1. Description
Squalane is an important component contained in human sebum. The sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands of human skin comprises approximately 10% squalene and 2.4% squalane. The human body can convert squalene into squalane. Squalene can supply oxygen and nutrients to cells, promote cellular metabolism, form a sebaceous film on the outer layer of the skin to prevent moisture loss, and shield against bacteria, dust, and ultraviolet radiation. The cosmetic benefits of squalene and squalane are nearly identical; however, due to its unstable molecular structure, squalene is prone to oxidation and is thus typically encapsulated for oral ingestion. In contrast, squalane, being a stable and pure oil, is suitable for topical application.
2. Application
(1)Squalane is widely used as a cosmetic base material, as well as in refined cosmetics, precision machinery lubricants, medical ointments, and as a superfatting agent for high-grade soaps.
(2)Squalane is a natural product, characterized by its inertness and non-toxicity. It exhibits excellent affinity for human skin, does not irritate the skin, and does not cause allergies. It can accelerate the penetration of other active ingredients into the skin. Squalane is a key oily raw material in high-grade cosmetics, such as various creams and lotions, eyeliners, eyeshadows, and hair conditioners. Most cosmetics use natural squalane extracted directly from fish liver oil, whereas synthetic squalane can be irritating to the human body and is only used as a lubricant and UV protectant.
(3)Squalane is the most commonly used standard non-polar stationary liquid, with its polarity defined as zero. The interaction between this type of stationary liquid and component molecules is primarily dispersion forces, and it is mainly used for the separation of general hydrocarbons and non-polar compounds.
3. Main Efficacy
Squalane is a hydrocarbon oil obtained through the hydrogenation of squalene extracted from the liver of deep-sea sharks, hence it is also known as deep-sea shark liver oil. Scientific research has found that squalane is one of the few animal oils with high chemical stability and an excellent sensory feel. It has good affinity for the skin, low polarity, and moderate spreadability.
(1) Squalane: Strengthens the repair of the epidermis, effectively forms a natural protective film, and helps maintain the balance between the skin and sebum.
(2) Squalane is a lipid most similar to human sebum, with strong affinity. It can integrate with the human's own sebum film, forming a natural barrier on the skin surface.
(3) Squalane can also inhibit the peroxidation of skin lipids, effectively penetrate the skin, and promote the proliferation of basal skin cells. It has significant physiological effects in delaying skin aging, improving, and eliminating melasma.
(4) Squalane can also open up skin pores, promote blood microcirculation, enhance cellular metabolism, and assist in the repair of damaged cells.