When a person is pregnant, the scrutiny of every product used, from food to skincare, naturally intensifies. Squalane oil is a popular moisturizing agent, praised for its lightweight texture and compatibility with the skin’s natural oils. Found in many serums, moisturizers, and facial oils, its suitability for use during gestation is often questioned. Given the hormonal shifts that cause increased skin sensitivity and dryness, many pregnant individuals seek a gentle, effective moisturizer. Understanding squalane’s composition and how it interacts with the body is key to determining if it belongs in a pregnancy-safe routine.
Understanding Squalane and Squalene
Squalene is a poly-unsaturated hydrocarbon that the human body naturally produces as a component of sebum. Sebum is the oily substance that lubricates and protects the skin. It makes up around 10 to 12 percent of the skin’s natural oil and functions as a natural emollient and antioxidant. However, this natural form is highly unstable due to its chemical structure, which contains multiple double bonds.
Squalene readily oxidizes when exposed to air, making it unsuitable for long-term use in cosmetic formulations. To overcome this instability, squalene is hydrogenated—a process that adds hydrogen atoms to the molecule’s double bonds—to create squalane. This resulting compound is a saturated, stable hydrocarbon that retains moisturizing benefits without the risk of quick spoilage. Modern squalane is primarily sourced from plants, such as olives, sugarcane, and rice bran, moving away from older sources like shark liver oil.
Squalane Safety Profile in Pregnancy
Squalane is overwhelmingly considered safe for use during pregnancy by dermatologists and medical professionals. This safety assessment stems from the fact that squalane is a derivative of squalene, a lipid already natural to the skin’s surface barrier. The body recognizes the molecule, making it highly biocompatible and unlikely to cause adverse reactions.
The molecule acts as a superficial emollient, hydrating the skin’s outer layer and preventing moisture loss. Studies indicate that topical squalane is poorly absorbed systemically, meaning it does not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts to affect the developing fetus. Because it is non-irritating and non-comedogenic, it is a suitable option for the sensitive, often dry or acne-prone skin that accompanies hormonal changes in pregnancy. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that both squalane and squalene are safe cosmetic ingredients at current use concentrations.
General Skincare Ingredients to Avoid While Pregnant
While squalane is safe, many other popular skincare ingredients are recommended for avoidance due to concerns about systemic absorption and potential fetal harm. The most common category of concern involves retinoids, synthetic forms of Vitamin A used for anti-aging and acne treatment. Oral retinoids, such as isotretinoin, are known to cause severe congenital defects and are strictly prohibited. Topical retinoids, including tretinoin, retinol, and retinaldehyde, are also generally advised against due to a lack of comprehensive safety data during gestation.
High-dose salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) used to treat acne, also requires caution. Low concentrations found in most over-the-counter cleansers are often considered low-risk. However, high-concentration applications like chemical peels or oral forms are linked to potential pregnancy complications. Since salicylic acid is chemically related to aspirin, medical professionals advise limiting its topical use to small areas and low concentrations.
Hydroquinone, a potent skin-lightening agent used for hyperpigmentation like melasma, is also flagged for avoidance. Research shows the skin can absorb a high percentage of applied hydroquinone, sometimes nearly 45%. The effects of this absorption on the fetus are not well-studied. Individuals dealing with pregnancy-related skin changes should consult a healthcare provider for safe alternatives to these restricted ingredients.