ABEFORE your next Squalane for skin formulation, you need to read THIS.
Our new article is a deep dive: Origin of squalane (where does it really come from?), specific benefits for your skin, and, most importantly for you, the COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES of choosing it.
Crucial information for any cosmetics professional. Don’t miss it.
Squalane for skin has received attention for its potential application in dermatology and cosmetics due to its biocompatibility, moisturizing properties and antioxidant activity.
Squalane or scholan for the skin?
Squalane and squalene are structurally related lipids; however, their distinctive chemical properties significantly influence their usefulness in dermatological and cosmetic formulations. Squalene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon with six double bonds and a major component of human sebum. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s hydrolipidic barrier and protecting against environmental factors.
However, its high susceptibility to oxidation severely limits its stability, compromising both its efficacy and the shelf life of the formulations in which it is included.
Squalane is an organic aliphatic hydrocarbon with a branched structure, chemically derived from squalene by saturating all its double bonds.
This structural transformation produces a fully saturated molecule. It overcomes squalene’s limitations by being fully saturated, making it highly resistant to oxidative degradation.
This increased stability preserves its moisturizing and antioxidant properties for extended periods, making it an ideal choice for dermatological applications.
In addition to its chemical stability, squalane for skin exhibits superior biocompatibility thanks to its saturated aliphatic structure. It effectively penetrates the epidermis without clogging pores, making it a non-comedogenic product. These properties make it suitable for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Squalane’s stability and compatibility with skin allow its use in applications aimed at improving hydration, supporting collagen synthesis, and mitigating oxidative stress—all essential aspects for maintaining healthy skin and addressing the signs of aging.
Origin of Squalane: Where Does It Really Come From?
Shark liver oil is the richest source of squalane. To obtain animal squalane, the shark is gutted to remove its liver. This organ is placed on an inclined metal stand and exposed to the sun to allow the oil to drain. This substance is then filtered and stored.
Vegetable squalane, derived from olive oil, began to be used as a substitute for animal-derived squalane in the 1980s. It is derived from squalene obtained from olive oil residues, sugarcane, rice, wheat, sugar beet, palm oil, or amaranth.
Synthetic squalane is derived from petrochemicals. It is extracted from reserves that are not inexhaustible. Therefore, synthetic squalane is not an environmentally friendly solution. Furthermore, hydrocarbon extraction generates significant greenhouse gas emissions.
Benefits of squalane for the skin
Hair and skin are the main beneficiaries of squalane. Here’s what it can do:
Hair Benefits
Squalane has a natural moisturizing factor that can be great for hair. This will help maintain a radiant shine. Squalane sits on the outer surface of the hair to help smooth it. Hair follicles typically grow in association with the oil glands that surround them, so naturally, there will be some of that oil on them.
Skin Benefits
It’s an effective skin moisturizer. Applied topically, squalane oil can help improve skin hydration, reduce moisture loss, and prevent dryness. Using products with this ingredient regularly can help maintain plump, radiant, and youthful-looking skin.
It doesn’t clog pores. It’s technically an oil, which may raise concerns in some people about it potentially triggering acne. However, squalane oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or contribute to acne.
Skincare formulas containing squalane typically have a light, oil-free texture, suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
It’s suitable for many skin types. Because squalane oil mimics the skin’s natural oils, it’s generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Studies show that squalane can be a beneficial moisturizing skincare ingredient for people with dry, eczema-prone, and sensitive skin prone to irritation.
It can help soften and smooth the skin. It’s a powerful emollient, meaning it offers skin-softening and smoothing benefits. It absorbs quickly and easily, leaving no greasy residue.
These benefits make it an excellent skincare ingredient for people with rough, uneven skin.
It can help improve the appearance of visible signs of aging. Formulas with moisturizing squalane oil can help improve the appearance of some of these signs of aging. For this reason, squalane oil is often included as a base ingredient in many skincare formulas to promote softer, smoother skin.
Competitive Advantages of Formulating with Squalane
- Premium Sensuality: Elegant texture, fast absorption, non-greasy/silky finish. Improves the perception of the final product.
- Excellent Stability: Resistant to oxidation, stable over a wide pH and temperature range. Facilitates formulation and ensures quality.
- High Compatibility: Blends well with other lipids, oils, and common cosmetic active ingredients.
- Proven Effectiveness as an Emollient: Reduces TEWL, improves hydration, and improves barrier function.
- Safe and Well Tolerated: Low irritant potential, non-comedogenic squalane reduces risks and broadens the target audience.
- Application Versatility: Suitable for multiple categories.
- Penetration Enhancer: May enhance the delivery of other lipophilic active ingredients.
Squalane has become a global favorite for skin care due to its diverse benefits. It is found in cleansers, masks, and creams.
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