feel.

partly backed1

Formulated with 5% Olive Squalane and a blend of Jojoba, Sunflower, and Grape Seed Oils to help support skin’s natural moisture while cleansing.

overstated ad line2

Designed to cleanse thoroughly without stripping.
Gentle enough for everyday use, including dry and sensitive skin types. Ideal as the first step in a double cleansing routine

Shop on Amazon

Official page (Korean)

Isntree

Hyaluronic Acid Fresh Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++

We checked 3 lines this product advertises against the ingredient list and public documents. One of them holds up. The rest are only partly right or have nothing behind them.

1backed1likely1partly backed

See the label check (3 lines)

backed by evidence1

The hydrating serum texture enables quick absorption to the skin and leaves a refreshing, moisturizing finish.

likely, not proven1

Formulated with Squalane, Allantoin and Ectoin that deliver intense moisture to the skin and help strengthen the skin barrier.

partly backed1

A sun serum with a broad spectrum of SPF 50+ PA++++ helps protect the skin from UV rays.

Shop on Olive Young Global

Official page (Korean)

ZEROID

Zeroid Intensive Cream

We checked 7 lines this product advertises against the ingredient list and public documents. One of them holds up. The rest are only partly right or have nothing behind them.

1backed2likely2partly backed1overstated1no evidence

See the label check (7 lines)

Claims translated from Korean, originals preserved.

backed by evidence1

No Zeroid product contains any steroid ingredient.
Korean original
제로이드 전제품에는 스테로이드 성분이 함유되어있지 않습니다.

likely, not proven2

Zeroid products are mildly acidic products similar to a healthy skin barrier (pH5.5).
Korean original
제로이드 제품은 건강한 피부 장벽(pH5.5)과 유사한 약산성 제품입니다.
There is a slight difference for each product, but they are made in the pH4.5~6.5 range.
Korean original
각 제품마다 약간의 차이가 있으나 pH4.5~6.5 범위에서 만들어지고 있습니다.

partly backed2

A high-moisture barrier care cream for severely dry and problem skin
Korean original
악건성 및 문제성 피부를 위한 고보습 장벽 케어 크림
Zeroid products are formulated so they can be used with maximum peace of mind and without irritation by not using preservatives, fragrance, alcohol, colorants, PEG-type emulsifiers, artificial antibacterial agents and the like, and in clinical and consumer evaluations as well, all products were shown to have almost no irritation.
Korean original
제로이드 제품에는 방부제, 향료, 알코올, 색소, PEG 계열유화제, 인공향균제 등을 사용하지 않음으로써 최대한 안심하면서 자극없이 사용할 수 있도록 처방하였으며, 임상 및 소비자를 대상을 한 품평에서도 전 제품에서 자극이 거의 없는 것으로 나타났습니다.

overstated ad line1

Zeroid products can be used across all age groups from infants and children through to the elderly. Pregnant women can also use them with peace of mind.
Korean original
제로이드 제품은 유.소아에서 노인에 이르기까지 전 연령대에서 사용이 가능합니다. 또한 임산부도 안심하고 사용하실 수 있습니다.

no evidence1

In the case of Zeroid Soothing Cream (Intensive Cream) and Soothing Lotion (Intensive Lotion), the formulation raw materials are identical but they are formulated with different ratios.
Korean original
제로이드 수딩 크림(인텐시브 크림)과 수딩 로션(인텐시브 로션)의 경우 처방원료는 동일하나 그 비율을 달리하여 처방하였습니다.

Official page (Korean)

NEEDLY

Mild Enzyme Cleansing Powder

We checked 6 lines this product advertises against the ingredient list and public documents. None of them hold up on their own. They are partly right at best.

