Squalane is a saturated hydrocarbon cosmetic ingredient widely used as an emollient, skin-conditioning agent and hair-conditioning ingredient. It is valued for its lightweight, smooth application feel and ability to soften the skin without the characteristic fatty texture of many conventional vegetable oils.
Squalane is commonly incorporated into facial moisturizers, serums, creams, lotions, facial oils, makeup products, lip-care formulations and selected haircare products. It can help improve spreadability, skin softness and the overall sensory profile of a cosmetic formulation.
Commercial Squalane may be produced from plant-derived feedstocks, through biotechnology-based processes or by other suitable manufacturing routes. Its origin depends on the supplier and grade. Buyers should confirm the source, purity, quality parameters and documentation for the specific material.
The chemical identity of Squalane is distinct from Squalene. Squalane is the saturated form, whereas Squalene contains multiple carbon–carbon double bonds. Their stability and technical characteristics differ, so the two ingredients should not be treated as interchangeable.
Squalane is a saturated, branched-chain hydrocarbon known chemically as 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyltetracosane. It is associated with the lipid components found naturally in human sebum and is used in cosmetics to improve the feel and conditioning properties of skincare and personal-care products.
Squalane has the molecular formula C₃₀H₆₂, a molecular weight of approximately 422.82 g/mol, and CAS number 111-01-3. Its commonly listed EC number is 203-825-6.
In cosmetic formulations, Squalane is primarily used as an emollient. It helps lubricate the skin surface, improve softness and support a smooth, conditioned feel. It can also be used as a compatible carrier for selected oil-soluble ingredients, subject to formulation testing.
Squalane is generally supplied as a clear, colourless, low-odour or odourless liquid. Its exact appearance, purity, viscosity and other technical parameters should be confirmed against the commercial grade's current COA and TDS.
Squalane's molecular identity is well established, but commercial quality parameters can vary by manufacturing process and grade. The supplier's documentation should be used for acceptance limits and purchasing decisions.
Squalane functions primarily as an emollient. It helps soften and smooth the skin surface and contributes to a comfortable, lubricated feel in cosmetic formulations.
Squalane is used in skincare products designed to maintain the skin's conditioned feel. It can improve the sensory characteristics of moisturizers, creams, lotions, facial oils and serums.
In selected haircare formulations, Squalane can help improve lubrication, softness and surface feel. Its suitability depends on the type of product, concentration and the other ingredients in the formulation.
Squalane is recognized for its refatting function in cosmetic products. It can help replenish lipid-like components at the skin or hair surface as part of the overall conditioning system.
Squalane can contribute to smooth application and glide. It is often selected when formulators want an emollient with a relatively lightweight sensory profile.
Squalane may serve as a compatible carrier for certain oil-soluble ingredients. Solubility and compatibility should be established for each ingredient and formulation rather than assumed universally.
Squalane is a defined saturated hydrocarbon rather than a mixture of triglycerides. Its chemical formula and molecular weight are therefore different from those of conventional plant oils.
Important characteristics include:
Squalane does not have a conventional fatty-acid profile like vegetable triglyceride oils. Tests such as saponification value or fatty-acid composition should not be treated as universal defining parameters unless required by a specific grade or applicable standard.
Squalane may be used in:
Its main role is to support skin conditioning, softness and smooth application.
Suitable grades may be evaluated in:
Squalane can contribute lubrication and improve the sensory profile of the oil phase.
Squalane may be considered for:
Formulators should assess the finished product for spreadability, hair feel, shine and residue.
Potential applications include:
The appropriate concentration should be determined according to the formulation's intended texture and sensory characteristics.
Squalane can be incorporated into oil-based formulations and into the oil phase of suitable emulsions. For water-containing products, the emulsifier system, ingredient compatibility and physical stability should be evaluated during development.
Select Squalane according to the required cosmetic application, source, purity, appearance, sensory profile and technical specifications.
There is no single concentration appropriate for all cosmetic products. Establish the use level through formulation trials, supplier recommendations and finished-product evaluation.
Squalane is practically insoluble in water. Water-containing formulations generally require a suitable emulsification system to maintain physical stability.
Evaluate compatibility with vegetable oils, esters, mineral oils, silicones, waxes, emulsifiers, fragrances and other cosmetic ingredients. Solubility and compatibility should be tested in the actual formulation.
Assess spreadability, slip, greasiness, residue, absorption perception and overall skin feel. The final sensory result depends on the complete formulation rather than Squalane alone.
Although Squalane is saturated, the quality and stability of a commercial grade can still depend on purity, processing, packaging and storage. Follow the supplier's storage recommendations and verify relevant quality parameters.
Confirm whether the supplied Squalane is plant-derived, biotechnology-based or produced from another documented source. Where vegan, sustainability or traceability requirements apply, obtain supporting documentation rather than inferring these properties from the ingredient name.
Review the current COA, TDS and safety data sheet (SDS). Confirm the INCI name, CAS number, appearance, purity and other applicable acceptance criteria.
Check the compatibility of the finished formulation with its container, closure, liner and dispensing system.
Squalane and Squalene are related hydrocarbon compounds, but they are chemically different.
Squalane is generally more resistant to oxidation because it lacks the double bonds present in Squalene. Their ingredient identities, technical specifications and formulation properties should not be treated as interchangeable.
Squalane differs from conventional plant oils such as almond oil, argan oil and sunflower seed oil.
Both can be used as cosmetic emollients, but they have different chemical compositions and sensory properties. The choice depends on the intended formulation, product performance and ingredient sourcing requirements.
Squalane is a cosmetic ingredient used primarily for emolliency, skin conditioning, hair conditioning and refatting applications. Its smooth sensory profile makes it suitable for a range of skincare, makeup and personal-care formulations.
Swapnroop provides product information for cosmetic manufacturers, formulators and ingredient purchasers evaluating Squalane for commercial use.
Before procurement, buyers should verify the grade, source, INCI name, CAS number, purity, packaging, storage requirements and batch documentation against the supplier's current technical documents.
Squalane is a saturated branched-chain hydrocarbon used in cosmetics primarily as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient.
The INCI name is Squalane.
The CAS number is 111-01-3.
The commonly listed EC number is 203-825-6.
The molecular formula is C₃₀H₆₂.
The molecular weight is approximately 422.82 g/mol.
Squalane is used primarily as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient. It is also used for hair conditioning and refatting in selected cosmetic products.
No. Squalane is practically insoluble in water and is generally incorporated into oil-based formulations or the oil phase of suitable emulsions.
No. Squalane is saturated, whereas Squalene contains six carbon–carbon double bonds. Their chemical identities and stability characteristics differ.
Squalane can be produced from plant-derived feedstocks, through biotechnology-based processes or from other documented sources. The origin should be confirmed for the specific commercial grade.
Yes. It can be considered for moisturizers, creams, lotions, serums, facial oils and other skin-conditioning formulations.
Yes. Suitable grades may be considered for hair serums, conditioning products, masks and other haircare formulations.
Review the ingredient identity, source, appearance, purity, relevant physical properties, storage requirements and applicable acceptance limits using the current COA and TDS.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |