Squalane

Squalane is a hydrocarbon derived primarily from shark liver oil. It is also found in small quantities in plant sources such as olive oil, rice bran oil, wheat germ, and yeast. Squalane is a common ingredient in cosmetics and skin care products due to its moisturizing and emollient properties.

Chemical Structure

Squalane is a saturated and stable hydrocarbon. Its chemical formula is C30H62. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless oil. It is non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin.

Sources

Squalane is primarily derived from shark liver oil. However, due to environmental concerns, plant-derived squalane is becoming more common. Plant sources of squalane include olive oil, rice bran oil, wheat germ, and yeast.

Uses

Squalane is commonly used in cosmetics and skin care products. It is a powerful moisturizer and has emollient properties. It is also used in the production of vaccines as an adjuvant.

Benefits

Squalane has several benefits for the skin. It helps to moisturize the skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to soothe skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

Safety

Squalane is considered safe for use in cosmetics and skin care products. It is non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin. However, it should be used with caution by individuals with oily skin or acne-prone skin, as it may clog pores and contribute to acne.

Environmental Impact

The extraction of squalane from shark liver oil has raised environmental concerns. Sharks are often killed solely for their liver oil, leading to a decline in shark populations. As a result, many companies are now using plant-derived squalane.

See Also

• Cosmetics
• Skin care
• Shark liver oil
• Olive oil
• Rice bran oil
• Wheat germ
• Yeast