Why Biossance’s Hero Ingredient Is Suddenly Everywhere

If you’ve spent any time on skincare TikTok lately, you’ve probably noticed one ingredient popping up again and again: squalane.

Beloved by dermatologists, makeup artists and beauty lovers alike, the multitasking hydrator has become one of the industry’s biggest buzzwords—and for good reason. Lightweight, non-greasy and remarkably versatile, squalane works with virtually every skin type while delivering lasting hydration from head to toe.

One brand has been championing the ingredient long before it became a viral sensation: Biossance.

At the heart of every Biossance formula is its signature sugarcane-derived squalane, a bioengineered ingredient that’s molecularly identical to the skin’s own natural moisturizing lipids. In other words, your skin recognizes it instantly, allowing it to absorb quickly without leaving behind a heavy or oily residue.

The ingredient also represents a major sustainability breakthrough. For decades, much of the beauty industry’s squalane came from shark liver oil. Biossance’s scientists pioneered a renewable alternative by creating skin-identical squalane from sustainably fermented sugarcane—delivering the same exceptional hydration while eliminating the need for animal-derived sources.

No wonder the brand built an entire skincare collection around it.

But while Biossance’s iconic 100% Squalane Oil is best known as a facial moisturizer, skincare experts say its uses extend far beyond your evening routine.

According to McKenzie Bolt Rose, Biossance’s Global Skincare Educator and licensed esthetician, this single bottle can earn a permanent spot in nearly every step of your beauty regimen. Use it as the final step in your skincare routine to lock in moisture, smooth it over the body after showering for silky-soft skin, tame flyaways, soften cuticles, or even apply it before shaving for a smoother glide.

It’s also become a favourite makeup hack. Mix a drop into foundation for a more radiant finish, tap a tiny amount over concealer to minimize creasing throughout the day, smooth it through brows to keep them in place, or layer it beneath fragrance to help scent linger longer. After a day in the sun, it can also provide comforting hydration to skin that’s feeling dry or depleted.

It’s this kind of versatility that’s helped fuel squalane’s social media boom. Rather than purchasing a different product for every concern, beauty enthusiasts are discovering that one thoughtfully formulated oil can do the work of many.

Available at Sephora Canada for $46 CAD, Biossance’s 100% Squalane Oil may just be the hardest-working bottle in your beauty routine. Sometimes, the most effective skincare really is the simplest. —Noa Nichol