What is Squalane Anyway?
Squalane is the hydrogenated, fully saturated cousin of squalene, the lipid your skin naturally produces to stay soft and resilient. Once sourced from shark livers, modern squalane is grown from renewable feedstocks like sugarcane, olives, and rice bran, then refined until it’s clear, odorless, and skin-identical.
Because it mirrors the lipids already in your skin’s barrier, it sinks in fast without clogging pores or leaving a greasy film. That close match is exactly why we lean on it for our balm’s glide instead of synthetics.
Built for Skin That Works Hard
- Rapid absorption. Squalane slips between skin cells, reinforcing the lipid barrier without sitting on top like silicone or mineral oils.
- Non-irritating by design. Its chemical structure is inert and hypoallergenic, so it plays nice with sensitive, windburned, or cracked skin.
- Lightweight conditioning. It delivers suppleness and flexibility without the waxy drag that can happen with heavier butters.
Most balms use petroleum-derived mineral oil, a filler that’s typically 50–60× cheaper than plant-based squalane. The difference isn’t subtle; it’s why you almost never see squalane in lip products. We use it anyway because it feels better, lasts forever, isn't made from petroleum, and never goes rancid.
Why It Belongs on Gear, Too
Since our balm to double as a shop tool, squalane keeps that promise by acting as a clean, clear lubricant that won’t attack plastics, paints, or natural fibers. It cushions leather, eases zipper teeth, and gives wooden handles a quick sheen without leaving residue that attracts dust.
Unlike silicone oils that smear and hang around, squalane wipes clean and biodegrades, so it won’t leave a persistent film on shared tools or outdoor gear.
Naturally Stable & Slow to Spoil
Hydrogenating squalene into squalane locks every double bond in place, making it incredibly resistant to oxidation. That means it doesn’t go rancid, even when the balm lives in a hot glove box or bounces around a pack for a season.
Because it’s shelf-stable on its own, we can skip heavy preservatives. Squalane keeps the formula flexible and fresh, supporting beeswax and lanolin so the stick stays ready for the long haul.
A Better Choice Than Silicone Oils
Silicone fluids offer instant slip, but they sit on top of skin, cling to gear, and linger in the environment. Squalane gives us the glide we want without the trade-offs. It’s derived from renewable crops, compatible with skin biology, and breaks down naturally when it finally leaves your hands.
For a multi-use balm that lives at work and in the field, we’ll take the ingredient that conditions skin, keeps tools moving, and respects the places we use it. That’s squalane.