Squalane

Squalane is the organic compound with the formula. A colorless hydrocarbon, it is the hydrogenated derivative of squalene, although commercial samples are derived from nature. In contrast to squalene, due to the complete saturation of squalane, it is not subject to auto-oxidation. This fact, coupled with its lower costs and desirable physical properties, led to its use as an emollient and moisturizer in cosmetics.

Uses in cosmetics

Squalane was introduced as an emollient in the 1950s. The unsaturated form of squalene is produced in human sebum and the livers of sharks. Squalane has low acute toxicity and is not a significant human skin irritant or sensitizer.

Miscellaneous information

The hydrogenation of squalene to produce squalane was first reported in 1916.