Squalanes (inci)

Squalane (from lat. squalus the shark) denotes a clear, colourless and odourless, acyclic, saturated triterpene hydrocarbon with the molecular formula: C30H62).
Squalane, an oily liquid, is found (besides the unsaturated squalene) in fish liver oil and numerous vegetable oils (avocado oil, olive oil, wheat and rice germ oil,).

Phytosaqualane (refers to squalane obtained from vegetable oils) is obtained by hydrogenation of squalene. It also occurs natively in vegetable oils and can be isolated there. In contrast to the unsaturated squalene it is resistant to oxidation and heat.
Squalane is used in cosmetic formulations as lipid component. The substance acts as emollient (makes the skin smooth and supple), hair conditioner (makes the hair easy to comb, soft and shiny and gives it volume), refatting agent and as skin care product (keeps the skin in a good condition).

As an oxidation stable (saturated) hydrocarbon squalane is also suitable for sun protection products.