Squalene in women: role, benefits, and tips for maintaining it

You have heard of squalene in beauty products. You have read it on the packaging of your night cream. You may have wondered: what exactly is it? Why is it in my skincare? And above all, does it really matter?

At Puissante, we believe it's time to speak frankly about squalene. Your body produces this molecule naturally, and it plays a fundamental role in your intimate health and general well-being. So, get comfortable. We are going to decode this for you.

What exactly is squalene?

A molecule produced naturally by your body

Squalene is not a laboratory invention from the 2000s. This organic compound has a much older history. According to the Société Chimique de France, squalene is a ubiquitous lipid present in all higher organisms. It is a natural hydrocarbon, a triterpene composed of 30 carbon atoms and 50 hydrogen atoms. Chemically speaking, it is C30H50. But who really cares about chemistry? (Just kidding).

What matters is that your body makes it. Your sebaceous glands (those little oil-producing factories located in your skin) are continuously secreting squalene. It is one of the main components of your sebum, that natural mixture of oil, wax, and triglycerides that protects your skin.

An incredible protective role

Squalene fulfills several essential functions for your health. First, it forms a protective barrier for your skin and intimate area. Imagine it as a microscopic armor that protects your cells against external aggressors: pollution, bacteria, UV rays.

Secondly, it keeps your skin hydrated. It is a natural humectant, meaning it helps your skin retain water. Without it, your skin would be dry, irritated, and much less capable of defending itself.

Thirdly, it possesses antioxidant properties. This means it fights against free radicals, the threatening molecules that cause premature aging and inflammation.

The intriguing link with sharks

Here is a fascinating fact that few women know: sharks and you have something in common.

The natural lubricant produced by your vagina when sexually stimulated contains squalene. Yes, the same substance found in abundance in shark liver (approximately 85% of the mass of the shark's liver). Your body drew inspiration from nature to create its own lubrication system.

This amusing (and incredibly useful) detail means that your intimacy is equipped with a powerful natural substance that protects and lubricates it.

Squalene vs. Squalane: the confusing cousins

These two are not the same

This is probably the number one source of confusion. You read "squalene" in a scientific article, "squalane" on a beauty product, and you wonder if it is the same thing.

No, it is not the same. But it is almost.

Squalene is a substance naturally produced by your body. It is the "raw" version that your sebaceous glands manufacture every day.

Squalane is a chemically modified version. It is a hydrogenated version of squalene. Basically, hydrogen atoms are added to squalene (C30H50 becomes C30H62), which makes it saturated instead of unsaturated. This changes everything in terms of stability: squalane does not oxidize, it does not go rancid, and it stays stable for a long time.

Why this transformation?

Natural squalene is wonderful for your skin... until it comes into contact with oxygen. It oxidizes, turns rancid, and deteriorates. This is a major problem in cosmetology. How can you sell a product that turns rancid on the shelf?

Hence squalane. By hydrogenating squalene, chemists have created a stable, durable version that retains all the moisturizing and protective properties but without the drawbacks of oxidation. It is ingenious chemistry at the service of your beauty.

Where does the squalane in products come from?

That is an important question: does it come from sharks?

Good news: in modern products, generally no.

Historically (and unfortunately), squalane was extracted from shark liver. But since the 1980s, responsible brands have begun to use plant-based sources. Today, plant-based squalane is mainly derived from olive oil residues, sugar cane, rice, wheat, sugar beet, or even amaranth.

This is an excellent example of ecological innovation: taking what would otherwise be waste (olive oil production residues) and transforming it into a precious beauty ingredient. Everyone wins: the environment, the sharks, and your skin.

How does squalene work in your intimate area?

Your vagina, this biochemical engineer

Your vagina is a marvel of biological engineering. When you are sexually stimulated, several things happen simultaneously.

First, blood flows to the area, causing a vaginal erection (yes, it is the same phenomenon as in men, just internal). According to Lyon Femmes, during arousal, the vagina can increase up to 200% of its size and volume at rest. The inner walls unfold like an umbrella, creating a comfortable space for penetration.

Secondly, your vagina begins to produce lubricant. This precious substance is not just a simple gel. It is a complex cocktail of cervical mucus, secretions from the Bartholin's glands, and transudate (literally, body fluids that seep through the vaginal walls).

Squalene in this magical cocktail

And that is where squalene comes into play. The lubricant your body produces contains squalene. This molecule acts as a natural emollient, keeping tissues supple and elastic. It also protects against bacteria and irritants.

That is why your natural lubrication is so effective. That is why it smells slightly different depending on your menstrual cycle (squalene and other compounds vary in concentration). That is why it protects you better than any cheap synthetic lubricant.

Your body knows what it is doing. For millennia, it has perfected this system.

When squalene decreases

Squalene production by sebaceous glands decreases significantly starting in your thirties.

In other words, the older you get, the less squalene your body produces naturally. This begins subtly. You may notice that your skin is a bit drier. Your vaginal lubrication changes; it becomes less abundant, less... effective.

This is particularly problematic after menopause, a period when squalene production drops in parallel with the drop in estrogen.

According to the Société Chimique de France, human newborns have relatively abundant amounts of squalene in their blood, and this concentration in the body decreases starting at age 30-40. (Interesting to note: this concentration decreases significantly less in high-level athletes, one more argument for regular physical activity.)

What it looks like: recognizing the signs of deficiency

Signs on the skin

When your squalene production decreases, your skin lets you know. Here is what you might observe:

• Dry and dull skin: Your skin loses its natural luminosity. It looks tired, lacking radiance.

