Squalene is found naturally in the sebum of human skin and is believed to lubricate and protect skin. Squalane, its hydrogenated cousin, is widely used as a conditioner, emollient and carrier oil in cosmetic formulations. It is easy to emulsify, chemically inert, but soluble in most cosmetic oils including cyclomethicone. It is an elegant emollient with exceptional spreading properties and skin absorption that can be used in emulsions, balms, facial serums and massage oils, or as a carrier for essential oils.
(Lotion Crafter)
Squalane is a stable derivative of squalene , a natural component of human sebum . Squalene is also the predominant compound in the famous “unsaponifiable” fraction, which contributes significantly to the cosmetic virtues of olive oil .
Due to its biomimetic structure (similar to lipids constituting the natural lipid film of the skin), squalane has an excellent affinity with the skin and plays the role of a natural emollient .
It has a silky touch very thin, non-greasy and penetrates the skin very easily. Squalane strengthens the cutaneous lipid barrier , softens and softens the skin and protects it from dehydration. (Aroma-zone)
Squalane is a saturated form of squalene in which the double bonds have been eliminated by hydrogenation. Squalane is less susceptible to oxidation than squalene.
(…) An added boon of squalane is that even though it is technically oil, it does not have an oily feel, is odorless, noncomedonal, antibacterial, and is safe for sensitive skin.[11] Besides its emollient action, it is also used in treating skin disorders such as seborrheic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, or atopic dermatitis. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4885180/)
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel noted that studies indicated that squalene was slowly absorbed through the skin. (The importance and perspective of plant-based squalene in cosmetology. K Wołosik, M Knaś, A Zalewska, M Niczyporuk, AW Przystupa. Journal of cosmetic science 64 – https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/b0ee/797e3c67867d6e7544af443eebdf49474d7c.pdf)
