The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane Review

Attention everyone who is looking for an effective and budget-friendly hydrator! Here’s an in-depth review of The Ordinary’s 100% Plant-Derived Squalane. This is a vegan, cruelty-free formula that you can add to prevent loss of moisture in the skin. Suitable for all skin types, even oily and acne-prone skin as it’s non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores.

What is squalane

Squalane is a more stabilized form of squalene, a naturally occurring lipid that your body produces.

Who should use squalane

Squalane is a suitable hydrator for all skin types, so anyone can use it, even those with oily skin prone to breakouts.

Squalane skincare benefits

• Moisturizes without a greasy feel
• Calms and protects the skin
• Improves skin elasticity
• Balances oil production without clogging pores

How to use squalane

Here are the official directions from The Ordinary’s website:

Directions: Apply a few drops daily or as needed to entire face ideally after water-based treatments. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician.

Related: Please refer to this post for detailed instructions on how to add squalane to an effective anti-aging skincare routine.

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane Product Profile

Key ingredient: Squalane

Benefits: Non-greasy hydration for skin and hair

Size: 30ml

Price: $7.90

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane Review

At the time of this review (May 2020), there are 253 reviews for The Ordinary’s 100% Plant-Derived Squalane on its website, and an average of 8.8/10 stars.

Favorable reviews highlight lightweight feel and smooth texture of the product, along with its excellent hydration benefits. Many reviewers use it during the nighttime and it helps to retain moisture longer.

Personally, I add The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane to my nighttime moisturizer, and concentrate it around my chin area because this is where I tend to get really dry or flaky skin. Like I mentioned in my anti-aging routine post, I don’t find it to be “completely non-greasy” – you definitely do notice its extra-emollient effects paired with moisturizer.

Product Aesthetics

There are more “luxurious” oils out there that are more pleasant to use from an aesthetics point of view, like smelling great.

By comparison, The Ordinary’s 100% Plant-Derived Squalane does not have a fragrance so it’s a very straightforward product usage experience. It’s acceptable, not amazing, hence why I gave it 3/5.

Sidenote: I don’t find it to be “100% non-greasy” like The Ordinary’s product description. It’s not a heavy-weight greasy feeling, and it absorbs quite well, but if you don’t like any sort of oily feel, you won’t really like the feel of this product.

Product Efficacy

Aesthetics aside, the efficacy of this product is 10/10. It does an excellent job retaining moisture and keeping my skin hydrated so that it feels smooth and supple in the morning.

Value

As with all other The Ordinary products, it’s offered at a very fair and affordable price. For less than $10, you can get 30ml of plant-derived cruelty-free squalane which should last you more than 2 months easily if just using a few drops a day.

The Ordinary vs. Biossance

By comparison, Biossance 100% Squalane Oil is another option and comes in two sizes:

• Full Size 100ml (3.3 oz) at $32
• Travel Size 12ml (0.4 oz) at $8

Price per ml, here’s how it breaks down:

As you can see, even though Biossance is indeed more expensive, it also offers more than 3x the size at 100ml vs. 30ml. When you break it down that way, the price differential doesn’t seem to be that bad because price per ml is actually only $0.06 more than The Ordinary.

Travel size is a different story, Biossance mini size is only 12ml and more than 2.5x the price of The Ordinary. If you’re looking just to try plant-derived squalane in a smaller size I’d pass on Biossance and try The Ordinary instead.

At the end of the day, it’s a matter of budget and preference. Biossance squalane is derived from sugarcane, whereas The Ordinary just states “plant-derived.”

100% Plant-Derived Squalane FAQ’s

What is the difference between squalene and squalane?

Squalene is too unstable to be used in skincare products. It can spoil too quickly. It must be hydrogenated to become suitable for skincare use. After the hydrogenation process, squalene becomes squalane, which is more user-friendly and has a longer shelf-life.

What is the difference between 100% Plant-Derived Squalane and 100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane?

The Ordinary’s 100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane is half the molecular weight of 100% Plant-Derived Squalane.

What’s different:
– Price: 100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane is $3.95 whereas original 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is $7.90
– Molecular weight: Hemi-Squalane is even lighter and has a “drier” feel/touch
– Hemi-Squalane is 100% derived from sustainable sugarcane; original Squalane is just plant-derived (doesn’t specify from what plant).

What’s the same:
– Suitable for all skin and hair types
– Product features: oil-free, alcohol-free, nut-free, vegan, cruelty-free, non-comedogenic

Where to buy The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

You can purchase it directly from The Ordinary’s website for the widest selection. Both Biossance and The Ordinary are also available on Sephora’s website.