Meta Information

ID:squalene-cleanser

Name:Squalene Cleanser

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• Squalane Cleanser

Active Compound

Squalane

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:

topical_skin

Scope:

• local

Is Skin Health

True

Regulatory Status

• us:cosmetic
• eu:cosmetic

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

Supports skin barrier function, hydration, and reduces oxidative stress on the skin's surface to maintain skin health and appearance.

Typical Protocol

• Apply a small amount to dry skin, massage to dissolve impurities and makeup, then rinse with water once or twice daily.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

5

High Cost:

40

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Widely available over-the-counter cosmetic product; not covered by insurance.

Summary

Squalene is a lipid naturally produced by human sebaceous glands, crucial for skin hydration and barrier function. Its stable, hydrogenated form, squalane, is used in cleansers to gently remove impurities without stripping the skin's natural oils. By supporting the skin barrier and providing antioxidant properties, it helps protect against environmental stressors that contribute to premature skin aging.

Purpose

Supports skin barrier integrity and hydration for improved skin healthspan.

Card Summary

A gentle, lipid-based cleanser that supports skin hydration and barrier function.

Drug Class

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

2.5

Justification:

Locally supports skin barrier, but has negligible impact on systemic aging processes.

Evidence

Grade:

B

Score:

4

Justification:

Good evidence for skin hydration and barrier support, but not for systemic healthspan.

Safety

Score:

1

Justification:

Very low risk; squalane is a stable biomimetic lipid with rare adverse reactions.

Flags

• Most products use the stable hydrogenated form, Squalane, as Squalene is prone to oxidation.
• Rarely, may cause clogged pores in highly acne-prone individuals.
• Ensure sourcing is from plants (e.g., olives, sugarcane) not shark liver for ethical reasons.

Verdict

A safe, gentle cleanser for supporting skin barrier health.

Qualifier

route: topical, scope: local, focused on healthspan

Created

2026-05-14T23:18:34.813167Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)