{"id":22571,"date":"2024-12-10T09:00:10","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T09:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/formulabotanica.com\/?p=22571"},"modified":"2024-12-10T09:10:17","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T09:10:17","slug":"difference-between-squalene-and-squalane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/formulabotanica.com\/difference-between-squalene-and-squalane\/","title":{"rendered":"The Formulator’s Guide to Squalene and Squalane"},"content":{"rendered":"
Updated: 10.12.24<\/h6>\n

Have you ever wondered about the difference between squalene and squalane? If so, you\u2019re not alone. Both are shining stars in the natural skincare world, but there’s still a lot of confusion about what sets them apart and why they’re both so valuable.<\/p>\n

In this blog post, we\u2019ll unravel the mystery behind squalene and squalane. You\u2019ll discover what each of these ingredients is, how they differ, and why they\u2019re so beneficial for your skin. We\u2019ll break down the science in a way that\u2019s easy to understand and share practical tips on how to incorporate them into your skincare routine.<\/p>\n

Plus, as a special bonus, we\u2019ll guide you through creating your own natural squalene and squalane booster, so you can experience their incredible benefits firsthand. Ready to dive in? Let\u2019s explore the fascinating world of squalene and squalane together!<\/p>\n\n

What is squalene?<\/h2>\n
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Squalene is a natural lipid found in our skin and various plants and animals, crucial for maintaining skin moisture and protecting the skin’s barrier. Discovered and isolated in 1906 by Dr Mitsumaro Tsujimoto from shark liver oil, squalene was initially sourced from sharks and named after the Squalidae family. Today, it is more commonly derived from plant oils such as olive, rice bran, and amaranth.<\/p>\n

In both animals and plants, squalene is vital for the biosynthesis of sterols. In humans, it helps produce cholesterol, steroid hormones, and vitamin D. As a key component of sebum, squalene prevents moisture loss. Also, it acts as an antioxidant<\/a>, making it a valued cosmetic ingredient for over 25 years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What is squalane?<\/h2>\n
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Squalane is the hydrogenated, or saturated, version of squalene, created through a process called hydrogenation. Squalene, with its multiple double bonds, was found to be too unstable for practical use. So in 1950, the French chemist S\u00e9bastien Sabetay introduced the idea of hydrogenating squalene to create squalane, resulting in a much more stable structure. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction that reduces double bonds to single bonds, adding hydrogen atoms to the molecule.<\/p>\n

Since then, squalane has become a popular cosmetic ingredient due to its stability and versatility. Lightweight, non-greasy, and deeply moisturising, squalane is suitable for all skin types<\/a> and is a popular emollient. Find out more about squalane below:<\/p>\n

10 must-have natural cosmetic ingredients backed by science<\/a><\/p>\n

Top 10 botanical oils every formulator needs<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Squalene vs. squalane<\/h2>\n

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Squalene<\/strong> is a lipid naturally present in our skin’s sebum and found abundantly in nature. In cosmetics, it is a superb emollient, which can help repair and maintain the skin’s lipid barrier. However, squalene is prone to oxidation, limiting its effectiveness in skincare products.<\/p>\n

Squalane<\/strong>, the hydrogenated and more stable version of squalene, retains all the benefits of squalene\u2014such as deep hydration and skin protection\u2014without the risk of oxidation, making it a preferred ingredient in the skincare industry. It is praised for its lightweight feel and moisturising properties.<\/p>\n

Chemical structure<\/h2>\n

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Squalene<\/h4>\n

Squalene is a polyunsaturated lipid that plays a vital role in the biosynthesis of phytosterols in plants and cholesterol in animals and humans. Its primary function in skincare is to help protect the skin from oxidative damage, particularly from UV light and other environmental stressors that generate free radicals. This makes squalene a key player in reducing oxidative stress and maintaining healthy skin.<\/p>\n

\"Difference<\/p>\n

Squalane<\/h4>\n

Squalane is the hydrogenated, fully saturated form of squalene. By saturating the six double bonds found in squalene, squalane becomes a stable, non-oxidising compound. Unlike squalene, squalane does not possess antioxidant properties due to its saturated chemical structure. However, it remains a highly effective emollient, offering deep hydration and a non-greasy feel, making it a popular ingredient in skincare formulations.<\/p>\n

Functions and properties<\/h2>\n

\"\"As we’ve discussed, squalene is a natural component in our body, produced by the liver and abundant in sebum, where it plays a crucial role in protecting the skin. As a “sacrificial” antioxidant, squalene neutralises free radicals, preventing oxidative damage like UV-induced peroxidation. However, when squalene oxidises, it can form squalene peroxide, which may trigger inflammation and contribute to acne. Find out more about this complex skin condition below:<\/p>\n

Formulating for acne-prone skin: the do’s, don’ts and myths<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In contrast, squalane, the hydrogenated form of squalene, is stable and resistant to oxidation, meaning it doesn\u2019t act as an antioxidant or form squalene peroxide. Both squalene and squalane are excellent emollients, helping to restore skin suppleness and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Find out more about the skin barrier and TEWL in this post:<\/p>\n

Skin Barrier 101: essential guide for natural cosmetic formulators<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Natural sources of squalene & squalane<\/h2>\n

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When squalene was first introduced into cosmetics in the 1950s, it was primarily sourced from animals. However, in recent decades, the focus has shifted towards sustainable and renewable alternatives, leading to a surge in the use of both squalene and squalane, particularly in natural cosmetics.<\/p>\n

Ongoing research aims to refine and possibly eliminate the hydrogenation process used to produce squalane, making production more efficient. Most plant-based squalane, or phytosqualane, now comes from olive oil by-products or sugar cane fermentation, with amaranth oil also emerging as a rich source.<\/p>\n

However, because producing squalene from shark liver is cheaper, some phytosqualane may be adulterated with animal-derived squalane. To ensure authenticity, purchase only from reputable suppliers. Here’s how to research your ingredients:<\/p>\n

The formulator’s guide to INCI<\/a><\/p>\n

How to research cosmetic ingredients for organic skincare<\/a><\/p>\n

5 tips on how to buy natural cosmetic ingredients<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

How to formulate with squalene & squalane<\/h2>\n
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As a natural formulator, you have the option to either use squalene-rich oils or add phytosqualane to your formulations. Both squalene and squalane are exceptional emollients that absorb easily into the skin. While isolated squalene is available, its instability makes squalane the better choice.<\/p>\n

Like squalene, squalane is liposoluble (oil-soluble), making it ideal for oil-based products or the oil phase of emulsions in both skincare and haircare. It\u2019s colourless, odourless, and highly stable, with excellent resistance to heat and oxidation. Squalane also blends seamlessly with other ingredients, enhancing the overall formulation.<\/p>\n

Squalane provides a luxurious sensory experience, offering a light, silky feel that helps reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and restore the skin’s suppleness and flexibility\u2014without leaving a greasy residue. It\u2019s highly biocompatible, non-irritating, and can be used at concentrations up to 100%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Make a natural squalene & squalane booster<\/h2>\n

As we\u2019ve discussed, squalene is essential for keeping our skin hydrated and supple. However, as we age\u2014typically between 30 and 40\u2014our natural squalene levels begin to decline. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve developed a customisable natural squalene and squalane booster, specifically designed for mature skin.<\/p>\n

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Ingredients:<\/h3>\n