If your skin feels tight after air conditioning, looks shiny by noon in Malaysian humidity, yet still flakes around the nose, you are not alone. Many Malaysians struggle to find a moisturiser that feels light enough for our weather but still properly hydrates.
That is where squalane comes in. It looks like oil but feels weightless, absorbs fast, and works beautifully across dry, oily, and sensitive skin types.
What exactly is squalane?
Your skin naturally produces an oil called squalene as part of sebum. It helps keep your barrier soft and protected, but in its raw form, it oxidises easily and becomes unstable in products.
To fix this, chemists hydrogenate squalene into squalane, a saturated, more stable form that resists oxidation and works better in skincare.
That means:
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It is less likely to go rancid or irritate the skin
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It keeps its texture and benefits longer in your bottle
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It is safe and effective even in our hot, humid climate
Today, most cosmetic squalane is plant-derived, often from sugarcane or olives, rather than from older shark liver sources.
If you want a quick explainer, you can also check Threebs own guide on squalane vs squalene for a deeper breakdown:
Why does squalane feel so lightweight?
Although it is technically an oil, squalane is a very thin, skin like lipid. Because its structure is similar to the lipids in our natural barrier, it spreads easily and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film.
Key texture benefits:
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Non comedogenic
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Fast absorbing
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Works well under sunscreen and makeup
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Easy to layer with serums
That is why many brands describe it as a weightless hydrating oil that still gives that healthy glow.
If heavy creams usually make you feel sticky in our weather, squalane gives you moisture with a much more comfortable finish.
The skin benefits of squalane
Because it is both hydrating and barrier friendly, squalane shows up in many routines as a simple multitasker.
1. Dry or dehydrated skin
If your skin feels rough, tight, or flaky, squalane helps:
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Lock in hydration by forming a soft protective layer on top of your moisturiser
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Reduce transepidermal water loss, so your skin stays comfortable for longer
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Smooth texture over time with regular use
Browse more hydrating formulas here:
2. Oily and acne prone skin
It sounds scary to add an oil when you are already shiny, but squalane is different.
It is non comedogenic and lightweight, which means it hydrates without clogging pores and can even help rebalance oil production over time.
This makes it suitable for combination or acne prone skin that feels dehydrated underneath.
3. Sensitive or easily irritated skin
Because squalane is so similar to your own skin lipids, it has a low risk of irritation and can help calm redness while supporting your barrier.
It is often recommended alongside actives like retinoids or acids to reduce dryness and tightness.
4. Mature skin and fine lines
Hydrated skin always looks smoother. Squalane:
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Softens the look of fine lines
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Supports the barrier so your skin can better tolerate anti ageing actives
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Provides mild antioxidant protection when used regularly
Product highlights you can shop on Threebs.co
1. The Ordinary 100% Plant Derived Squalane (30ml)
Best for
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Dry or mature skin needing an extra hydrating layer
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Oily skin that wants moisture without a heavy cream
2. Good Molecules Squalane Oil (13ml)
Best for
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Combination and oily skin that still feels dehydrated
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Anyone new to facial oils and worried about congestion
3. The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane (30ml)
Best for
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Experienced retinol users with visible lines or uneven tone
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Normal to dry or mature skin that needs both anti ageing and moisture support
Conclusion
If you are tired of guessing which oil or moisturiser suits our Malaysian climate, squalane is a great place to start. It is skin friendly, comfortable in humidity, and easy to pair with the products you already use.
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