This surprising, powerful oil can completely change your sex life
If you're into skincare, you've probably heard about the ingredient squalane. But did you know it can be used in intimacy products, too? While it's most popular in skincare and beauty products, it's definitely not the only place to reap this organic compound's benefits.
Squalane comes from a natural oil that your skin already makes. This oil, called sebum, helps keep your skin hydrated and protected. Squalane is a stable, skin-friendly version of one of the main ingredients in sebum.
When used in sexual wellness products, it can do wonders. So, if you're curious to learn more about squalane, and the benefits of using it even in your intimate routine, read on.
Squalane 101: what is it, where it's used, and the benefits
What is squalane?
Squalane is a colorless saturated oil that can be derived from plants, including olives and sugarcane. Historically, it was also sourced from shark liver. It's an essential emollient that helps the skin barrier function, provides moisture, and improves the overall skin texture.
Squalene vs. squalane – is there a difference?
They're similar but not quite the same. Squalene with an "e" is an organic compound found naturally in your skin’s sebum and helps you maintain hydration and protect your skin barrier.
Squalane with an ‘a’ is a version of squalene but is hydrogenated and more stable. This makes it great for body care oils and moisturizers.
How is squalane harvested?
Although squalane can be derived from animals (shark liver) or plants, most brands and consumers seek cruelty-free olive oil-derived squalane.
Previously, one of the more popular ways to harvest squalane was from shark livers. To produce 1 ton of squalane, you needed 3,000 sharks. Sadly the shark population has declined over 70% over the last 50 years for various reasons, and the rising popularity of beauty products containing squalane hasn't helped. The good news is that we don't need to use shark livers to produce the compound, we can derive it from plant-based sources.
Squalane can be successfully harvested from plants like olives (Bloomi’s favorite choice and described more below), rice bran, wheat germ, and amaranth seeds. It can even be harvested from the leftovers of the olive oil refining process. About 80% of squalane used in the United States and Europe comes from plant sources.
When choosing squalane in your products, always pay attention to whether the squalane is plant-based or not. Shark Allies have created a Shark Free label for consumer products that help consumers figure out whether the squalane in their beauty products comes from plants, so look out for that when shopping.
Where is squalane used?
Squalane is an ingredient that's widely used in many different products due to its moisturizing properties:
Massage oils
Sunscreen
Anti-aging creams
Moisturizers
Hair conditioners
Deodorants
Lip balms
Lip masks
Lipsticks
Foundations
What are the benefits of using squalane?
Using squalane for the skin has several benefits. Aside from being a highly effective moisturizer that keeps our skin healthy and plump, squalane is also an antioxidant and detoxifier.
Using squalane regularly can help improve the skin's appearance, treat scars and UV damage (when used together with sunscreen to further prevent damage), and restore a damaged skin barrier. It might also boost collagen production, increase skin firmness, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
The moisturizing benefits of squalane are also key for healthy hair. Using squalane oil in your hair can improve the natural shine and prevent breakage as it seals the moisture in. Also, because it's so light, it doesn't weigh down the hair as some other oils might.
As for the benefits of using squalane in sexual wellness products, the oil can be used as a natural moisturizing oil, like coconut oil, to lubricate and mimic our body’s natural secretions. Due to its natural feel and silky glide, squalane can help ensure things feel lubricated and helps enhance the sensations. We love it as a key ingredient in our body and arousal oils.
Relax Body and Massage Oil
A clean massage oil that doubles as an everyday body oil with squalene and lavender aromatherapy.
Squalane in Bloomi's product
Bloomi has a selection of Luxe intimate care products that contain olive oil-derived squalane. We use only the highest quality plant-based squalane that fits our Clean Standard.
Bloomi's Luxe Arousal Oil has squalane as a primary ingredient. It adds extra moisture to this intimate area oil, and its natural glide and rich properties help increase pleasure before and during intimate moments solo or with your partner. Apply 2-4 pumps to your fingertips and glide them over sensitive areas like the vulva, clitoris, inner thighs, breasts, and other desired places.
All products are moisturizing and are great for enhancing sensations all over your body.
Squalane FAQ
Let's answer some of the most frequently asked questions about squalane and where it is used.
Is squalane sustainable?
Squalane that is harvested from plants like amaranth, olives, rice, wheat, and more sources is sustainable. However, not all squalane is plant-based, and certain companies still use squalane harvested from shark liver, which is damaging to the environment.
Always pay attention to what kind is used in the products before you buy. Look out for the ‘Shark-Free’ label or verification that the squalane is plant-derived on the packaging.
Is squalane safe for intimate care products?
Yes. Squalane is healthy and its moisturizing and protecting qualities are beneficial for our skin, hair, lips, and most parts of our bodies, including intimate areas. It's not an edible ingredient, so it's not advisable to ingest squalane.
What kind of squalane does Bloomi use?
We use plant-based squalane that is harvested from are olives and is free of fragrances and glycerin.
Bloomi Clean Standard
At Bloomi, we believe that everyone deserves clean and non-toxic intimate care products that feel good and do good for our bodies. That's why with the help of top sexual wellness experts and academic research we have created a Clean Standard for our intimate care products.
Our products have plant-based formulas that are free of vulvar allergens like glycerin, gluten, parabens, fragrances, and sulfates so you don't have to worry about having an unpleasant reaction to something.
Our toys are made from non-toxic ingredients like medical-grade silicone and stainless steel so you can enjoy solo and partnered pleasure knowing you're using the best quality toys.
And our packaging is made with sustainable, compostable, and recyclable materials, so you know your favorite intimate products are not harming the environment.
EXPERT REVIEW: Stephanie Tran, Clean Beauty Lab Assistant at KKT Consultants