Squalane: The Best Moisturising Oil for All Skin Types

What is Squalane?

Squalane is a stabilised form of squalene, a lipid naturally produced by human skin. It is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and mimics the skin own sebum making it compatible with all skin types including oily skin.

Why Squalane for Oily Skin?

Oily skin often over-produces sebum because it is dehydrated. Squalane provides lipid replenishment that signals the skin to produce less oil.

Products at BigBasket.pk

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane at See current price on the linked product page as a standalone oil. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser at See current price on the linked product page as a gentle oil cleanser.

Why Squalane Works for Every Pakistani Skin Type

Most face oils fail on Pakistani oily skin — they sit on top, feel greasy, and clog pores. Squalane is the exception. Here is why it is genuinely suitable for every skin type including oily and acne-prone:

Squalane is not a heavy oil. It is a saturated hydrocarbon — a lightweight, stable molecule with a comedogenicity rating of 0-1 (lowest possible pore-clogging risk). It is chemically similar to your skin's own sebum, so skin recognises it as "self" and absorbs it instead of treating it as a foreign substance sitting on the surface.

It is non-oxidising. Unlike argan, rosehip, and many plant oils that turn rancid quickly in Pakistan's heat (and can irritate skin when oxidised), squalane is fully stable. It does not degrade in heat, light, or air. A bottle of squalane in a Karachi summer stays fresh for years.

It actually reduces oiliness in oily skin. Counter-intuitively, squalane signals to sebaceous glands that the skin is adequately moisturised, reducing compensatory sebum overproduction. Oily skin that is chronically stripped and dry actually produces more oil as a defence mechanism — squalane breaks this cycle.

How to Use Squalane at Every Stage of Your Routine

Squalane's versatility makes it usable at multiple points in a routine depending on your goal:

As a serum booster: Mix 1-2 drops of squalane with your serum before applying to extend the glide time and enhance penetration. This works especially well with vitamin C and niacinamide serums on dry skin types.

As a moisturiser (for oily skin in summer): Apply 3-4 drops directly to damp skin as your sole moisturising step. The ultra-lightweight texture disappears completely in humid months when heavier moisturisers feel suffocating.

As a final seal over moisturiser (for dry skin in winter): Apply 4-5 drops of squalane as the last step of your evening routine to lock in all moisture from previous layers. Works as a natural occlusive without the heaviness of petroleum-based occlusives (vaseline/aquaphor).

As a retinol buffer: Apply a thin layer of squalane before retinol on nights when your skin is particularly dry or reactive — the "sandwich method" that reduces retinol irritation while allowing it to work. More effective than moisturiser alone for buffering.

With SPF in summer: Mixing one drop of squalane into your SPF (before applying) gives a dewy skin-like finish without compromising SPF protection. Particularly useful with matte-finish sunscreens that look powdery or grey on deeper Pakistani skin tones.

Price note: Prices mentioned in this guide are snapshots and may change. The linked product page shows the current BigBasket.pk price and availability.