The world of facial oils can be intimidating. If you have combination or sensitive skin like me, the idea of willingly putting oil on your face might sound like a recipe for disaster. But what if there was an oil that felt like water, absorbed in seconds, and left your skin feeling balanced and radiant, not greasy? That’s the promise of Squalane, and the Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil is its most elegant expression. For anyone who has ever wanted the benefits of a facial oil without the drawbacks, this beautifully simple product is the one you need to buy.
My Experience With Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil
My skin has always been a puzzle. It’s a classic combination type—an oily T-zone with cheeks that are prone to dehydration and redness.
For years, I subscribed to the belief that “oil-free” was the only way to go.
The thought of applying a facial oil felt completely counterintuitive, a surefire way to clog my pores and wake up to a mess.
Yet, my skin often felt tight and looked dull, a clear sign that my moisture barrier was compromised.
I knew I needed more hydration, but my past experiences with heavy creams and oils had always ended badly.
My journey to Indie Lee was driven by a desire for clean, minimalist skincare. I was tired of trying products with mile-long ingredient lists I couldn’t decipher. The Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil, with its single, powerhouse ingredient—100% olive-derived squalane—was incredibly appealing. It felt safe, pure, and focused. The brand’s inspiring backstory and commitment to clean, effective formulas gave me the confidence to finally take the plunge.
The product itself is the epitome of simple luxury. It comes in a frosted glass bottle with a dropper that dispenses the perfect amount. When I first dispensed a few drops onto my fingertips, I was shocked. It wasn’t the thick, viscous oil I was expecting. It was incredibly lightweight, almost watery, and completely clear and odorless. I warmed the two drops between my palms and gently pressed the oil into my damp skin after applying my serum.
The absorption was instantaneous. Within seconds, it vanished into my skin, leaving behind not a greasy film, but a velvety-soft, hydrated finish. There was no shine, no residue, just skin that felt comfortable and looked subtly plumped. I used it as the final step in my evening routine, and the next morning I woke up and closely inspected my face. There were no new breakouts. My skin didn’t feel oily. Instead, it looked calm, the usual redness on my cheeks was visibly reduced, and my whole complexion had a quiet, healthy glow. After a month of consistent nightly use, my skin’s texture had noticeably improved. It felt more balanced, less reactive, and that persistent tight feeling in my cheeks was completely gone. This simple oil had managed to do what countless complex moisturizers couldn’t: it gave my skin the exact type of moisture it needed, without any of the things it didn’t.
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Pros Of Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil
- Extraordinarily Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing: This is the feature that converts even the most oil-phobic individuals. Unlike many other facial oils that can feel heavy and sit on top of the skin, the Indie Lee Squalane Oil is remarkably weightless. Its molecular structure is very similar to the sebum our skin naturally produces, which allows it to be recognized and absorbed with incredible speed. When you press it into your skin, it sinks in almost immediately, leaving a smooth, velvety finish with no greasy residue. This makes it an absolute dream for all skin types, especially combination and oily skin, as it provides deep hydration without clogging pores or creating an unwanted slick of shine. It’s the perfect “gateway” oil for anyone who has been hesitant to try one.
- The Beauty of Single-Ingredient Purity: In an industry saturated with complex formulas, there is a profound elegance and effectiveness in a single-ingredient product, especially when that ingredient is of the highest quality. This facial oil is nothing but 100% olive-derived squalane. There are no fragrances, no essential oils, no preservatives, and no fillers. This minimalist approach makes it exceptionally suitable for those with sensitive, reactive, or allergy-prone skin. You know exactly what you are putting on your face, and you can be confident that it’s a biocompatible, non-irritating substance. This purity also means it plays beautifully with other active ingredients in your routine, like retinoids or acids, helping to buffer their harshness without any risk of conflicting ingredients.
- Incredibly Versatile for All Skin Types: Squalane is one of the few oils that is universally beneficial. For dry skin, it provides a much-needed boost of moisture and helps to prevent water loss. For oily and acne-prone skin, it can actually help to balance sebum production; by providing adequate moisture, it signals to the skin that it doesn’t need to overproduce its own oil, leading to a less shiny appearance over time. Because it is non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores), it’s a safe way to hydrate without fearing breakouts. For mature skin, it helps to restore lipids, improve elasticity, and soften the look of fine lines. It’s a true skincare chameleon that adapts to what your specific skin type needs.
