Using Squalane Oil for Acne-Prone Skin

You're asking about mixing Squalane oil with other ingredients to help with clogged and inflamed acne, and you received advice about avoiding direct oil application for clogged pores. This is a good point to consider when formulating.

Squalane (Olive) is known for being a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that is excellent for moisturizing and supporting the skin barrier. It's similar to the skin's natural sebum and is often well-tolerated by acne-prone skin. However, for addressing clogged pores specifically, relying solely on an oil might not be the most effective approach, as suggested by the staff.

To effectively target clogged and inflamed acne, it's best to combine Squalane with active ingredients known for their acne-fighting properties. Instead of mixing Squalane directly with water-based actives or applying pure Squalane oil, consider formulating a product (like a light serum, gel-cream, or lotion) that incorporates both Squalane and acne-specific ingredients in a balanced base.

Here are some ingredients that work well for acne and can be formulated alongside Squalane:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): This is a go-to ingredient for clogged pores. It's oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores to exfoliate dead skin cells and dissolve sebum buildup. Various forms are available, including water-soluble options like Liquid Salicylic Acid or ActiveRelease™ Salicylic Acid, which can be easier to incorporate into different formula types.
• Tea Tree Oil: Known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Tea Tree Oil (especially standardized extracts like Acne-TT™) can help reduce the bacteria (P. acnes) that contribute to inflamed acne.
• Zinc PCA: This ingredient helps regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing, making it beneficial for both oily skin and healing acne lesions.
• Licorice Extract: Contains Licochalcone A, which is effective at reducing redness, inflammation, and irritation associated with acne.

By formulating Squalane (Olive) or Squalane Oil Gel (Thixotropic) within a lighter emulsion or gel base alongside these active ingredients, you can create a product that provides necessary moisture and barrier support without feeling heavy or potentially worsening clogged pores, while actively treating the acne.

Remember to always follow recommended usage rates for each ingredient when formulating.