Squalane is a plant-based lipid that is highly compatible with the skin. Indeed, it is derived from squalene, a molecule naturally present in sebum. Non-greasy, it quickly penetrates the epidermis and softens its touch. Let's focus on this increasingly renowned ingredient in skincare and haircare products.
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- Everything you need to know about squalane.
Everything you need to know about squalane.
- What is squalane?
- The benefits of squalane for the skin
- The benefits of squalane for hair
- Squalane, cosmetic indications
- In which skincare products can one find squalane?
- Sources
What is squalane?
Squalane is a plant-derived lipid from squalene, a substance naturally found in certain plants as well as in humans. Indeed, human sebum contains approximately 15% squalene.
The characterization of squalene dates back to the early 20th century. Tsujimoto was the first to isolate this molecule from theshark liver oil, hence the name he attributed to it.
Nevertheless, sharks are listed on the red list of endangered species and the European Union prohibits their capture. Therefore, nowadays, the squalane present in skincare products is of plant origin. It can be extracted from sugarcane, wheat germ, palm, as well as olive.
From a chemical perspective, thesqualaneis a branched hydrocarbon with the raw formula C30H62. It is a hydrogenated version of squalene. Unlike squalene, squalane is a so-called saturated molecule: it does not contain a double bond and cannot be degraded by reacting with oxygen.
The benefits of squalane for the skin.
Squalane is a non-greasy oil with a dry touch that quickly penetrates the epidermis. It is often referred to as an active emollient. Not only does it soften the skin, but it also provides several benefits.
It prevents the epidermis from dehydration. Its biomimetic structure with sebum allows for the repair of the hydrolipidic film, thereby strengthening the skin's barrier function and preventing the body's water from evaporating. The skin remains hydrated for a longer period and the feelings of tightness characteristic of dry skin are reduced.
It stimulates cellular renewal which allows for skin texture refinement and unclogs pores, thus preventing the appearance of imperfections.
It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin elasticity.
The benefits of squalane for hair.
When applied to hair, squalane provides thermal protection and strengthens the hair. It also protects them from external aggressions by forming a soft film on the surface. As for the scalp, squalane strengthens the skin barrier, thus fighting against dehydration, thereby preventing the onset of itching and dandruff.
Squalane, cosmetic indications.
Squalane is a dry oil non-comedogenic ; it is suitable for all skin types but remains particularlywell-suited for dry skin.
There are no contraindications to the cosmetic use of squalane, it can be used safely by children as well as pregnant and/or breastfeeding women.
This vegetable oil is stable against oxidation. However, it is still best preserved when kept cool and out of direct light.
In which skincare products can one find squalane?
When applied topically, squalane is found in creams, scrubs, oily serums, massage oils, and non-greasy dry body oils. In terms of hair care, this emollient can be found in restorative serums, protective shampoos and conditioners, balms, and masks.
Typology has developed several galenic formulations containing this multifunctional ingredient. For the face, the following treatments are enriched with olive squalane:
The regenerating facial scrub gently exfoliates and unclogs pores. This gel transforms into an exfoliating oil under the effect of massage, then into a milk upon contact with water. Containing essential oils, it should not be used by pregnant women.
Thehydrating botanical blend with papyrus is a night serum that helps to restore skin hydration and promote cellular regeneration.
Thebotanical tensor assemblywith nopal is a night serum that helps to firm the skin thanks to the toning and regenerating actions of 7 botanical extracts, including immortelle essential oil.
The nourishing face cream formulated with hyaluronic acid and shea butter is a treatment enriched with lipid-replenishing and moisturizing active ingredients to restore skin suppleness and reduce feelings of tightness.
The nourishing serum squalane 100% is a treatment recommended for dry skin, with the aim of reducing feelings of tightness and minimizing dehydration fine lines.
Thetinted serumsare enriched withVitamin Cfor a radiant complexion and withaloe verato hydrate the skin. They provide light coverage and even out the skin tone. Moreover, these 2-in-1 products exclude fragrance, nanoparticles, and silicones that often feature in the formulation of traditional foundations and can promote the appearance of imperfections. Each tinted serum can match a wide spectrum of skin tones. The six shades of our serums have been developed according to the Fitzpatrick phototype scale.
Regarding the body, the following treatments contain plant-derived squalane:
Therelipidating shower oil Vitamin E+F 2.5% + Bitter Almond Extract is a treatmentthat provides antioxidant benefits, restoring suppleness to the skin and reducing feelings of tightness, while delicately scenting the skin with a light almond fragrance.
The nourishing body cream restores the lipid barrier, reduces feelings of tightness, and protects the skin from external aggressions.
Finally, for hair, the following formulas also contain olive squalane:
Thedry hair oil enriched with acai and hibiscus oil strengthens, nourishes, and protects the hair fiber without weighing down the hair. It restores shine and softness to the hair.
Therich hair oil with pequi and argan oil nourishes and restructures the hair fiber to protect it from heat. The hair becomes soft, shiny, and manageable.
The Nutrition Shampoo Complex of 1% Biolipids + Camellia Oilrepairs and deeply nourishes the hair fiber, smooths and fills in the hair scales. This shampoo hydrates and soothes the scalp without weighing down the hair. Containing a very low concentration of Ho Wood essential oil, it has no contraindications and can be used by pregnant and/or breastfeeding women.
Sources
ALLISON A. C. Squalene and squalane emulsions as adjuvants. Methods 19 (1999).
KARADENIZ F. & al. Biological importance and applications of squalene and squalane. Advances in Food and Nutrition Research (2012).
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