3partly backed1overstated2says nothing

See the label check (6 lines)

Claims translated from Korean, originals preserved.

partly backed3

#60SecondWashPack#FlakeImprovement
Korean original
#60초세안팩#각질개선
Mild
Korean original
마일드
Wet your palms with water, dispense an appropriate amount of powder, rub it, work up a lather, roll it gently over the skin, then finish by washing with lukewarm water.
Korean original
손바닥에 물을 묻힌 후 파우더를 적당량 덜어 비빈 후 거품을 내어 피부에 부드럽게 롤링 후 미온수로 세안하여 마무리 합니다.

overstated ad line1

For all skin types
Korean original
모든 피부용

says nothing2

This is Needly NEEDLY, a beauty & lifestyle brand that helps our true inner beauty be revealed.
Korean original
우리 내면의 진정한 아름다움이 드러날 수 있도록 도와주는 뷰티 & 라이프스타일 브랜드, 니들리 NEEDLY입니다.
Hitting skin concerns right on the mark
Korean original
피부 고민에 정곡을 찌르다

Official page (Korean)

LANEIGE

LANEIGE Cream Skin Cerapeptide™ Refiner

We checked 14 lines this product advertises against the ingredient list and public documents. None of them hold up on their own. They are partly right at best.

1likely6partly backed4overstated2no evidence1refuted

See the label check (14 lines)

Claims translated from Korean, originals preserved.

likely, not proven1

Melting cream into a toner, lightly yet deeply, a genius moisturizing toner
Korean original
크림을 토너에 녹여 가볍고도 깊게 천재적 보습 토너

partly backed6

Melting Cerapeptide cream into a skin, it fills moisture deeply from the very first step and improves inner elasticity and the barrier too #FirstMoistureSkin
Korean original
세라펩타이드 크림을 스킨으로 녹여, 첫 단계부터 보습을 깊게 채우고, 속탄력 및 장벽까지 개선해주는#첫보습스킨
A high-moisture toner that melts Cerapeptide cream into a skin and cares for moisture as well as elasticity and the barrier
Korean original
세라펩타이드 크림을 스킨으로 녹여 보습은 물론 탄력, 장벽까지 케어 하는 고보습 토너
22.84% increase in skin glow immediately after use
Korean original
사용 즉시 피부 윤기 22.84% 증가
High pressure blending splits Cerapeptide cream into 1/300* units and stabilizes it as a skin
Korean original
고압의 블렌딩으로 세라펩타이드 크림을 1/300* 단위로 쪼개어 스킨으로 안정화
Mild even for sensitive skin, a low-irritation formula
Korean original
민감 피부도 순하게, 저자극 포뮬러
'CerapeptideTM' is an ingredient combining ceramide, which strengthens the skin barrier, with peptides, which raise the skin's supporting power, and along with a moisturizing effect it builds up the skin's ability to hold moisture.
Korean original
'세라펩타이드TM'는 피부 장벽을 강화하는 세라마이드와 피부 지탱력을 높여주는 펩타이드를 결합한 성분으로, 보습 효과와 더불어 피부의 수분 유지 능력을 키워준다.

overstated ad line4

47.64% reduction in dead skin cell amount immediately after use
Korean original
사용 즉시 각질량 47.64% 감소
Soothing of temporary redness caused by external irritation, redness recovery +40.76 %
Korean original
외부 자극에 의한 일시적 붉은기 진정 붉은기 회복 +40.76 %
A fresh milky texture usable in any season by any skin type
Korean original
어느 계절에나 어떤 피부 타입도 사용 가능한 산뜻한 밀키 텍스쳐
Immediately after use the skin's moisture content increases 8 times, and it presents a 120 hour inner-skin moisturizing effect (Elead Co., Ltd., test subjects: 30 women in their 20s and 30s, test period: 2022.07.28~2022.08).
Korean original
사용 즉시 피부 수분량이 8배 증가하고, 120시간 피부 속보습 효과(㈜엘리드, 시험대상: 20~30대 여성 30명, 시험기간: 2022.07.28~2022.08)를 선사한다.

