Squalane and hyaluronic acid are two skincare ingredients that you’ve probably heard about for their moisturizing properties.
Squalane is a natural skin nutrient produced by our bodies, while hyaluronic acid is a synthetic molecule designed to mimic the same function—that is, it binds water to help keep skin hydrated.
But what if you want to use both at the same time?
And how do they work together?
Here’s everything you need to know about using squalane and hyaluronic acid together:
Can You Use Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid at the Same Time?
Yes, you can use both squalane and hyaluronic acid at the same time.
In fact, there are a few ways to do so:
- You can use them together in the same product
Many products combine both ingredients in one formula to deliver benefits simultaneously.
For example, a serum with both squalane and hyaluronic acid will help moisturize your skin as well as combat signs of aging and sun damage by boosting collagen production within your skin cells.
- You can use them together in different products
While some people prefer to layer their skincare products instead of applying them all at once (for example, you might apply an oil cleanser followed by toner followed by serum), this isn’t necessary if you’re using products that contain both ingredients because they’re already working on your face at the same time!
So feel free to experiment with different combination options for maximum moisture retention and anti-aging results!
How to Use Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid at the Same Time
So how do you use these two ingredients at the same time?
Here are the steps on how to use squalane and hyaluronic acid together:
1. Start with a clean face
2. Apply your toner or serum
3. Apply an emulsion or lightweight moisturizer with both ingredients in it.
4. Make sure there’s enough product on your face before moving on to step 5! If not, wait until it sinks in before applying another layer of product — otherwise, some of it may wash away instead of being absorbed into your skin.
5. Apply an oil-based moisturizer (like this one) or sleeping mask if you need extra moisture overnight.
Do You Use Hyaluronic Acid Before or After Squalane?
You can use hyaluronic acid and squalane together, but there is a right way to go about it.
Hyaluronic acid is a water-binding ingredient that helps other ingredients penetrate the skin better.
Squalane, on the other hand, is an oil-based ingredient that holds moisture in your skin.
When you apply hyaluronic acid first and then squalane, it helps enhance both of these properties:
- Hyaluronic acid will help squalane penetrate deeper into your skin by attracting moisture from below. So you get more benefits out of both ingredients!
- Squalane’s ability to attract moisture makes it even easier for hyaluronic acid (which also attracts moisture) to do its job!
Can You Use Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid With Retinol?
You can use all three of these ingredients together.
However, if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to start with one at a time and then introduce the next one after a few weeks.
This will give your skin time to adjust to each ingredient before adding another one.
If you’re using a product that contains retinol and squalane, you can also add hyaluronic acid in the morning or at night as well.
However, if you’re using a retinol product that contains hyaluronic acid and squalane, it’s best to wait until after the retinol has been absorbed by your skin before applying other products containing hyaluronic acid or squalane because they may compete with each other for absorption into your skin.
Can You Use Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Together?
Squalane and hyaluronic acid are both oil-soluble substances that can penetrate the skin.
They both have the ability to deliver various active ingredients deeper into the skin and they both help to improve the texture, appearance, and firmness of your skin.
Vitamin C is also an oil-soluble ingredient that can penetrate your skin.
It helps to increase collagen production, which reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
It also helps to lighten pigmentation spots on the skin caused by sun exposure or acne scars.
So why would you not want to use all three together?
Well, for starters, vitamin C can be irritating for some people so if you know that it makes your skin feel irritated then avoid using it with squalane and hyaluronic acid.
Is Squalene More Hydrating Than Hyaluronic Acid?
The main difference between hyaluronic acid and squalene is their molecular structure.
Hyaluronic acid is larger than squalene by weight and size, so it can hold more water than squalene can.
Squalene has been shown to have moisturizing effects on the skin when applied topically.
It’s also been shown to help repair damaged skin cells, reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of scars.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of our bodies that helps keep our joints lubricated and helps retain moisture in the skin.
As we get older, we lose hyaluronic acid from our bodies more quickly than we did when we were younger — which is why many people find their skin becomes drier as they age.
When Should You Apply Squalane?
Apply after hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid doesn’t break down in the sun, but it’s a good idea to apply it at night when you’re not going to be exposed to daylight and its UV rays.
Apply after vitamin C serum
Vitamin C can be irritating on its own, so we recommend applying it first and waiting 15 minutes before adding any other products to your routine (even if they’re water-soluble).
This will give your skin time to adjust as well as allow all ingredients in the vitamin C formula to absorb completely into your skin’s surface layer.
Also, don’t forget about antioxidant serums!
Before retinol or other higher-strength ingredients
Apply before retinol or other higher strength ingredients with lower concentrations of squalane (like our Hyaluronic Acid Serum!).
Since squalane is an oil soluble ingredient that forms a protective barrier against oxidation from air pollution and other environmental stressors like UV light exposure.
Since retinol works best topically when applied directly onto dry skin.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this article has helped you to understand more about how to use squalane and hyaluronic acid at the same time.
In addition, we recommend using retinol, vitamin C, or other retinoids with your moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid because they can be irritating for sensitive skin types.
