Thirsty Skin After 40? This Hydrating Duo Changes Everything

Dry skin shows up all year, but it can feel especially relentless in winter. If you are trying to deeply hydrate your complexion, two ingredients tend to steal the spotlight: hyaluronic acid and squalane. When it comes to hyaluronic acid vs squalane, though, is one actually better for your skin?

These ingredients might sound technical, yet they work in different ways and can complement each other in the same skin care routine. Each offers distinct benefits, so it helps to understand how they behave on the skin before you decide what to use.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a humectant, which means it attracts and holds water molecules at the surface of the skin. “It is a water magnet that pulls moisture from the atmosphere to hydrate the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr Mona Gohara.

HA is also produced naturally in the body. It acts as a lubricating substance in the skin, eyes and joints. Research suggests that our natural HA levels start to decline from about age 25, which is why applying it topically in skin care can help support plump, hydrated skin as we age.

Is sodium hyaluronate the same as hyaluronic acid?

Yes and no. “Sodium hyaluronate and HA are in the same family and work similarly,” says Dr Gohara. “It is the salt form of hyaluronic acid that can sink deeper into the skin because the molecule is smaller.”

So if you see sodium hyaluronate on an ingredients list but not the words hyaluronic acid, you are still getting that humectant hit of hydration.

What is squalane?

While hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws water into the skin, squalane is an emollient that helps lock that moisture into the surface layers.

“Squalene with an ‘e’ is a natural lipid or oil made by the body’s sebaceous glands, and squalane with an ‘a’ is a stable, skin-friendly lipid derived from sugar cane, olives or rice bran that is developed in a lab,” says Dr Gohara. “Because squalane is non-greasy, it fits well in a lightweight lotion.”

Compared with heavier emollients such as shea butter, squalane feels weightless, absorbs quickly and is non-comedogenic, so it works for most skin types, including oily and combination skin.

Can I use HA and squalane together?

Yes. “They are the skin care equivalent of peanut butter and jelly,” says Dr Gohara. “HA brings the hydration and squalane seals it in. Using them together in a formula mimics how your own skin functions to maintain barrier support.”

Are they both safe to use on sensitive skin?

“Yes. Hyaluronic acid is soothing and hydrating, and squalane is one of the gentlest emollients we have. It is non-comedogenic and irritation-free for most people,” says Dr Gohara.

Can you use HA and squalane on their own?

You can, but you still need to layer them for best results. “Applying a plain HA serum is effective, but remember that hyaluronic acid needs an emollient to seal in that moisture, so using them together is better—HA first and squalane second,” says Dr Gohara.

Another tip: always apply a hyaluronic acid serum onto slightly damp skin to amplify hydration before you follow with squalane or your usual moisturiser.

Hyaluronic acid vs squalane: differences

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws water into the skin. Squalane is a lightweight emollient oil that helps lock that water in and support the skin barrier.

This humectant-plus-emollient pairing is why they work so well together to moisturise and maintain barrier function. Both ingredients are generally safe and effective for all skin types, which is why you see them in so many hydrating formulas, from serums to lotions and creams.

Hyaluronic acid vs squalane: which is more hydrating?

Think of HA as a big drink of water for your face. Studies suggest that hyaluronic acid can penetrate the skin and help replenish HA levels because it acts as a water-binding humectant that attracts moisture. It is a high-capacity hydrator that plumps, soothes and moisturises dry skin.

“Hyaluronic acid not only hydrates the surface of the skin, but instantly plumps and softens fine lines—similar to how a sponge puffs up as it draws in moisture,” says Dr Gohara.

Hyaluronic acid vs squalane: which is better for mature skin?

“Our body’s natural supply of moisturizing squalene declines after the age of 30,” says Dr Gohara. “That’s why adding it back topically is critical for mature skin to keep the protective barrier stronger and softer. It also has antioxidant properties to help neutralize damaging free radicals from UV rays and helps calm inflammation, both of which contribute to the cumulative damage that leads to visible signs of aging.”

While hyaluronic acid is a hydrating hero and particularly helpful for dry skin, it works even better—especially for skin over 40—when it is layered underneath an emollient like squalane that seals in moisture. The bottom line: use both if your skin is 40+ or if it is very dry in the winter months.