Exhibiting a biometric structure and drawing its origins from the animal or plant kingdom, or even from the chemical industry, squalane is characterised by its similarity to the skin's hydrolipidic film. Its moisturising, emollient, softening, and soothing properties allow it to be incorporated into skin and scalp care formulas.
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What are the benefits of squalane for the skin?
Summary
- General information about squalane
- The production process of squalane
- The benefits of squalane on the skin
- Precautions to be taken when using squalane
Published July 19, 2021,
updated on February 22, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
4 min read
General information about squalane.
The squalane is a derivative of squalene. Naturally present in the body, this active ingredient is among the lipids produced by skin cells. It accounts for between 14 and 16% of sebum. Squalane is liposoluble. As a result, it can be included in the composition of skin and/or scalp care products based on oil. Regarding its characteristics, this ingredient is colourless and odourless. Despite its oily texture, its use does not cause any obstruction of the skin's pores. It can be combined with other active ingredients to formulate care products suitable for all skin types. In terms of texture, squalane is soft and silky to the touch. When applied topically, this ingredient leaves no greasy film after its use.
The production process of squalane.
Squalane can be of animal, plant, or synthetic origin :
To obtain animal squalane, the shark is disembowelled to remove its liver. This organ is placed on a sloping metal stand and exposed to the sun so that the oil drains out. This substance is then filtered and stored.
The vegetable squalane is derived from squalene obtained from the residues of olive oil, sugarcane, rice, wheat, sugar beet, palm oil, or amaranth. In the case of olive oil squalane, the process involves recovering the unsaponifiable squalene using a distillation process aimed at removing the pulp from the olives that will provide the oil. This oil is then hydrogenated before being transformed into squalane.
Synthetic squalane can be obtained by synthesising terpenic elements. This is supplemented by the transformation of subterranean hydrocarbons to create synthetic molecules. The chemical transformation process corresponds to the enzymatic modification of sugar molecules after fermentation.
The benefits of squalane on the skin.
Hydration is among the primary benefits of squalane on the skin. Upon contact with the skin's surface, this active ingredient prevents dehydration and protects the skin by forming a hydrolipidic film. The squalane-based moisturising treatments rebalance the skin's natural oils, while giving it a smooth appearance. Therefore, this active ingredient is recommended for dry skin.
Squalane is also suitable for treating blemished skin and skin prone to pigmentation spots. It penetrates deeply into the stratum corneum to even out skin pigmentation and to erase marks. Furthermore, squalane is an essential ingredient for combating free radicals generated by UV rays. Its antioxidant properties allow it to reduce wrinkles, as well as fine lines, and to delay skin ageing.
Precautions to be taken when using squalane.
There are no known contraindications to its use. There is also no known form of interaction with other active ingredients. In order to benefit from the beneficial properties of squalane for as long as possible, it should be stored away from light and moisture. The bottle should also be properly closed after each use.
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