Olive Squalane

Light but super-effective moisturiser and skin protector

Olive Squalane is a lightweight, transparent, tasteless, and odorless liquid derived during the Olive Oil refinery process that is highly similar in structure to the Squalene component of human sebum.

Squalene is produced by our livers and released mostly by the sebaceous glands located on the skin and scalp, comprising approximately 10% of our sebum. It helps create the skin’s natural barrier that protects the skin from water loss and external irritants.

As individuals age, the natural, internal production of Squalene declines, causing the skin to look dry, dull, and textured can be more at risk of being harmed by potential external irritants.

Squalene cannot be used directly in cosmetic formulations as it goes off quickly. Squalane (with an ‘a’) is simply the hydrogenated version of Squalene. 

Traditionally the beauty industry sourced squalene from shark or whale livers, but this has largely stopped worldwide and has never been used by Cosmetics A La Carte. The olive squalane that we use is totally vegan and cruelty-free.

Because olive squalane is so structurally similar to our own squalene, it flows in between the cells of the epidermis to smooth out and significantly soften the texture of skin. It additionally creates a natural, protective barrier on the skin’s surface to slow down transepidermal water loss. Moreover, it is easily absorbed to provide a smooth, silky, non-greasy finish. It is non-comedogenic, and non-irritating, and boosts the absorption of active ingredients also present in the formula.