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The Benefits and Selection Tips of Squalane
Over the past few years, squalane has emerged as one of the most popular skincare ingredients, capturing the attention of beauty enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its exceptional properties, squalane (C30H62) mimics the skin's natural ability to repair itself and retain moisture, thanks to its lipid activity. As an organic emollient and protective agent, it is highly valued in the cosmetics industry for its performance and recognized benefits.
Frequently found in moisturizers, squalane has gained a reputation for enhancing skin hydration and providing a protective barrier. Today, we will explore the advantages of incorporating squalane into your skincare routine and understand why it has become a favorite among skincare aficionados.
What exactly is Squalane?
Squalane is a powerful skincare ingredient that has earned its place due to its close resemblance to squalene, a naturally occurring compound in the human body. Derived from the hydrogenation of squalene, squalane differs significantly in terms of stability. Unlike squalene, which has an unsaturated carbon chain and is prone to oxidation, squalane features a saturated carbon chain with no double bonds. This makes squalane much more stable and ideal for use in skincare products.
Why Choose Squalane Over Squalene?
While squalene is naturally present in human sebum and certain plant oils, its instability and tendency to oxidize make it less suitable for direct use in cosmetics. Consequently, squalene is usually converted into squalane, which is more stable and resistant to oxidation. Squalane is a lightweight oil that is gentle on the skin, improving moisture retention and accelerating the skin's self-repair mechanisms while minimizing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
| Characteristics | Squalane | Squalene |
|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Stability | Highly stable | Unstable and prone to oxidation |
| Presence in the Body | Trace amounts | Relatively higher concentrations |
| Skin Irritation | Less likely to cause irritation | Irritating, potentially leading to acne |
| Benefits | Moisturizing, antioxidant, wrinkle-reducing | Moisture retention in the skin |
Types of Squalane in the Market
Natural Squalane:
In the cosmetics industry, natural squalane, especially plant-derived varieties, is the preferred choice due to the growing demand for natural products. Primarily sourced from the unsaponifiable fraction of olive oil, it can also be extracted from soybeans and sunflowers. Plant-based squalane is a high-quality ingredient used in formulations and can be verified through carbon-13 testing.
Synthetic Squalane:
Synthetic squalane is produced using two main methods. One involves petrochemical synthesis, creating high-purity squalane from terpene compounds. The other uses biotechnology, where genetically modified microorganisms ferment sugar molecules to produce squalene, which is then chemically synthesized and dimerized to obtain squalane. This biotechnological approach is more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional petrochemical processes.
Key Benefits of Squalane
Hydration and Moisture Retention:
Squalane closely resembles human sebum, offering excellent oxygen-carrying properties. It blends seamlessly with the skin’s natural oils, forming a permeable protective barrier on the skin's surface. This barrier not only prevents moisture loss but also facilitates the effective exchange of water and air, leaving the skin feeling hydrated without a greasy texture. Regular use of squalane can improve various skin conditions such as dryness, flakiness, roughness, and dullness, restoring the skin's softness.
Anti-Aging Properties:
Squalane exhibits impressive antioxidant properties, aiding in the penetration of the skin and promoting the proliferation of basal skin cells. By inhibiting the oxidation of skin lipids, squalane combats oxidative damage, which is a major contributor to skin aging. This makes squalane an effective tool in delaying the visible signs of aging.
Skin Repair and Cellular Restoration:
Squalane accelerates the repair of the epidermis and damaged cells. It opens pores, enhances microcirculation, and speeds up skin cell metabolism, aiding in tissue healing. For those with thin stratum corneum or facial redness, skincare products containing squalane are among the best options for reducing redness and thickening the skin's outer layer.
Safety and Potential Risks of Squalane
Generally, squalane is safe for most users, but it is essential to pay attention to additional ingredients in skincare products. As noted by experts, the risk often stems from added components like fragrances, preservatives, and dyes, which can trigger allergic contact dermatitis or eczema in sensitive skin.
Potential Skin Issues:
While squalane is typically non-greasy and lightweight, overuse or improper cleansing can lead to pore blockage, hindering normal skin respiration and metabolism. This creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth, potentially causing folliculitis, acne, or other skin issues characterized by redness, pimples, or pustules, along with pain and itching.
Allergic Reactions:
Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to squalane, such as itching, redness, rash, or more severe symptoms like oozing or erosion. Those with known allergies to squalane should avoid products containing this ingredient to prevent unnecessary health risks.
Excessive Oiliness and Imbalance:
For people with naturally oily skin, using squalane may increase oiliness due to its similarity to the skin’s own sebum. Overuse can lead to an overly thick oil layer on the skin’s surface, diminishing the feeling of freshness and breathability, and potentially worsening pore blockage and related skin issues.
How to Avoid Side Effects of Squalane
- Use Moderately: Follow product instructions and control the amount used to avoid over-application.
- Thorough Cleansing: Ensure your skin is thoroughly cleaned after using squalane to prevent residue from clogging pores.
- Stay Hydrated: Maintain adequate skin hydration to balance oil production and reduce greasiness and acne.
- Patch Test: Conduct a patch test before using new products to check for any allergic reactions to squalane or other ingredients.
- Rotate Skincare Products: Avoid using the same product for extended periods to prevent skin dependency or reduced effectiveness.
Choosing the Right Squalane Skincare Products
Squalane primarily functions as a moisturizer, water-locking agent, and anti-aging ingredient. It is often combined with components such as peptides and amino acid moisturizers and added to anti-aging creams and hydrating serums.
When selecting squalane skincare products, consider the source of the ingredient, particularly third-generation squalane derived from sugarcane, which offers a lighter, more effortless care for the skin. Opting for squalane products from reputable international brands ensures high quality and effectiveness, as these products undergo rigorous research and testing and often emphasize sustainability and environmental friendliness in their production processes.
Additionally, check other ingredients in the squalane products and avoid those containing alcohol, silicones, fragrances, dyes, or animal-derived components, which can irritate the skin. Choose gentle formulations to ensure optimal skin care.
If you are seeking high-quality squalane, Focusherb is a reliable choice. We offer 100% naturally sourced squalane to help create professional skincare products.