Creating your own Squalane Cleanser is simpler than you might think, with readily accessible and affordable ingredients. Squalane is renowned for its superb hydrating properties, making it an invaluable addition to both skin and hair care routines. While commercial products can be costly, a homemade oil cleanser offers a more economical approach without compromising on quality. It’s a fantastic way to keep your skin moisturised and looking youthful, thanks to Squalane’s ability to replenish and revitalise.
Crafting your own natural Squalane cleanser avoids unnecessary chemicals often found in store-bought skincare products. I’m going to guide you through a DIY recipe that not only saves you money but is also easy to follow. You’ll also get a lot more information about how you can customise this even further.
Squalane vs Squalene
Squalene (with an “e”), is a naturally occurring substance found in plants, animals and in every human liver. It circulates through our bloodstream and appears in our sebaceous glands in a form that we call sebum. It is made up of wax esters and triglycerides. and it helps to keep our skin moisturised. It is our body’s naturally barrier and a lubricant for the skin.
The World Health Organization (WHO), states that commercially, squalene is sourced from fish livers, but particularly, sharks’ livers. The reason WHO is interested in this is that it is used in vaccines. Because vaccines are kept in sealed containers, there is no risk of oxidation. The squalene used in vaccines is taken from the sharks’ livers. It’s also being added to some more experimental vaccines for malaria, as it seems to enhance the vaccine’s efficacy.
The main reason that I do not use squalene (with the “e”) is because it oxidises really quickly, which means it goes rancid. This produces free radicals which damage and age your skin.
However, the Squalane (notice it now has an “a”) I use is derived from Olive oil and is much more stable than squalene. That means that it has a very slow oxidation rate, and that means it is benefitting your skin by not going rancid and not causing free radical damage.
Why is Squalene Still Used?
Because it is cheap! Isn’t that usually the reason? The cosmetics industry accounts for 90% of shark-sourced Squalene production globally. That equates to about 2.7 million deep sea fish every year. This level of slaughter has started to make them an endangered species and the EU recognized this back in 2010, trying to ban deep sea fishing. There is an interesting article the BBC did about shark liver harvesting here.
Advantages of Olive Squalane for Skin
I find Olive Squalane to be a highly beneficial addition to daily skincare routines, particularly as a tool to replenish naturally occurring squalene which diminishes with age. The incorporation of Squalane within skincare can support a multitude of skin concerns and types, providing essential nurturing without overwhelming the skin.
- Suits All Skin Types: As a highly effective emollient, Squalane plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the skin’s barrier, safeguarding against pollution and other external aggressors. It’s very compatible with sensitive skin, making it suitable for even the most delicate of complexions.
- Eczema & Psoriasis: Squalane is great for dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis because it helps to maintain high hydration levels and prevents dryness.
- Excellent Emollient: This light, non-greasy oil improves the texture and spread of other oils, making sticky oils like castor oil feel luxurious and silky.
- Regulates Sebum Production: Squalane is adept at imitating the natural oils our skin produces. By doing this, it helps control oil production, which is very important for managing oily skin and reducing acne. Its non-comedogenic nature means that it won’t lead to clogged pores.
- Protective Antioxidant: Squalane is a powerful antioxidant that can brighten the skin, improve uneven tones, and reduce the appearance of dark spots. It’s a key ally for a radiant and balanced skin tone.
- Highly Moisturising: When considering its hydrating benefits, Squalane is unrivalled in how it leaves skin feeling supple. It noticeably increases moisture and reduces fine lines and wrinkles, making the skin smoother and more flexible. Of course, this also works well in lip balms.
- Anti-Ageing Serums: I incorporate Squalane into many of my facial serums or moisturiser formulations for its multitude of skin-nurturing attributes. It suits all skin types and has excellent anti-ageing effects.
Advantages of Squalane for Hair
Squalane is known for its conditioning properties. It’s not just good for the skin, but also for hair and beards.
- Increases Shine: I’ve found that applying Squalane to my hair and beard leaves it noticeably more lustrous.
