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Squalane
Commonly known as:
Squalane.
I.N.C.I. list name:
Squalane.
Extraction process:
Hydrogenation of the unsaponifiables in olive oil.
Source:
Plant-based (olive oil).
Botanical name:
Olea europaea.
Family:
Oleaceae.
Part of the plant extracted:
Fruits.
Provenance, origin:
Spain.
Chemical characteristics:
Branched chain saturated hydrocarbon; Hydrogenated version of squalene; Density: 0.810 - 0.820 g/cm3; Insoluble in water; Soluble in non-polar organic solvents and natural oils; Molecular weight: 422.81 g/mol; Refractive index: 1.4520 - 1.4570.
Characteristics:
Emulsion, colloidal solution, true aqueous solution, balm, suspension, oil, aqueous solution, oily solution, oily suspension.
Dosage required in cosmetic products:
At least 5%; Maximum permitted dosage: 100%.
Function:
Emollient, hair conditioner, lipid restoring agent, skin maintenance agent.
Properties:
Emollient, restorative, softening, supple-making, hydrating, lipid-replenishing.
Benefits:
All skin types, particularly dry and dehydrated skin; All hair types, particularly dry and dehydrated hair.
Details
Usage
Facial Care(oily serums, creams, cleansing creams/lotions/gels, masks, scrubs, after-shave lotions);
Body Care (body lotions, foot and hand creams, massage oils, dry body oils, tanning treatments);
Hair Care(hair serums, conditioners);
Makeup (foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadows, mascaras).
Means of Preservation
Store at room temperature, protected from light, moisture and heat.
Contraindications, Usage Precautions
There is no contraindication to the cosmetic use of squalane, it can be used without risk by children as well as pregnant and/or breastfeeding women.
Find out more
Squalane is a plant-derived lipid that originates from squalene, a component naturally present in humans: human sebum contains approximately 15% squalene. Due to its biomimetic structure, squalane has an excellent affinity with the skin. The characterisation of squalene dates back to the early 20th century. Tsujimoto first isolated this molecule from shark liver oil, hence the name he attributed to it. Nowadays, the squalane used in skincare is of plant origin. It can be extracted from sugarcane, wheat germ, palm, and olive. It has a non-greasy oily texture that penetrates instantly. This ingredient thus helps to restore the skin's lipid barrier, provide suppleness and softness to the skin, and protect it from dehydration by preventing water loss.
