Squalane in cosmetics: what is it and what effect does it have on the skin

Squalene vs Squalane – What’s the difference?

Squalane and squalene are not exactly the same thing, and the difference between these substances is not only in spelling. Let’s analyze what is their difference and which of the components should be looked for in cosmetic formulas.

Squalene – what is it?

Squalene – lipid (oil), an unsaturated natural hydrocarbon, which is part of sebum (13% of the composition), which creates a natural protective hydrolipidic film on the surface of the epidermis. The lipid barrier plays the role of a shield that protects the skin from the negative effects of external influences. If the protective mantle is damaged, then the epidermis experiences discomfort, intensively loses moisture, becomes more susceptible to external aggressors, increases sensitivity, irritation,

Squalane – what is it?

Сввалан is a derivative saturated form of stabilized squalene in the process of its hydrotization. The difference between squalane and its predecessor lies in the additional hydrogen molecule, which gives it greater stability – squalane oxidizes much more slowly when exposed to air, retains its effect when in contact with water and under the influence of high temperatures. In contrast, squalene quickly oxidizes upon contact with oxygen and loses its properties. Exactly squalane used as a basis for cosmetic formulas of emollients for skin care.

The substance was first identified by scientists in 1916, 10 years after the discovery of squalene by the Japanese chemist Mitsumaru Tsujimoto. There are two ways of extracting squalane: animal and vegetable origin. Most often, squalane of plant origin is used in cosmetics.

• Animal origin: It is extracted from the liver of deep-sea sharks (shark oil) and the skin of the American beaver.
• Plant origin: made from sugar cane and highly refined natural vegetable oils, such as olive, linseed, argan, palm, etc.

The use of squalane for the skin of the face

Let’s talk about the ways of using squalane in cosmetics and cosmetology:

• In cosmetics

  Squalane is widely used in cosmetic formulas for face, body, head and hair care. Due to the ability to imitate the natural sebum synthesized by the body, squalane quickly penetrates the epidermis, restructures the hydrolipid film on its surface and enhances protective functions.

  The substance is also found in the basis of decorative and hygienic lipsticks, lip balms, has a powerful regenerating effect, eliminates dryness and peeling. Often used in gels, shower oils and cleansing cleansers. Contained in the basis of the formulas of some tonal and corrective foundations. Suitable for intensive moisturizing of the delicate area around the eyes.

• In cosmetology

  Due to its pronounced soothing, regenerating, moisturizing, softening, protecting properties, facial squalane is a common component of professional salon cosmetics. Masks, creams and concentrated serums with squalane are applied after traumatic aesthetic procedures: aggressive peeling and polishing, dermabrasion.

  Beauticians also use it to care for very sensitive, atopic skin, in the fight against eczema. Also, the component is contained in the composition of products for manicure and pedicure: creams and masks, cuticle oil.

The benefits of squalane for the skin

Due to the similarity of the structure of the active substance with skin lipids, it penetrates well into the epidermis and is absorbed by the cells. Let’s analyze what are the benefits of squalane and what skin problems it solves:

• Prevents cell moisture loss.
• Maintains moisture levels and softens dry skin, fights peeling.
• Smoothes wrinkles and creases of dehydration.
• Evens out the relief and complexion, prevents dullness and coarsening of the skin.
• Prevents premature aging.
• Reduces the sensitivity of reactive skin.
• Increases turgor of skin tissues.
• Has a calming effect.
• Restores the skin, strengthens its lipid barrier.
• Strengthens the hair fiber, prevents hair breakage.
• Accelerates the healing of the epidermis.
• It has an antioxidant property, prevents oxidative stress of the skin, prevents the effects of free radicals.
• Protects the epidermis from the damaging effects of external aggressive factors.

Indications for the use of cosmetics with squalane 

• Wrinkles and creases of dehydration.
• Hypersensitivity, skin reactivity.
• Irritation, damage to the skin.
• Dryness, loss of moisture.
• Dandruff, dryness and itching of the scalp.

Can Squalane Cause Harm?

Since squalene is a component of the natural lipid mantle of the epidermis, even in large quantities and in its pure form, it is not harmful. The component goes well with retinoids, vitamin C, and can be used immediately after skin exposure to AHA acids. It has a hypoallergenic composition and is not capable of causing an allergic reaction or irritation, on the contrary, it is used as a therapy against the background of their occurrence.

Features of the use of products with squalane for different skin types

One of the main advantages of squalane in cosmetics is its versatility: the component is suitable for all skin types. Due to its ability to soothe, restore, soften the epidermis and have an antioxidant effect, the substance is widely used in formulas even for very sensitive skin. For the dry type, squalane is a real salvation, as it is part of the lipid mantle, intensively and for a long time fills the epidermal layers with moisture, preventing its evaporation.

Owners of oily and problem type should pay attention to the non-comedogenicity of squalane oil, anti-inflammatory, healing and antimicrobial properties that allow it to be used for care. Squalane in cosmetics for oily and combination skin does not clog pores, prevents dehydration, soothes, reduces redness, minimizes inflammation and protects the epidermis.

Review of cosmetics with squalane La Roche-Posay

Light facial emulsion for hypersensitive skin Toleriane Ultra Fluid with a hypoallergenic formula based on squalane, neurosensin and shea butter, instantly restores dry skin nourishment, softness, effectively minimizes irritation, replenishes the hydrolipidic mantle of the epidermis, protects it and strengthens it.

Consumer feedback:

Diana: If you, like me, love multi-functional products, then this cream is perfect for you, as it can be used both for the face and for the eye contour, both in the morning and in the evening. This makes it indispensable for travel and business trips. Its texture is incredibly light, reminiscent of a cream-gel. Not only does it moisturize and soothe the skin, it also nourishes it due to shea butter and squalene. Great cream, you won’t regret it!

Alexandra: It really does not contain fragrances and preservatives, which over time can even make normal skin sensitive. I am glad that useful ingredients are at the beginning of the composition – squalane for the face (increases skin elasticity, accelerates its regeneration, smoothes fine wrinkles, improves local skin immunity) and shea butter (one of the best cosmetic ingredients, rich in antioxidants, fatty acids). The cream has a texture suitable for combination skin, does not weigh it down, does not clog pores.

Intensive soothing treatment Tolerian Ultra for hypersensitive reactive skin of the face and neck eliminates redness, itching, dryness, peeling. Returns comfort to the skin, reduces sensitivity, prevents the production of inflammation factors.

Consumer feedback:

Tatyana: I have problematic skin! Somewhat oily, but despite this, this tool suits me perfectly! Absorbs instantly and does not leave a greasy sheen! All redness soothes and evens out skin tone.

Larissa: For the first time I encountered dermatitis on my face. without exaggeration, this is the only cream that soothes the skin of the face and fights against bumps and burgundy spots that look like burns. It was recommended to me by a dermatologist.

Christina: The skin is extremely sensitive. When applying creams of other brands, the skin immediately turned red. Was in spots and not understandable irritations. Then, in addition, allergies began, which never happened. I went to a beautician and she recommended this cream to me. The result is noticeable immediately. The skin calmed down, became moisturized and without inflammation. I’m already using 2 bottles. Will I buy again? Naturally!