Squalane - Olivarrier versus Deciem The Ordinary

12:12:00 PM mandy 1 Comments

Squalane has been enjoying a bit of attention lately. I think most of it is due to its similarity to the oils naturally produced by our skin, or so all the brands say. Pair that with the new push for wanting to help oily skin by not stripping but hydrating and just to help the general lack of sebum for dry skin, the market for squalane only seems to grow larger from here on out.

When the only ingredient in a beauty vial are both supposedly the same in name, I start to get curious as what the differences are in the cheaper and expensive options. Olivarrier and Deciem's The Ordinary both claim their versions are plant-based and vegan. Each bottle also come in 30ml sized bottles. Yet one is 4-5x pricier than the other. Would it be 4-5x times better in anyway?

(I do not go into the benefits of Squalane. Please do your own research to determine if it is right for you. This is purely a comparison of what is more worth. For a review on how I like other squalane-incorporated products, click here.)




Olivarrier's Oil description:

Fluid Oil uses 100% plant squalane oils that can only be extracted from the best, healthy olives.

The final product is similar to human sebum, keeping the skin fresh without oily sticky residue. It is a fragrance-free, colorless, non-preservative ingredient that is safe for babies and pregnant women. Can be used for all skin types, including dry, sensitive and trouble-prone skin.

Air pollution, stress, unhealthy foods, and heat all contribute to lipid oxidation that leads to skin aging and dryness.

Healthy skin maintains 20-30% moisture and 70-80% oil, but many times dry skin is only given moisture. Fluid oil maintains the lipid barrier and prevents dryness due to lack of oil your skin needs.

Protects skin from ultraviolet rays and peroxide that cause aging and dryness, and prevents roughness and dryness due to moisture loss. It is a non-comedogenic ingredient, meaning your skin can retain moisture without clogging pores. It prevents the accumulation of thick keratin by keeping the keratin moisturized and helps strengthen the skin barrier.

This clear, small bottle contains effective moisturizers for healthy skin, with safe ingredients that can be used by every member of your family.

We have completely eliminated chemical ingredients, and have credibility through clinical and demanding certifications. Responsible thinking about people and the environment creates clean, green products that are also good for your skin.

Directions
Use one or two drops and apply to the face by gently patting into the skin. Apply after Emollient Extra Comfort Cream or Dual Moist Comfort Cream.

Ingredients
100% OLIVE SQUALANE

Oil 30 ml / 1.01 fl oz

Olivarrier (Korean retail): ₩36,000
Olivarrier (American retail): USD $38.00
OHLOLLY: USD $38.00
Peach & Lily: USD $42.00
YESSTYLE: USD $24.90




Deciem's description:

Water-free, alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free, nut-free, vegan, gluten-free, & cruelty-free

Squalane is a saturated and stable hydrocarbon that is found naturally in the skin. It has very high emollience, is an exceptional hydrator and can prevent ongoing loss of hydration that impairs dermal suppleness. Squalane is non-comedogenic and is suitable for use on all skin types. It can also be applied to hair to increase heat protection, add shine and reduce breakage potential.

Note: This product uses 100% pure plant-derived Squalane that is ECOCERT approved and is a USDA Certified Bio-based Product.

Directions
Apply a few drops daily or as needed to entire face ideally after water-based treatments. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised.

Ingredients
SQUALANE

Oil 30 ml

Deciem: USD $7.90

Packaging

Olivarrier
A transparent plastic bottle with a dropper cap. New bottles do not come with an extra security seal. The dropper doesn't reach all the way to the bottom of the bottle but it does get impressively close. Travel friendly as the lid screws on very tightly and doesn't stand the chance to shatter.

The Ordinary
A tinted glass bottle with a dropper cap. New bottles do not come with an extra security seal. The dropper doesn't reach anywhere near the bottom of the bottle. Not as travel friendly in terms of bottle material and screw-top quality.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

There is virtually no difference between the actual squalane (oil) product of Olivarrier and The Ordinary.

The liquid is a scent-less and super-duper lightweight, dry-type facial oil. It spreads easily and sinks into the skin well. There is no slippery and slick feel that is typically associated with things "oily" in nature. Unlike the toner, essence, and cream, there is definitely a longer tacky and sheen finish period after application but it isn't that long either. Neither brand broke me out or caused any sensitivities.

How I Apply

Place one drop of oil on my forehead, one drop on each cheek, and maybe one for neck/chest. Gently rub and pat until the oil is evenly distributed.

Place 3-5 drops of oil onto the palm of my hands. Rub both palms together to create a thin layer between my hands. Gently press my palms and fingers across my face, neck, and chest.

Thoughts & Recommendations

People say a lot of what we pay for in beauty is in the packaging, especially if research and development are taken out of the equation. I think it can't be more true than in this situation with the Olivarrier Fluid Oil and Deciem The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane.

The Ordinary is definitely the no frills option. You get what you "should" pay for and it will not break the bank. The brand get a standard bottle and fills it with high-quality ingredients/basic-yet-effective formulas.

Olivarrier probably spent a good deal of time deciding what the best delivery method would be, even for something as simple as a bottle of facial oil. You then pay for all the trial and error but in the end get the most user friendly experience.

Something to point out that isn't a deal-breaker: Olivarrier's dropper is shorter and thinner than The Ordinary's so it dispenses out a slightly smaller-sized drop of oil.

Something that is worth pointing out: After having used more than half the bottle of both, Olivarrier's dropper also has better control in the sense that nothing drips out until I squeeze the silicone bulb. It isn't the worst attribute because I have learned to work around the issue but still an "issue" nonetheless.

Something that is a deal-breaker (to me): The pipette of The Ordinary doesn't reach bottom of the bottle. This makes picking up the last 0.5" worth of product a pain. I have to tilt the bottle and pipette every which way to get it just right. The ultimately option would be to pour it straight out of the bottle onto my hands which throws quantity control out the window.

Some things that are a bit iffy: The Ordinary markets their product not as an oil. Their page clearly says the 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is "Oil-Free". There is also a lack of where exactly their squalane is derived from, whereas Olivarrier says theirs come from olives (sugarcane seems to be another plant of origin for some other brands that carry squalane).

With all that said, I can't say I regret purchasing either The Ordinary Squalane or Olivarrier Fluid Oil. The former is way more affordable just with meh packaging and the latter is far more expensive with great packaging. If I were to repurchase something squalane again, I will probably go for cheaper option BUT refill it into the better bottle. I would recommend those looking to try squalane for the first time to test with the less expensive option first to see how the skin reacts before dropping more dollars for the better bottle in the future.