Squalane végétale et squalane naturel

Squalane C30H62 is a molecule that mimics our epidermis’ ability to repair and moisturise itself through the activity of sebum. It is an organic emollient and protective agent, appreciated on the cosmetic market for its great properties and its recognised benefits for the skin. Squalane has been at the heart of Sophim’s expertise since 1996, and we offer high quality squalane-based ingredients for your formulas.

What is Squalane ?

What is the difference between squalane and squalene ?

Squalane is often confused with squalene. To better understand what squalane is, it is important to define squalene correctly.

Squalane : a stable squalene derivative

Squalene is a low-viscosity oil that is present in the unsaponifiable fraction of the oil of certain plants, notably olive oil, and in the unsaponifiable fractions of soybean or sunflower oil.
Its chemical formula is C30H50.
The unsaponifiable fraction of oils generally represents 1%, and contains tocopherols (vitamin E), sterols and squalene.

One may wonder why squalene is not used directly in cosmetic formulations. As a natural compound, composed of an unsaturated carbon chain, squalene is subject to oxidation, and would be less stable if incorporated into a cosmetic formula. This is why formulators tend to look for Squalane, whose chemical formula is C30H62, a stable derivative of squalene.

Squalane : a definition

Sophim is the world leader in the extraction of squalene from olive oil and the production of natural squalane. We extract squalene from food industry co-products, and by hydrogenating it, we are able to produce its stable derivative: Squalane.

What is squalane oil?
Squalane is the molecule that mimics our skin’s ability to moisturise and repair itself. Because it is composed of a saturated carbon chain, which means there are no chemical double bonds, it is more stable and therefore more likely to be incorporated into cosmetic formulas.

Types of squalane

Today, several types of squalane are available on the market.

Natural squalane

In cosmetic applications, natural-type squalane will always be the preferred choice, especially squalane of plant origin, as it responds to a strong trend towards the development of natural products.

Plant origin: SOPHIM is now the leading manufacturer of vegetable squalane. The main source is Olive, but we also offer squalane from other plant sources such as Soya or Sunflower. We are proud to offer high-quality squalane ingredients from a variety of origins:

- Phytosqualan : Phytosqualan is a top-quality vegetable squalane, extracted from the unsaponifiable fraction of olive oil. It has a wide range of cosmetic applications, and is COSMOS-approved, solvent-free and GMO-free.

The origin of squalane, derived from plants, can be determined very quickly using a Carbon 13 test. SOPHIM systematically carries out Carbon 13 tests (CNRS Delta C12-13 test) on all its batches of vegetable squalane.

Marine origin: Historically, squalene was extracted from shark liver oil and used as a dietary supplement in Japan. Today, marine squalane is mainly used in the pharmaceutical sector, notably in the composition of vaccines. In other applications, it has been replaced by vegetable squalane.

Synthetic squalane

Petrochemical: derived from terpene compound synthesis technology
Biotechnological: derived from the fermentation of sugar molecules by genetically modified micro-organisms, followed by the production of a farnesene molecule and chemical synthesis and dimerization to obtain squalane.

Benefits

Squalane is a widely known ingredient in the cosmetics market, and is included in many products from top beauty brands.
Squalane is versatile and is added to various finished products, for different benefits :

In serums along with retinol, vitamin E or vitamin C, hyaluronic acid or niacinamides
In emulsions to help to add comfort
As a moisturizer thanks to its hydrating properties,
In acne oriented products with other actives
In skin-barrier supporting skincare
In skincare claiming to limit signs of aging such as wrinkles

Possibilities are endless!

Skin affinity

Because it mimics our skin’s ability to moisturise and protect itself, squalane oil is highly compatible with the skin and hair. Its excellent affinity and emollient properties make it a very popular active ingredient in the cosmetic market.

It is ideal for products such as cream and milk formulas for different skin types, massage and hair oils, and hair serums.

Emolient properties

It is ideal for products such as cream and milk formulas for different skin types, massage and hair oils, and hair serums.

Restore the lipid barrier

Natural squalane is an ally in your cosmetic formulations, and it also has multiple benefits for the skin, including being an excellent moisturiser.
Squalane helps restore the lipid barrier and protects the skin and hair from dehydration.
It also has great moisturising properties and can be recommended in skincare products for different skin types, such as dry skin with a formula claiming a moisturising benefit, or with a facial for oily skin, as it is non-comedogenic.
Squalane is a great ally in anti-ageing skin care thanks to its highly moisturising properties and its protective action against external aggressions.
It can easily be incorporated into a skin care routine as a key ingredient in eye care, facial care or serum formulas.

Sensorial asset

In the beauty sector, squalane is a sensorial asset.

Despite the fact that squalane is a lipid and therefore an oil, its non-greasy feel and sensation on the skin offer a sensory experience to the consumer. It is the best ingredient to enhance the sensoriality of your product.
Thanks to its spreading properties, squalane adds comfort and ease of use to the final product, both in skincare and make-up.

In conclusion, thanks to its sensorial texture and its compatibility with the skin, squalane is a unique natural emollient base for beauty and personal care.

In addition, natural olive squalane oil (such as Phytosqualan) is an ingredient that brings many benefits to your formulas:

It is a molecule obtained from a natural source, it can allow you to claim naturalness in your formulas from these ingredients and thus meet the growing consumer demand for cleaner and more natural products.
Security of supply is assured: as olive is a renewable raw material, olive squalane ensures a long-term supply strategy. Olive oil is the main oil used around the Mediterranean basin, and its production increases every year.
The olive tree is a sustainable resource, as it has been rooted in the Mediterranean region for centuries, and does not require deforestation or monoculture to grow.
Our olive squalane is COSMOS approved: the Ecocert certification was renewed this year. It guarantees the quality of our ingredients and compliance with cosmetic standards.
As it is a squalene derivative, squalane has a great affinity with the skin, it is biocompatible.
Its behaviour in beauty products: very soft textures, good moisturising, high penetration rate, and more; beyond its cosmetic benefits, the squalane of natural olive oil is a sensorial asset.

Utilisation Phytosqualan en cosmétiques

Phytosqualan is a transparent, odorless, stabilized oil (extracted from olives) perfectly suited to beauty products thanks to its perfect safety and affinity with the skin.
Phytosqualan is particularly recommended for facial care applications, including

Facial care

repair creams for dry skin,
oily serums enriched with vitamins or actives such as retinol, for the face, eye contour,
anti-aging, limiting signs of aging or wrinkles

Hair care

forme un filme protecteur en surfaced du cheveu
maintient l’hydratation
lisse et enrobe la fibre
adapté aux sérums réparateurs / protecteurs, pointes sèches
cheveux secs, déshydratés, bouclés, colorés, lissés

Make-up

recommended in notably lipsticks,
mascara
foundation, for its high spreading properties, its silky dry feel and it will also support pigment dispersion.

Sophim also offers an alternative to certain silicones in its range of emollients. For more information about our products, please contact us.