In which skincare products can we find squalane?

Squalane is the hydrogenated form of squalene, a lipid that makes up human sebum, a skin-protecting agent that contributes to the formation of the hydrolipidic film. The use of squalane is often preferred over squalene in skin and hair care because this chemical form is more stable (less susceptible to oxidation).

Squalane is perfectly assimilated by skin cells. Non-greasy and non-comedogenic, it does not clog pores and quickly penetrates the epidermis to soften its touch. This lipid supply combats skin dryness and helps repair the skin's hydrolipidic film, enabling it to perform its primary function: preventing the body's water from evaporating. The skin remains hydrated for longer, and the feelings of tightness characteristic of dry skin are reduced. Squalane also helps prevent dehydration fine lines. Besides the skin, it can be applied to the hair as a heat-protective treatment. Squalane makes the hair shiny and reduces split ends due to its moisturizing properties.

Regarding its extraction method, squalane has long been a subject of controversy. Indeed, even today, it can still be extracted from shark livers for economic reasons. This is a true ecological disaster as plant-based alternatives have been available for several years: squalane can indeed be extracted from sugarcane, wheat germ, palm, and olive. At Typology, we only incorporate plant-based squalane in our skincare products; this comes from the unsaponifiable fraction of olive oil or sugarcane.

Squalane is a particularly versatile ingredient as it easily integrates into any oil phase in formulation. Thus, in skincare, it can be found in creams, scrubs, oily serums, massage oils, non-greasy dry oils for the body, body lotions, hand and foot creams. Regarding hair care, this emollient can be found in repairing serums, protective shampoos and conditioners, balms and masks. Moreover, it sometimes constitutes an element of the oily phases of makeup formulas such as foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadows, or even mascaras.

Typology has developed several 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 restore skin hydration and promote cellular regeneration.

• Thetightening botanical blend with 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.

• The tinted serums are enriched with vitamin C for skin radiance and aloe vera for hydration. They provide light coverage and even out the skin tone. Moreover, these 2-in-1 products exclude fragrance, nanoparticles, and silicones, which are often included 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 with Vitamin E+F 2.5% + Bitter Almond Extract is a treatmentthat provides antioxidant benefits, restores suppleness to the skin, and reduces 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 infused 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 with 1% Biolipid Complex + Camellia Oil repairs 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.