- Prevents Damage: Regular use of Squalane strengthens the hair strands against breakage.
- Enhances Protection: Applying Squalane oil before showering helps protect hair from heat damage caused by heated rollers or curling tongs when used on the dry hair afterwards.
Making Your Custom Squalane Cleanser
Equipment Needed:
- Disinfectant alcohol for sterilising equipment
- Absorbent paper for wiping and keeping the work surface clean
- Precision scales that weigh from 0.5g upwards
- A jug made of stainless steel or glass
- Stainless steel teaspoon for blending
- A 100ml bottle to hold the finished product
You can read another blog giving you more information Tools & Equipment for Making DIY Skincare Products at Home
Ingredients at Room Temperature:
- 78g Camellia Seed Oil (Check the price on Amazon (*paid link)
- 12g Castor Oil (Check the price on Amazon (*paid link)
- 9g Olive Squalane (Check the price on Amazon (*paid link)
- 1g Petitgrain Essential Oil (optional) (Check the price on Amazon (*paid link)
Total Mix: 100g
You can skip the essential oil to have a fragrance-free version. Add an additional gram of Camellia Seed Oil instead.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Sterilise your workspace and vessels with alcohol.
- On the precision scales, zero the scales so that the container itself is not being weighed. This will be a button called “TARE”.
- Add all the ingredients one at a time, then remove from the scales.
- Blend it all thoroughly for an even mixture.
- Decant into your bottle and note the date on the label.
Using this oil is straightforward. You can apply a small amount on your fingertips and massage it into your face, or you can use a damp cotton pad. Take your time, particularly over your eyes if you’re wearing make-up – keep your eyes shut, of course. To finish, remove the oil with damp cotton pads or a wet facial cloth. It really is as simple as that, but you can do so much more with this formulation.
Turn Squalane Cleanser into a Squalane Serum
For the cleansing function, the Castor oil is the best product to use. However, you could change the Camellia Oil for different oils if you wanted to. They have differing benefits from Camellia Oil, but they will all be enhanced by the Squalane content.
Tamanu Oil (INCI: Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil) is excellent if you are treating eczema or are prone to beard bumps when shaving. It is rich in Omega-9 essential fatty acids, and it sinks into your skin easily without feeling greasy at all. It improves the condition of flaky skin and is excellent on rough skin on knees and elbows. It softens dry and brittle hair and conditions your scalp without adding stickiness or weight to the hair shaft. It adds volume and shine to your hair and even helps to rescue split ends.
Infuse Cannabis into Tamanu oil. The oil is heat stable and it is a very specific, low heat that is used with the POT by NOIDS. A cannabis strain rich in CBD will release the CBD into the Tamanu oil. Once strained, you have got a superb product for eczema and psoriasis. I have used this base infusion on many clients because the CBD reduces so much of the inflammation. You could also use Argan oil instead or as an infused blend as it is also heat tolerant. You can read my blog post about the POT by NOIDS.
Rosehip Seed Oil (INCI: Rosa Canina Fruit Oil) is a very dry feeling oil. Using it on its own can make your skin feel tight because it is so dry. Therefore, it is a perfect complement to the Castor Oil which normally feels too heavy and greasy to use on it own. Combining Squalane with the ingredients creates a facial oil or serum rich in Linoleic Acid and Linolenic Acid (Omega-6 and Omega-3). It not only cleanses your face well, but also moisturizes dry and damaged skin, while evening out the skin tone. Rosehip oil also contains a natural form of Vitamin A which is a powerful antioxidant.
Evening Primrose Oil (INCI: Oenothera Biennis Oil). This is a wonderful opportunity to get GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) into your skin. It’s a crucial component in natural skin care that helps your body heal and works where you put it – on your skin! It’s great for sensitive skin, and perfect for using with any kind of dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis. It works just as well on the scalp as well, and leaves your hair silky soft.
