Why Squalane Oil (Olive Derived) is a Game-Changer for Your Beard & Skin

What is up gamers! Your beard isn’t just hair — it’s part of your brand. At 8bit Beard Co., we believe in powering up your beard and skin with ingredients that work. One of those hero ingredients is olive-derived squalane.

In this blog you’ll learn: what squalane is, why we use it in our beard oil and face serum, and how it helps both your skin and your facial hair.

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What is Squalane?

The Difference Between Squalene and Squalane

Your skin naturally makes an oil called squalene (with an "e") — it keeps your face soft and smooth. As we get older, our bodies make less of it. The problem? Squalene isn’t very stable and can spoil when exposed to air.

To fix that, scientists developed squalane (with an “a”). It’s a hydrogenated version that’s shelf-stable and great for grooming products.
(Cleveland Clinic)

Why Olive-Derived Is the Better Choice

Squalane can be made from a few sources. In the past, companies used shark liver oil — but now, most ethical brands (like us) use plant-based sources such as olives, sugarcane, or rice bran.

Our olive-derived version is vegan, sustainable, and skin-friendly, giving you all the hydration without harm to the planet.

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A Quick Look at the History of Squalane

From Shark Liver Oil to Plant-Based Formulas

Squalane’s story goes way back. It was first discovered in the early 1900s from deep-sea sharks — specifically the Squalus acanthias species gave it its name. At the time, it was prized for its moisturizing and healing effects and cosmetic companies used it in ointments, salves, and moisturizers because of its hydrating powers.

Modern Sustainable Production

As science advanced and sustainability became more important, manufacturers looked for renewable sources and found they could make squalane from plants like olives and sugarcane instead. A new gold standard was created for producing squalane. This shift in the early 2000s changed everything — olive-derived squalane had taken center stage in skincare and grooming — keeping the same skin-loving benefits while protecting ocean life and creating a renewable, cruelty-free ingredient. Today, it’s a core part of clean, ethical formulations that respect both your skin and the planet.

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What It Does for Your Skin & Beard

Benefits for Skin

• Hydration boost: Squalane mimics your skin’s natural oils and locks in hydration.
• Barrier support: It strengthens the skin’s outer layer, helping prevent dryness or irritation.
  
• Lightweight & Fast Absorbing: Unlike heavy oils that feel greasy, squalane absorbs cleanly so your grooming routine stays sleek.
  (PubMed study on squalane’s moisturizing properties)
  
• Gentle for all skin types – Especially important if your skin under the beard gets dry, itchy, or flaky.

Benefits for Beard Hair

• Softens and smooths: Helps reduce coarse texture, for a cleaner look.
• Tames frizz and itch: By conditioning both skin and hair, it helps prevent beard dandruff and irritation.
• Enhances shine: Adds a subtle, natural sheen that looks healthy, not oily.

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Why We Put Olive Squalane in Our Products

How It Elevates Our Beard Oil

In our beard oil blend, olive squalane helps your beard feel softer and more manageable. It also improves absorption, so your beard doesn’t feel heavy or greasy — just hydrated and smooth.  (8bit Beard Oil)

Why It’s a Core Ingredient in Our Face Serum

In our face serum, squalane pairs with Golden Jojoba and Pomegranate Oils to calm and protect your skin after daily wear. It helps balance oil levels and strengthens your skin barrier for long-term health.  (Face Serum)

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How to Use It

Best Time to Apply

Use after washing your face or beard — that’s when your pores are clean and ready to soak in hydration.

• After you wash your face in the morning or evening, dispense a small amount of our 8bit Face Serum and gently massage it into your skin (not covered with a beard)
• For your 8bit Beard Oil, apply desired amount into the palm, work it through your beard and under the chin. Then brush or comb.
  

Layering With Other Grooming Products

• Apply beard oil with squalane first, then style and brush your beard.
• For the face, use our face serum under other moisturizers or sunscreen.
  Because squalane is so light, it layers perfectly without clogging pores.

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Quick Tips & Grooming Hacks

Everyday Use Tips

• Patch-test any new product on a small spot first.
• Use daily for best results — consistency builds skin health over time.

Pairing with Other Grooming Essentials

• Combine with a boar bristle brush to distribute oils evenly.
• Pair with your favorite beard butter or balm to lock in hydration, especially in dry weather.
• Always apply after a warm shower for maximum absorption.

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Bonus Level: Unlocked

In the world of grooming, we’re all striving for that next level. Olive-derived squalane is one of those ingredients that quietly wins in the background — keeping your skin healthy, your beard strong, and your game face ready.

Stay tuned for our next blog, where we dive into another one of our power-up ingredients: bakuchiol oil — the natural retinol alternative your skin’s been waiting for.