- A Multi-Purpose Workhorse: The utility of this oil extends far beyond just being a facial moisturizer. Its lightweight and nourishing properties make it a fantastic multi-purpose product, which adds to its overall value. You can use a drop or two to smooth down flyaways and add shine to the ends of your hair without weighing it down. It’s wonderful for conditioning dry cuticles and soothing rough patches of skin on your hands, elbows, or knees. You can even mix a single drop into your foundation to sheer it out and give it a beautiful, dewy, skin-like finish. This versatility makes it a valuable and space-saving addition to any beauty routine.
Cons Of Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil
The Premium Price for a Single Ingredient
- You’re Paying for Quality and Brand Experience: While the product is exceptional, it is undeniably priced at a premium for an oil that is, at its core, a single ingredient. There are other brands on the market that offer 100% squalane oil for a fraction of the price. With Indie Lee, you are paying for the brand’s commitment to sourcing high-quality, sustainable, olive-derived squalane, the elegant and sturdy packaging, and the overall luxury clean beauty experience. For some, this is entirely worth it, but for the budget-conscious consumer who is purely focused on the ingredient itself, the price can be a significant drawback.
May Not Be Occlusive Enough for Very Dry Skin
- It’s a Moisturizer, Not a Sealant: Squalane is a fantastic emollient, meaning it works to soften and moisturize the skin. However, it is not a heavy occlusive. For individuals with extremely dry, dehydrated, or compromised skin barriers (such as those with eczema or psoriasis), squalane oil alone might not be sufficient to seal in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss effectively. These skin types often benefit from layering a richer, more occlusive product (like a balm or a cream containing petrolatum or shea butter) on top of the squalane oil to create a protective barrier, especially in dry climates or during winter.
The Simplicity Can Be a Double-Edged Sword
- Lacks Additional Antioxidant Benefits: The purity of the single-ingredient formula is a huge pro, but it can also be a con for some. Many other facial oils on the market are complex blends that, in addition to providing moisture, are packed with a wide array of antioxidants, vitamins, and other beneficial botanical extracts. Products like these can offer a more multi-pronged approach, targeting concerns like free radical damage, dullness, and environmental stress. If you are a skincare enthusiast looking for an oil that does more than just hydrate, the beautiful simplicity of the Indie Lee Squalane Oil might feel a bit too basic for your needs.
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Maintenance Tips For Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil
Perfect Your Application Technique
- Press and Pat, Don’t Rub: To get the most out of any facial oil, the application method is key. Instead of rubbing the oil into your skin, which can cause unnecessary friction and pulling, use a pressing or patting motion. Dispense 2-3 drops into the palm of your hand and gently rub your palms together to warm the oil. Then, gently press your palms onto your cheeks, forehead, and chin. Use your fingertips to pat the oil into the more delicate areas around your eyes and nose. This technique ensures an even distribution and helps the oil absorb more effectively into the skin.
- Apply to Damp Skin: Oils are not hydrators in themselves; they are lipids that help to lock in hydration. To maximize this benefit, always apply your squalane oil to skin that is slightly damp. The perfect time is right after cleansing and applying a water-based serum or mist. The oil will hold onto that water and carry it into the skin, resulting in a much plumper, more hydrated complexion. Applying oil to a bone-dry face can sometimes leave it feeling greasy, as it has no water to lock in.
Know Where It Fits in Your Routine
- The Final Step Debate: Oil Last or Before Moisturizer?: There’s a long-standing debate about where oil fits into a skincare routine. The traditional rule is to apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency, which would place this lightweight oil before a heavier cream moisturizer. However, a more modern approach follows the “oil as a final sealant” rule. I personally find the Indie Lee Squalane Oil works beautifully both ways. If your skin is very dry, try applying it before your moisturizer to give your cream an extra lipid boost. If you have combination or oily skin, try using it as your final step at night, in place of a heavy cream, to lock everything in with a lightweight seal.
- Mix It With Your Other Products: This oil is a fantastic mixer. If your favorite moisturizer or foundation sometimes feels a little too thick or matte, adding a single drop of squalane oil can completely transform its texture. Mix a drop with your night cream for an extra nourishing treatment, or blend one drop with your liquid foundation on the back of your hand before applying. This will sheer out the coverage slightly and give your makeup a stunning, dewy, and natural-looking finish that lasts all day.