Sweet Almond Oil (INCI: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil) is often thought of as a simple carrier oil for massage. This facial oil is very nutritious, containing minerals, plant sterols, glucosides, and Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and E. It’s great for all skin types, especially dry and ageing skin.
Argan Oil (INCI: Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil) is well known in the hair care world for its ability to tame frizzy hair, condition it and give it an amazing shine. It does all that, and more, when blended with Squalane. It has amazing benefits for skin care as well as making your skin so soft. Dry skin or flakiness just vanishes and it’s a great moisturiser. It sinks into the skin easily and will leave your skin so pampered, luxurious and silky.
Liquid Coconut Oil (INCI: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride) is solid coconut oil that has been steam treated to remove unstable fatty acid chains. These are what cause rancidity and free-radical damage. Use fractionated coconut oil, also known as Liquid Coconut Oil, as it is less greasy than solid coconut oil. When mixed with Squalane, it becomes an excellent body oil. It won’t clog your pores and locks moisture into your skin, keeping it younger looking and more flexible.
Hazelnut Oil (INCI: Corylus Avellana Seed Oil) is superb to use if you have acne-prone skin. It might seem counterintuitive using an oil based cleanser if you have acne, but Hazelnut Oil has the ability to make greasy skin behave more like normal skin. It will not clog your pores, and it works well with combination skin as well.
Jojoba Oil (INCI: Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil). Oil cleansing is a great way to unblock acne-damaged pores. Jojoba Oil has a chemical composition similar to the skin’s sebum. This allows it to act as a solvent and dissolve blackheads.
Common Misunderstandings
I’ve noticed a series of common misconceptions surrounding skincare, and I’d like to set the record straight.
- Many believe that splurging on a cleanser is futile since it’s washed off, thinking it doesn’t properly cleanse. Truthfully, a high-quality cleanser like this Squalane Cleanser not only purifies, but replenishes natural skin oils.
- A prevailing thought is that inexpensive cleansing products can damage the skin if not thoroughly rinsed. There are affordable cleansers that work well and are gentle, like this Squalane Cleanser. It can be used again after wiping it off and will act as a great Squalane Serum.
- It’s a misconception that premium Squalane is exclusive to highly marketed brands. The reality is advertisement costs contribute to the price, not the quality of the product.
Alternative Uses for Squalane Cleansing Oil
Squalane cleansing oil is not just for facial cleansing; its benefits extend beyond the face to any skin area. An all-over application followed by a warm shower or bath transforms into an opulent skin treatment.
I find it remarkably effective for cleaning hands, especially after mechanical work or a tyre change. And when it comes to infants, it’s gentle enough to manage even post-diaper messes without harshness. It also serves as a preventive measure against diaper rash with just a few drops rubbed in.
I suggest using it to protect your hands before gardening to keep them soft. It also works well to cleanse the skin after repotting garden plants.
Squalane Cleanser is exceptionally safe for sensitive skin. Post-shave application helps to calm any irritation, enhancing the skin’s condition. For those with facial hair, a little massaged into a beard or moustache conditions and smooths it out.
To enhance your skincare routine, try applying a few drops of the product on your face after cleansing. This will help nourish your skin like a facial serum.It works wonders for all skin types, including acne-prone complexions, as it’s non-comedogenic.
For hands damaged by excessive use of alcohol-based sanitisers, I recommend Squalane Cleanser as a restorative solution for revitalised skin.
Conclusion
Squalane, based on olive oil, serves as a stable lipid that is particularly beneficial for our skin. Squalane strengthens the skin’s barrier function because our skin contains a similar substance called squalene. Balancing oil production helps improve the appearance of the skin, whether it is oily or dry, making it look softer and younger.
As we get older, our body produces less squalene. Adding Olive Squalane is beneficial, especially for mature skin. This natural olive-derived form is very pure and versatile, unlike other options such as shark liver oil. Its compatibility extends across all skin types and is even gentle on sensitive skin. Also, this compound’s strong antioxidant properties help reduce dark spots and promote an even skin tone.
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