What are the benefits of squalane?

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What are the benefits of squalane?

Definition  |  Benefits

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Written by the QV science community with contributions from Dr. Deshan Sebaratnam MBBS, FRCP, FACD.

Updated on December 06, 2023

With so many skincare ingredients being used in advertising and social media, it can be tough to identify what each is, let alone what they do for your skin. We sat down with dermatologist Dr Deshan Sebaratnam to break down the science of ingredients like squalane, dimethicone and more.

Watch our Science Says video to learn more with Dr. Deshan Sebaratnam

Definition

What is squalane?

Squalane is the stable form of squalene, a naturally-occurring component of human sebum1. Squalane is used in skincare products for its emollient properties. Traditionally extracted from shark liver oil, it is now more commonly obtained from olive oil, wheat germ oil, bran oil or other plant sources2,3.

Benefits

Effects of squalene on the skin

  • Acts as a highly effective, non-irritating emollient: Squalene is quickly and efficiently absorbed deep into the skin, restoring suppleness and flexibility without leaving an oily residue or irritating the skin4,5.
  • Aids in skin hydration: Squalene helps to maintain skin hydration due to reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL)4.
  • Possesses antioxidant properties: Subsequent to oxidative stress such as sunlight exposure, squalene functions as a highly effective oxygen-scavenging agent that prevents lipid peroxidation (reactive oxygen species ‘attacking’ and degrading lipids) at the human skin surface4,6.

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References

1. Pappas A. Epidermal surface lipids. Dermatoendocrinol 2009;1(2):72–6.

2. Sweetman SC. Martindale - Squalane. In: Martindale 35th Edition. United Kingdom: Pharmaceutical Press, London,UK; 2007. page 1850.

3. Busch J. Final report on the safety assessment of squalane and squalene. Int J Toxicol 1982;1(2):37–56.

4. Thiboutot D, Gollnick H, Bettoli V, Dréno B, Kang S, Leyden JJ, Shalita AR, Lozada VT, Berson D, Finlay A, Goh CL, Herane MI, Kaminsky A, Kubba R, Layton A, Miyachi Y, Perez M, Martin JP, Ramos-E-Silva M, See JA, Shear N, Wolf J Jr, Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne. New insights into the management of acne: An update from the global alliance to improve outcomes in acne group. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009; 60(5):S1-S50.

5. Lynde CW, Andriessen A, Barankin B, Gannes GD, Gulliver W, Haber R, McCuaig C, Rajan P, Skotnicki SP, Thomas R, Toole J, Vender R. Moisturizers and ceramide-containing moisturizers may offer concomitant therapy with benefits. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014; 7(3):18-26.