Squalane

Squalane is a highly effective plant-based skin care substance that is nowadays mainly extracted from olives. In the past, however, things were different: originally, squalane was obtained from shark liver, 80 percent of which consists of squalene (not to be confused with squalane!). Hence the name: Squalus is the Latin name for shark. But first a few words about the origin: squalene is very widespread in our nature, because it is not only found in plants and sharks, but in all higher creatures and thus also in humans. It is a very important component of skin lipids. However, when squalene is industrially hydrogenated, it becomes squalane: a liquid oil component that is resistant to oxygen, light and heat and is mainly used in emulsions as well as hair care products and bath oils.

Why squalane is so incredibly valuable

Basically, squalene is unsaturated and can oxidise. The cosmetics industry therefore uses saturated squalene, so-called squalane, which then no longer has any unsaturated double bonds and is therefore resistant to oxidation and heat. It is produced from unsaponifiable components of the press residues of classic olive oil. In order to clarify the origin from plant sources (and not from animal sources such as sharks), some manufacturers also use the term phytosqualan. Squalane is completely non-irritating and makes the skin feel extremely soft, silky, smooth and non-greasy. As a saturated hydrocarbon, squalane itself is hardly absorbed, but it has a positive influence on the absorption behaviour of cosmetics, as it improves the spreading properties of emulsions and at the same time reduces a greasy feel. Squalane is particularly suitable for sensitive, dry, brittle or flaky skin (for example, skin problems such as psoriasis and neurodermatitis). As it is extremely mild, it can also be used without hesitation in products for small children. As an oxidation-stable lipid, squalane is also excellently suited for sun protection products.

It preserves the skin’s suppleness and protects it from moisture loss, which also improves the structure of the natural lipid film. When squalane is used in hair care products, it significantly improves the combability of the hair.
Squalane spreads easily on the skin and is colourless and odourless. It is an ideal base for make-up and can even be used to remove make-up. That is why it is being used in more and more cosmetic products.
In some formulations, squalane is also used in somewhat higher doses as a lipid component, depending on the concept. In this case, however, it must be noted that it gives the emulsion a more fluid consistency due to its low viscosity.

Fact Sheet Squalane:

CAS number: 111-01-3
Alternative names: Hexamethyltetracosan, Cosbiol, Vitabiosol, Roban.
Molecular formula C30H62
Brief description: colourless, oily liquid
Melting point: minus 38 degrees Celsius
Solubility: insoluble in water, soluble in diethyl ether and benzene, slightly soluble in acetone and ethanol

We like to work with these raw materials containing squalane:

Conclusion: Squalane as an optimal moisture preserver

Cosmetic products containing squalane leave the skin feeling wonderfully silky and are ideal moisture retainers. The skin care ingredient is very well tolerated and even suitable for very dry skin and children. It is also used very effectively in sun protection and hair care products. The fact that squalane is no longer obtained from sharks, but from olives, is also very positive.

Feel free to ask us, we will develop a great product with squalane for your brand.

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