no evidence2

A change visible in just 4 weeks, half a bottle * of use
Korean original
4주, 반 병 * 사용 만에 보이는 변화
Faster absorption than before, through special formulation technology
Korean original
특별한 제형 기술로 기존 대비 더 빠른 흡수력

evidence says otherwise1

Two peptides that have efficacy for moisture and the barrier 　　　　　 and are effective for defending against elasticity loss and boosting elasticity, optimized for a skin formulation 　　　　　　
Korean original
보습과 장벽에 효능이 있으며 　　　　　 탄력 감소 방어 및 탄력 증진에 스킨 제형에 최적화 　　　　　　 효과적인 2종 펩타이드

Official page (Korean)

S.NATURE

Aqua Squalane Serum

We checked 2 lines this product advertises against the ingredient list and public documents. None of them hold up on their own. They are partly right at best.

2no evidence

See the label check (2 lines)

Claims translated from Korean, originals preserved.

no evidence2

Fill your skin with nature's moisture using S.NATURE Aqua Squalane Serum.
Korean original
S.NATURE 아쿠아 스쿠알란 세럼으로 피부에 자연의 수분을 가득 채우세요.
With clean and safe naturally derived ingredients it provides everyday moisture and soothing care.
Korean original
깨끗하고 안전한 자연 유래 성분으로 일상의 수분과 진정 케어를 제공합니다.

Shop on Olive Young Global

Official page (Korean)

S.NATURE

Aqua Squalane Moisturizing Cream

We checked 2 lines this product advertises against the ingredient list and public documents. None of them hold up on their own. They are partly right at best.

1overstated1says nothing

See the label check (2 lines)

Claims translated from Korean, originals preserved.

overstated ad line1

S.NATURE Aqua Squalane Moisture Cream combines purity found in nature with science to deliver clear and moist hydration to the skin every day.
Korean original
S.NATURE 아쿠아 스쿠알란 수분크림으로 자연에서 찾은 순수함과 과학을 결합해 매일 피부에 맑고 촉촉한 수분을 선사합니다.

says nothing1

Cleanly and smartly, experience true beauty.
Korean original
깨끗하고 스마트하게, 진정한 아름다움을 경험하세요.

Shop on Olive Young Global

Official page (Korean)

What does the research actually show?

Two lists, taken from published studies on this ingredient. The first is what those studies support. The second is what they do not, which is where advertising most often runs ahead of the evidence.

What the evidence supports

Safety as used in cosmetics.: The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety reviewed newly available studies since its original 1982 assessment, together with updated information on product types and concentrations of use, and confirmed that squalane and squalene are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the practices of use and concentration described in that report (SQU-S1).; Sources: 1
Function as a cosmetic emollient in real formulations.: Squalane appears as the emollient component of a marketed moisturizer whose full formula (occlusive dimethicone; humectants glycerin, saccharide, butylene glycol and hyaluronic acid; emollients shea butter and squalane) was tested clinically (SQU-S9).; Sources: 8
Chemical stability relative to squalene.: Squalane is described as a highly stable derivative of squalene (SQU-S7), which is consistent with the saturation described in SQU-S4 and SQU-S3.; Sources: 6, 4, 3
Identifiable origin.: Olive derived and shark derived squalane can be distinguished analytically by carbon isotope ratio (SQU-S2), so an origin claim on a label is a verifiable claim rather than an unverifiable one.; Sources: 2

