Biossance
Sugarcane-derived squalane as the house ingredient — clean, biotech-led skincare that avoids the extraction problems (shark liver, olive) of traditional squalane.
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The squalane oil is a genuinely great single-ingredient face oil and the best argument for the brand. Serums are competent but not category-defining. The 'clean beauty' positioning is better-earned here than at most brands because the biotech story is real. Mid-premium pricing.
Strengths
- + Sugarcane-derived squalane is a real biotech innovation
- + Solid barrier-focused lineup
- + Strong sustainability credentials
- + Squalane oil is the cult hero
Weaknesses
- − Flagship active (squalane) is widely available
- − Serums less differentiated than the oil
- − Premium-tier for clean-beauty positioning
The Biossance Story
Spun out of biotech firm Amyris (which originally made anti-malarial drugs using engineered yeast) in 2017. Biossance applied the same fermentation platform to sugarcane squalane — a plant-derived alternative to shark-liver squalane that was traditionally the industry standard. Acquired by Ulta in 2025; remains a Sephora cornerstone for clean-beauty shoppers.
Shop Biossance by skin type
Curated picks from Biossance's lineup, ranked for each skin type.
All Biossance Products
7 products reviewed and rated.
Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum
Biossance's bakuchiol-led retinol alternative — designed for clients who want retinol-grade firming results without the irritation profile, and pregnancy-safe (one of the few cosmeceutical 'retinol alternative' formulations explicitly cleared for prenatal use). Bakuchiol + niacinamide + squalane + rosehip seed oil in a lightweight serum format. Real bakuchiol concentration (not token), real efficacy data on collagen stimulation, and real differentiation from the retinoid category.
Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
Biossance's rich barrier-repair sibling to the cult Probiotic Gel — squalane plus omegas, the cream equivalent of a barrier rebuild after retinol introduction or post-procedure recovery.
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