Squalane for Deep Moisturizing Skin Barrier Repair Soothing Dryness and Locking Moisture

1. Description

Squalane is an important component of human sebum; the sebum secreted by the skin’s sebaceous glands contains approximately 10% squalene and 2.4% squalane. The human body can convert squalene into squalane. Squalene supplies cells with oxygen and nutrients, promotes cellular metabolism, and forms a lipid barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss while shielding the skin from bacteria, dust, and UV damage. However, in women, squalene secretion drops sharply around the age of 50, leading to issues such as dehydration, sagging, dullness, and premature aging. Therefore, replenishing the skin with squalane is crucial! While squalene and squalane have nearly identical cosmetic benefits, squalene’s molecular structure is unstable and prone to oxidation, so it is typically encapsulated for oral consumption; squalane, on the other hand, is a stable, pure oil suitable for topical application.

2. Application

(1) Squalane is widely used as a base ingredient in cosmetics, as well as in the formulation of high-end cosmetics, precision machinery lubricants, medical ointments, and as a superfatting agent in premium soaps.

(2) Squalane is a natural product that is inert and non-toxic. It is highly compatible with human skin, causing no irritation or allergic reactions. It enhances the penetration of other active ingredients into the skin. Squalane is a high-grade oily ingredient in cosmetics, such as various creams, lotions, eyeliners, eye shadow creams, and hair conditioners. Cosmetics typically use the natural form extracted directly from fish liver oil; synthetic versions can be irritating to the skin and are used only as lubricants and UV filters.

(3) Squalane is the most commonly used standard nonpolar mobile phase, with a polarity of zero. The interaction between this mobile phase and the molecules of the components is a dispersion force, and it is primarily used for the separation of general hydrocarbons and nonpolar compounds.

3. Main Efficacy

(1) Excellent skin compatibility and moisturizing properties: The chemical structure of squalane is highly similar to that of human sebum, allowing it to penetrate the skin rapidly and form a breathable, water-permeable protective film on the skin’s surface. This effectively locks in moisture and alleviates dry skin. Studies have shown that its high oxygen-carrying capacity helps the skin efficiently metabolize water and oxygen.

(2) Antioxidant and photoprotective effects: Recent studies confirm that squalane (at concentrations of 0.005%–0.015%) effectively counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress damage in human dermal fibroblasts. It enhances the endogenous antioxidant defense system by activating nuclear factor erythrocyte-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), while simultaneously inhibiting NF-κB and COX-2 expression to exert anti-inflammatory activity.

(3) Promotion of Collagen Synthesis: In UVA-irradiated fibroblasts, squalane reverses the inhibition of collagen biosynthesis, restores prolyase activity, and upregulates the expression of β1-integrin receptors and insulin-like growth factor-I receptors, thereby promoting collagen metabolism and skin regeneration.

(4) Promotes wound healing and repair: Squalane stimulates fibroblast migration and accelerates the cellular repair process following UVA irradiation. It repairs damaged cells by promoting microcirculation and accelerating skin cell metabolism.

(5) Extremely high chemical stability: Squalane is a fully saturated hydrocarbon containing no double bonds, thus possessing excellent antioxidant stability. It is resistant to oxidation and degradation, ensuring a long shelf life. In contrast, its precursor, squalene, is prone to oxidation due to the presence of multiple double bonds.

(6) Low Irritation and Non-Comedogenic: Squalane has extremely low skin irritation and is suitable for sensitive skin. Its non-comedogenic nature makes it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

(7) Immunomodulatory Effects: When taken orally, squalane participates in cholesterol biosynthesis and various biochemical reactions within the body, promoting biological oxidation and metabolic processes, and enhancing the body’s immune defenses.