What the evidence does not support

Claim: squalane is what your skin already makes, or restores your skin's own lipid.: Contradicted by the chemistry in the record.; The molecule present in human sebum at 13% is squalene, the polyunsaturated compound, and squalane is its saturated derivative (SQU-S4).; Sources: 4
Claim: squalane hydrates skin or reduces water loss, with clinical proof.: The one review that reports skin hydrating activity attributes it to squalene and squalane together and places the evidence in animal models and in vitro environments (SQU-S4), which is not a human skin claim.; Sources: 4
Claim: squalane is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory or antiaging active.: These findings exist but are in cultured cells.
Claim: squalane itself smooths wrinkles.: Positively anchored against.; In an 8 week randomized, matched pair, double blind split face trial in 23 Japanese women, squalane blended cream was the placebo arm, and the fullerene-C60 in squalane cream was significantly more effective than that placebo at week 8 (SQU-S8).; Sources: 7
Claim: squalane drives actives deeper into skin.: Contradicted in the one delivery study located.; Adding squalane lowered the permeability coefficients of every polyphenol measured, increasing skin retention rather than transdermal passage (SQU-S6).; Sources: 5
Claim: squalane is non-comedogenic, or has a specific comedogenicity rating.: No evidence located.; Widely circulated comedogenic ratings are not traceable to any source in this corpus and are not repeated here.

These lines are quoted from a reading of the published literature on this ingredient, not from testing we ran. Every source is listed below with its DOI or PubMed identifier so you can read it yourself. Findings about treating a medical condition are outside what a cosmetic page covers and are left out.

Do the ad lines about it hold up?

We checked 4 advertised lines that name this ingredient, across 4 products.

How it read	Ad lines
likely, not proven	1 of 4
partly backed	1 of 4
overstated ad line	1 of 4
no evidence	1 of 4

The count is of advertised lines, not products. One product can advertise the same ingredient in several lines, and each line was read on its own against the ingredient list and public documents.

What is it usually paired with?

Ingredients that other products put on the front of the label together with this one.

Which studies is this based on?

Every source cited above, in the order it first appears. Identifiers link to the publisher record or the PubMed entry.

1
Fiume M, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD, Liebler DC, Marks JG, Shank RC, Slaga TJ, Snyder PW, Heldreth B. Squalane and Squalene. Int J Toxicol. 2023;42(3 Suppl):107S-109S.DOI 10.1177/10915818231204276 PMID 37752766
2
Camin F, Bontempo L, Ziller L, Piangiolino C, Morchio G. Stable isotope ratios of carbon and hydrogen to distinguish olive oil from shark squalene-squalane. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom. 2010;24(12):1810-1816.DOI 10.1002/rcm.4581 PMID 20499327
3
Cravotto C, Bucciol F, Mazzitelli JB, Petitcolas E, Fabiano-Tixier AS, Tabasso S. From Olive Pomace to Squalane: A Green Chemistry Route Using 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran. ACS Omega. 2025;10(30):33426-33434.DOI 10.1021/acsomega.5c03685 PMID 40787365
4
Kim SK, Karadeniz F. Biological importance and applications of squalene and squalane. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2012;65:223-233.DOI 10.1016/B978-0-12-416003-3.00014-7 PMID 22361190
5
Oliveira ALS, Valente D, Moreira HR, Pintado M, Costa P. Effect of squalane-based emulsion on polyphenols skin penetration: Ex vivo skin study. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2022;218:112779.DOI 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112779 PMID 35994992
6
Wolosik K, Chalecka M, Gasiewska G, Palka J, Surazynski A. Squalane as a Promising Agent Protecting UV-Induced Inhibition of Collagen Biosynthesis and Wound Healing in Human Dermal Fibroblast. Molecules. 2025;30(9):1964.DOI 10.3390/molecules30091964 PMID 40363772
7
Kato S, Taira H, Aoshima H, Saitoh Y, Miwa N. Clinical evaluation of fullerene-C60 dissolved in squalane for anti-wrinkle cosmetics. J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2010;10(10):6769-6774.DOI 10.1166/jnn.2010.3053 PMID 21137794
8
Prakoeswa CRS, Damayanti, Anggraeni S, Umborowati MA, Sari M, Hendaria MP, Thahir TF. The Role of Moisturizer Containing Anti-inflammatory on Skin Hydration in Mild-Moderate Atopic Dermatitis Patients. Dermatol Res Pract. 2024;2024:3586393.DOI 10.1155/drp/3586393 PMID 39741562