Can you use hyaluronic acid with squalane?
The chemistry
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts water (Papakonstantinou 2012). Squalane is a stable emollient that mimics part of the skin's own sebum and reduces water loss (Huang 2009, Fiume 2023). Applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin then a few drops of squalane gives a minimal two-step moisturizing routine. The two cover different parts of moisturizing. A complete moisturizer has humectants that bind water, emollients that smooth and soften, and occlusives that slow evaporation. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, and squalane is mainly an emollient with mild occlusive action. That combination covers enough for normal and oily skin. Dry skin may still need a heavier occlusive such as petrolatum or shea butter on top. Because both ingredients are very well tolerated, this pairing is popular with people who have sensitive skin, rosacea or reactions to fragrance-heavy creams.
Logic
Humectant plus emollient.
Order
Hyaluronic acid first, squalane after.
Skin type
Most, including oily.
Common mistakes
This is a useful minimalist routine for people who dislike creams. Squalane is light and generally non-comedogenic. In very dry climates, a cream may still be needed on top. Order matters: hyaluronic acid draws water, so apply it to damp skin straight after cleansing, then press in two to four drops of squalane. If you apply squalane first, the oil layer makes it harder for the water-based serum to spread. Squalane also works as a light makeup-removing oil or as a final layer over a retinoid. Some people find squalane slightly shiny in the morning; a smaller amount, or using it only at night, solves that. Squalane from olives or sugarcane is chemically identical to that historically taken from shark liver, so choose plant sources if that matters to you. Travellers like the pair because both come in small bottles and handle cabin air well.
Your routine
Morning
- Cleanser
- Hyaluronic acid
- Squalane
- Sunscreen
Evening
- Cleanser
- Hyaluronic acid
- Squalane
Go slower if
Very low risk.
Evidence strength
Good for hydration; no combination trial.
Products with hyaluronic acid
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Picked for hyaluronic acid
Several forms of hyaluronic acid, plus panthenol (vitamin B5).
Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)FAQ
Is this enough moisturizer for winter?
For oily skin, often. For dry skin, you will probably want a cream with ceramides or petrolatum on top.
Will squalane break me out?
It is rated low for pore clogging and is usually fine, but introduce it slowly if you are acne-prone.
Can I add a drop of squalane to my hyaluronic serum?
Yes, mixing in your palm is fine.
Related combinations
- RetinolYes
- Vitamin CYes
- NiacinamideYes
- TretinoinYes
- Salicylic AcidYes
- Glycolic AcidYes
- Benzoyl PeroxideYes
- SunscreenYes
Sources
- Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: a key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):253-258.
- Huang ZR, Lin YK, Fang JY. Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: potential uses in cosmetic dermatology. Molecules. 2009;14(1):540-554.
- Fiume M, et al. Squalane and squalene. Int J Toxicol. 2023;42(3 Suppl):107S-109S.
Related guides
Two products that cover both
- The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane + The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5Yes
- The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane + The Ordinary BuffetYes
- COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence + The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in SqualaneYes
- The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA + The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in SqualaneYes
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 + The Ordinary Retinol 1% in SqualaneYes
- The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane + CeraVe Moisturizing CreamYes