• Dehydration lines: These small fine lines appear, especially around the eyes and mouth.

• Increased sensitivity: Your skin reacts to things that didn't bother it before. Slightly acidic products, cold weather, even tap water can irritate.

• Itching and redness: Your skin itches, and is often red or irritated.

Intimate signs

The decrease in squalene is even more visible intimately.

• Vaginal dryness: This is the classic symptom. During sexual intercourse, discomfort or pain can be significant. You also notice a general decrease in natural lubrication.

• Irritation or discomfort: Your intimate area itches or burns, especially after intercourse.

• Loss of elasticity: Vaginal tissues become less supple. Penetration may be less pleasant.

• Decreased desire: Often linked to the previous discomfort, but also to the psychological impact. If every encounter is uncomfortable, your libido suffers.

Systemic signs

In reality, when your squalene levels drop, your whole body feels it.

• Low energy: Squalene plays a role in hormone production and immune function.

• Compromised immune system: You get sick more often, your minor infections take longer to heal.

• Joint problems: Your joints become less supple (squalene affects joint lubrication too).

When should you actually worry?

What is normal, what is not

First, let's clarify something: having less hydrated skin or occasional vaginal dryness is normal. It is particularly normal with age or during perimenopause, and it is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about.

This does not mean you have to accept it passively. You can act. But it is not an urgent medical problem.

When to consult a professional

You should consult a gynecologist if:

• Vaginal dryness is severe and affects your quality of life. If every sexual encounter is painful, if the discomfort prevents you from enjoying your intimacy, that is a legitimate reason to seek help.

• There is bleeding or unusual discharge. This could indicate something more serious than a simple squalene deficiency.

• Discomfort persists despite the use of lubricants. This could suggest another condition (like an infection or hormonal imbalance).

• You have signs of vaginal atrophy. This is common after menopause, and there are effective treatments.

What the professional can offer you

A good gynecologist will never judge you for questions about vaginal dryness or lubrication. They can offer you:

• Local hormonal treatment: creams or ovules containing estrogen to stimulate natural squalene production.

• Injectable hyaluronic acid: to regenerate vaginal tissues.

• Advice on stimulation: sometimes, better preparation and more foreplay can improve things.

• Adapted lubricants: not all lubricants are created equal.

Boosting your natural squalene production

Regular physical activity

Remember what we said: squalene decreases less in high-level athletes. This is not a coincidence.

Regular exercise improves blood circulation, which means more nutrients and more resources for your body to make what it needs. Go ahead, get your 30 minutes of movement per day. Your skin (and your vagina) will thank you.

Anti-inflammatory diet

Your skin and hormonal health reflect what you eat. Prioritize:

• Essential fatty acids: omega-3s and omega-6s. These are found in fatty fish, seeds, nuts.

• Antioxidants: berries, colorful vegetables, green tea.

• Vitamin C-rich foods: citrus, kiwis, bell peppers. It is an important cofactor for collagen and squalene synthesis.

• Phytoestrogens: particularly useful after menopause. These are found in soy, flaxseeds, legumes.

Stress management

Chronic stress raises cortisol, which decreases sex hormone production and affects your skin generally. Take care of your mental health to take care of your skin.

Supplements and topical products: how to use them

Serums and oils containing squalane

This is where topical squalane becomes useful. Since your natural production decreases, you can provide it from the outside.

A good serum or oil containing plant-based squalane (ideally from olives) can:

• Deeply hydrate your skin without being greasy or comedogenic.

• Strengthen your skin barrier and reduce irritation.

• Mimic your natural sebum because it has a similar structure.

Use it morning and evening, after your active products. About 2-3 drops are enough. You can also mix it into your night cream for enhanced hydration.

Quality intimate lubricant

For your intimacy, a water-based or hyaluronic acid intimate lubricant can make a huge difference. Look for a product:

• Free of propylene glycol: this compound can be irritating to some women.

• With appropriate osmolality: this means the product has a solute concentration close to that of your body fluids.

• Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested: to minimize the risk of irritation.

Use it generously. There is no limit. Your intimate area deserves to be treated well.

Dietary supplements

Certain dietary supplements can support the natural production of squalene:

• Cod liver oil: contains omega-3s, a classic.

• Coenzyme Q10 supplements: this is an antioxidant that plays a role in cellular energy production.

• Collagen supplements: support skin health.

Consult a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.

Squalene and pregnancy: what you need to know

If you are pregnant or considering becoming so, squalene also plays an important role.

During pregnancy, your skin changes. Your hormone levels fluctuate; your skin may become oilier or drier (often both alternatively). Your squalene production may also change.

After childbirth, especially during breastfeeding, your skin can be particularly dry. Your body spends many resources on lactation.

Myths to forget

"The more hydrated you are, the better your squalene production"

False. Your squalene production is largely genetic and hormonal. You could drink 3 liters of water a day, your production will not be tripled. That said, staying well-hydrated is always good for your general health.

"Oily skin doesn't need squalane"

False. Even oily skin needs squalene/squalane. Often, oily skin produces too much sebum precisely because it is dehydrated; it is an overcompensation. A lightweight squalane can help rebalance your skin.

"Squalane will clog your pores"

False. Squalane is non-comedogenic, which means it generally does not clog pores. On the contrary, because it mimics your natural sebum, your skin recognizes it as friendly.

Squalene in women: the essentials

The most important thing: be gentle with yourself. Your skin changes, your body changes, your sexuality changes. It's normal, it's natural, and it's beautiful.

And now that you understand the role of squalene, you can finally answer the question: what is that weird thing on my serum bottle? It is your secret ally, quite simply.