You’ve probably seen squalane everywhere lately. It’s ultra-light yet nourishing, making it one of the most universally loved ingredients in moisturisers. “Squalane is a lightweight, saturated lipid that helps replenish the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss. It occurs naturally in the skin’s sebum, making it highly biocompatible and well tolerated across all skin types,” says Shannon Humphrey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in British Columbia, Canada. In other words, it hydrates without clogging pores – the perfect base for any skin type, but especially for extra-dry skin like mine.
Lee holding the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Moisturiser & Primer.
Christa Joanna Lee
Shea butter brings that cushiony, rich texture. “It contains fatty acids and vitamins A and E that deeply nourish and soften the skin. Shea butter also soothes irritation, reduces redness, and provides lasting hydration for dry or inflamed skin,” says Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. This is the ingredient that makes this product feel so comforting – it locks in moisture and keeps skin supple long after application.
Speaking of hydrators, hyaluronic acid also plays a starring role. “Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it one of the most effective hydrating ingredients,” says Dr Reszko. “It keeps skin plump, smooth, and elastic while minimising the appearance of fine lines and dryness.” That instant plumping effect is exactly what makes my skin look fresher, and my foundation applies more evenly.
And then there’s the vitamin trio that makes this formula truly multitasking. “Vitamins C, E, and B work beautifully together. Vitamin C protects and brightens, vitamin E enhances and stabilises it, and vitamin B calms and supports barrier health for a resilient, luminous complexion,” says Dr Humphrey.
It’s also packed with emollients like dimethicone and glycerin, which give it that priming power, creating a soft, even canvas that makes makeup glide on and stay put. You don’t often find a formula that nails hydration, nourishment, and makeup performance all at once, but this one somehow pulls it off effortlessly.
How It Fits Into My Routine
In the mornings, it’s the last step in my skin-care regimen (right before SPF). It doesn’t pill under foundation – a huge win for dry skin – and since adding it to my routine, I’ve completely ditched using a separate primer. My makeup goes on smoother, stays fresh longer, and leaves my skin looking naturally glowy.
