Squalane is one of the natural ingredients in cosmetics - even if it doesn't sound so natural at first glance. :) Squalane can not only protect the skin from drying out, but also make it silky soft at the same time. Therefore, squalane is particularly recommended for people with dry and very sensitive skin, such as those with neurodermatitis or rosacea. Here we tell you everything about the origin, effect and use of the "miracle cure for very sensitive skin".
What is squalane?
Squalane is a naturally occurring lipid that can be extracted from various oils. In the cosmetics industry, plant-based squalane is mainly used from the press residues of olive oil or amaranth oil. Due to its light texture and the many benefits it offers for skin and hair, squalane is becoming increasingly popular in the cosmetics industry.
How does squalane oil work?
Squalane is known for penetrating the skin particularly easily without leaving a greasy film. This makes it an ideal source of moisture that keeps the skin supple without clogging the pores. Another plus point of the ingredient is its antioxidant effect. It protects the skin from free radicals that can cause premature skin aging. With regular use, the skin can appear noticeably healthier and more radiant.
Which skin types is squalane suitable for?
Basically, squalane is suitable for all skin types. It is similar to the skin's own sebum and is therefore very well tolerated. The moisturizing properties also make squalane particularly beneficial for dry and very sensitive skin, such as those with neurodermatitis, rosacea or acne.
Squalane – also for hair?
Squalane is a real all-rounder. In addition to its use in skin care, squalane also proves to be an excellent ingredient for hair care products. It can help to revitalize dry hair and improve shine in the long term.
Squalane, squalane or squalene – what is the difference?
Perhaps you have already come across different terms in connection with care products? Squalane is the usual German name for the ingredient that is referred to as squalane in the ingredients list of your cosmetic product according to the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients ). Squalene, in turn, is the untreated raw material that also occurs naturally in the human body . It is formed as an intermediate product in cholesterol metabolism and is an integral part of the skin's natural sebum protective layer. For cosmetic use, squalene is hydrogenated to squalane.
Do you have any questions about squalane? Then feel free to contact us!
Sources:
Dr. Heim, N. Neurodermatitis - the utopian eczema, online at https://www.rosel-heim.de/pdf/Neurodermitis.pdf (January 26, 2024)
European Commission. Ingredient: Squalane, online at https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/details/38226 (26 January 2024)
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Huang ZR, Lin YK, Fang JY. Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: potential uses in cosmetic dermatology. Molecules. 2009 Jan 23;14(1):540-54. doi: 10.3390/molecules14010540. PMID: 19169201; PMCID: PMC6253993.
Kim SK, Karadeniz F. Biological importance and applications of squalene and squalane. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2012;65:223-33. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-416003-3.00014-7. PMID: 22361190.
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