Extend Its Use Beyond Your Face
- A Quick Fix for Hair and Hands: Don’t limit this beautiful oil to just your face. Its lightweight texture makes it a perfect finishing oil for hair. After styling, rub one single drop between your palms and lightly smooth it over the ends of your hair and any flyaways. It will add a healthy shine and tame frizz without making your hair look greasy or weighed down. It’s also a fantastic cuticle oil. After washing your hands, massage a small drop into each nail bed to condition your cuticles and prevent them from becoming dry and ragged. It absorbs quickly, so you won’t be left with oily fingertips.
Comparison With Other Brands
Indie Lee offers a luxury experience, but how does its squalane oil compare to the budget-friendly icon and a complex oil blend?
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
- The Price and Accessibility Factor: This is the most direct and obvious comparison. The Ordinary offers a 100% plant-derived squalane oil for a small fraction of the price of the Indie Lee version. For consumers who are purely ingredient-focused and budget-driven, The Ordinary presents an almost unbeatable value proposition. It makes the benefits of squalane accessible to absolutely everyone.
- Source and Experience: While both are 100% squalane, their source differs. Indie Lee’s is derived from olives, while The Ordinary’s is derived from sugarcane and other plant sources. Some skincare aficionados claim to notice a subtle difference in texture, with the olive-derived version feeling slightly richer. The user experience is also different. Indie Lee offers a heavier frosted glass bottle and a more luxurious feel, while The Ordinary uses a UV-protective, functional, but more basic glass bottle. The choice often comes down to whether you prioritize budget and function or a more elevated, sensorial experience.
Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil
- Simplicity vs. Complexity: This comparison highlights two completely different philosophies in facial oils. Indie Lee is the champion of minimalism with its single, pure ingredient. Sunday Riley’s Juno, on the other hand, is a vibrant, complex blend of cold-pressed superfood seed oils, including blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, and broccoli seed oils. It’s a true multi-tasker designed not just to moisturize, but to deliver a potent dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids to the skin.
- Texture and Scent: Juno has a much richer texture and a deep golden color due to its blend of oils. It also has a distinct, natural, herbaceous scent from its ingredients, whereas the Indie Lee oil is completely odorless. Juno is targeted more towards dry, dull, or mature skin that needs a powerful restorative treatment.
- Best For: Indie Lee is the perfect choice for sensitive skin, oily or combination skin, or anyone new to facial oils who wants pure, non-irritating hydration. Juno is better for someone with drier skin or more advanced concerns like environmental damage and dullness, who is looking for a powerful, all-in-one nourishing treatment and enjoys a more complex, sensorial product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The best way to use it is to dispense 2-3 drops into your palms, warm the oil by rubbing your hands together, and then gently press or pat the oil onto a clean, damp face and neck. It can be used as the final step in your skincare routine at night to seal in moisture, or you can mix a drop into your moisturizer or foundation.
Yes, squalane oil is excellent for the face. It’s a lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient that is very similar to the skin’s natural sebum, allowing it to absorb quickly. It’s suitable for all skin types—including oily, sensitive, and acne-prone—and is effective at moisturizing, softening skin, improving elasticity, and reducing redness.
Yes, Indie Lee as a brand is very good for mature skin. Their focus on clean, potent, and effective ingredients addresses many concerns of mature skin. The Squalane Facial Oil, in particular, is beneficial as it helps to replenish the natural squalene in our skin, which depletes with age. This helps to improve skin elasticity, lock in moisture, and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Squalane has very few downsides as it is extremely well-tolerated by almost all skin types. The main potential downside is that for individuals with extremely dry or compromised skin barriers, it may not be occlusive enough on its own to prevent water loss. In these cases, it works best when layered underneath a heavier cream or balm.
Conclusion
In a world of complex skincare, the Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil is a breath of fresh air. It’s a testament to the power of a single, high-quality ingredient. While it is a premium product, its performance, purity, and versatility make it a worthy investment for anyone seeking balanced, calm, and deeply hydrated skin without the fear of a greasy finish. If you’ve been on the fence about facial oils, I can’t recommend this one enough. It is the perfect, elegant introduction and a staple you will want to buy again and again.