Squalane ( Squalane)
INCI Name: Squalane
EWG SCORE: 1 view profile
INGREDIENT PROFILE
Squalane is a lightweight, non-greasy oil that mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it an excellent moisturizer. It is highly stable, odorless, and easily absorbed, leaving the skin soft, smooth, and hydrated. Squalane is often used in a wide range of skincare products due to its compatibility with all skin types.
DERIVED FROM
Squalane is a hydrogenated form of squalene, a lipid that is naturally found in human sebum. While squalene was historically sourced from shark liver oil, the more ethical and sustainable Squalane used in skincare today is typically derived from plant sources such as olives, sugarcane, or rice bran.
HISTORY
Squalene, the precursor to Squalane, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Japan and other parts of Asia, where it was sourced from shark liver oil. However, as the demand for sustainable and cruelty-free beauty products grew, the industry shifted to using plant-based Squalane, which became widely adopted in skincare formulations in the late 20th century. Squalane's stability and effectiveness have made it a staple ingredient in modern skincare.
SKIN CARE BENEFITS AND USES
- Provides lightweight, non-greasy hydration, leaving the skin soft and smooth
- Mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it highly compatible with all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin
- Helps to improve the skin's barrier function, locking in moisture and preventing water loss
- Contains antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from environmental damage and premature aging
- Enhances the absorption of other skincare ingredients, making formulations more effective
RICH IN
- Fatty acids – Provide deep hydration and help to restore the skin's lipid barrier
- Antioxidants – Protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage
- Emollient properties – Soften and smooth the skin, enhancing its overall texture
PROPERTIES
- Moisturizing: Deeply hydrates the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
- Emollient: Softens and smooths the skin, improving texture and feel.
- Non-comedogenic: Does not clog pores, making it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
- Antioxidant: Protects the skin from free radicals and environmental damage.
- Stable: Has a long shelf life and does not oxidize easily, maintaining its efficacy over time.
FIND IT IN