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Comprehensive Cosmetic Industry Ingredient Guide

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Ingredient
Squalene

Squalene

Summary

Squalene is a natural organic compound that is commonly used in the cosmetic industry as an emollient and moisturizer. It is derived from plant sources such as olives and wheat germ, as well as from shark liver oil. Squalene is known for its ability to penetrate the skin quickly and deeply, providing long-lasting hydration and improving skin texture. It is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors and premature aging. Squalene is a versatile ingredient that can be found in a wide range of cosmetic products, including moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens. Its non-greasy texture and gentle nature make it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Overall, squalene is a valuable ingredient in the cosmetic industry that offers numerous benefits for healthy, radiant skin.

INCI Name and Common References

INCI Name: Squalene Common Terms: Squalene oil, shark liver oil Nicknames: None

Function

Squalene is a natural moisturizing ingredient that is commonly used in cosmetic formulations. It is a lipid that is found in the sebum of human skin and is known for its ability to hydrate and protect the skin. In cosmetic formulations, squalene is used as an emollient, which helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is also used as a natural antioxidant, which helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors and free radicals. Additionally, squalene is often used in anti-aging formulations due to its ability to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Overall, squalene plays an important role in cosmetic formulation by providing hydration, protection, and anti-aging benefits to the skin.

Science

Squalene is a natural organic compound that is found in high concentrations in shark liver oil and in smaller amounts in olive oil, wheat germ oil, and other vegetable oils. It is a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic liquid that is highly soluble in organic solvents and insoluble in water. Squalene is a triterpene hydrocarbon that has a unique structure with six double bonds, making it highly unsaturated. This unsaturation gives squalene its ability to act as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. In addition to its antioxidant properties, squalene is also a natural emollient and moisturizer. It has a high affinity for human skin and is easily absorbed, making it an ideal ingredient in skincare products. Squalene helps to hydrate and soften the skin, while also improving its elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Overall, the physical properties of squalene make it a highly effective ingredient in skincare products, providing both antioxidant protection and moisturizing benefits to the skin.

Benefits

1. Deeply moisturizes and hydrates the skin 2. Helps to improve skin elasticity and firmness 3. Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 4. Protects the skin from environmental damage and free radicals 5. Helps to soothe and calm irritated or inflamed skin 6. Improves skin texture and tone 7. Non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types 8. Helps to regulate oil production in the skin 9. Enhances the absorption and effectiveness of other skincare ingredients 10. Can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Negatives

Squalene is a natural organic compound that is commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products. While it is generally considered safe for use, there are some potential side effects, sensitivities, and interactions that should be considered. One potential side effect of squalene is skin irritation. Some people may experience redness, itching, or a rash when using products that contain squalene. This is more likely to occur in individuals with sensitive skin or those who are allergic to other ingredients in the product. Another potential side effect of squalene is acne breakouts. While squalene is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores, it can still contribute to the development of acne in some individuals. This is because squalene can feed the bacteria that cause acne, leading to breakouts. Squalene may also interact with other ingredients in skincare and cosmetic products. For example, it may interact with retinol, a common anti-aging ingredient, and reduce its effectiveness. It may also interact with other oils or emollients in a product, leading to a change in texture or consistency. Finally, it is important to note that squalene is derived from a variety of sources, including shark liver oil and plant sources such as olives and wheat germ. Individuals who are vegan or who are concerned about animal welfare may want to avoid products that contain squalene derived from shark liver oil. Overall, while squalene is generally considered safe for use, it is important to be aware of potential side effects, sensitivities, and interactions with other ingredients. If you experience any adverse reactions when using products that contain squalene, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Source

Squalene is a natural organic compound that is found in high concentrations in the livers of sharks, as well as in the livers of some other fish and in certain plant sources such as olives and wheat germ. However, most commercial squalene is derived from vegetable sources such as sugarcane, amaranth seed, and rice bran. The processing pathway for squalene involves extracting the oil from the plant source and then purifying it through various methods such as distillation, filtration, and centrifugation. The resulting squalene oil is then further processed to remove impurities and increase its stability, often through hydrogenation or esterification. The final product is a clear, odorless, and tasteless liquid that is used in a variety of industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food.

Safety

Squalene has a generally low safety concern rating according to various rating systems. The Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database rates it as a 1-2 on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the lowest concern. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has also deemed it safe for use in cosmetics. Additionally, the European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that squalene is safe for use in cosmetic products at a maximum concentration of 10%. Overall, squalene is considered a safe ingredient for use in cosmetics and personal care products.

Sustainability

Squalene is a natural organic compound that is commonly found in shark liver oil, but can also be derived from plant sources such as olives and wheat germ. The use of shark liver oil for squalene extraction has raised concerns about the environmental impact and ethical sourcing practices. Shark populations are already under threat due to overfishing and the demand for shark liver oil for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals has only added to the problem. The process of extracting squalene from shark liver oil involves killing the sharks and removing their livers, which is not a sustainable or ethical practice. Fortunately, there are now alternative sources of squalene that are more environmentally friendly and ethical. Squalene derived from plant sources such as olives and wheat germ is becoming increasingly popular in the cosmetics industry. These plant-based sources are renewable and do not harm animal populations. In addition, some companies are now using sustainable and ethical sourcing practices for shark liver oil. For example, some companies only use squalene from sharks that have been caught as bycatch and would otherwise be discarded. Other companies are working with fishermen to develop sustainable fishing practices that minimize the impact on shark populations. Overall, the environmental impact and ethical sourcing practices of squalene depend on the source of the ingredient. While squalene derived from shark liver oil can have a negative impact on the environment and animal populations, there are now alternative sources that are more sustainable and ethical. It is important for companies to consider these factors when sourcing ingredients for their products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, squalene is a versatile ingredient that has various functions in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It is a natural compound found in various sources, including shark liver oil, olive oil, and sugarcane. Squalene has numerous benefits, including its moisturizing and antioxidant properties, which make it an excellent ingredient for skincare products. However, its sourcing from shark liver oil raises ethical concerns, and there are also potential negative effects associated with its use, such as skin irritation. Nevertheless, squalene is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and has a good safety profile. In terms of sustainability, there are efforts to develop alternative sources of squalene, such as plant-based and synthetic sources, to reduce the impact on shark populations. Overall, squalene is a valuable ingredient that offers many benefits, but its sourcing and potential negative effects should be carefully considered.

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