Introduction
Squalane (CAS 111-01-3) is a highly stable, non-comedogenic lipid widely recognized in the skincare, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Derived from plants or bio-fermented sources, squalane closely mimics the skin’s natural oils, forming a protective barrier that locks in moisture, nourishes the skin, and enhances the absorption of active ingredients. Its exceptional stability, safety, and versatility make it an essential ingredient for moisturizing, anti-aging, and acne-friendly formulations. In this article, we explore the chemical properties, skin benefits, applications, safety profile, and bulk sourcing of squalane, helping manufacturers and formulators make informed decisions.
What is Squalane?
Squalane (CAS 111-01-3) is the hydrogenated derivative of squalene, a natural lipid abundant in human sebum. Hydrogenation makes squalane more stable and less prone to oxidation, compared to squalene, which contains multiple double bonds that can break down when exposed to air or light.
Structurally, squalane closely resembles the skin’s natural oils, allowing it to form a protective barrier on the skin surface. This barrier locks in moisture, improves skin hydration, and reduces water loss. Its lightweight and non-greasy texture makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Squalane is widely used in skincare, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even nutritional products due to its biocompatibility, stability, and moisturizing properties.
Chemical Properties of Squalane（CAS 111-01-3）
- Chemical Name: 2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane
- CAS Number: 111-01-3
- Molecular Formula: C30H62
- Molecular Weight: 422.83 g/mol
- Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid
- Odor: Odorless
- Specific Gravity: 0.805 – 0.812 (25°C)
- Refractive Index: 1.450 – 1.452
Key Skin Benefits of Squalane（CAS 111-01-3）
Moisturizing & Nourishing
Squalane is an excellent natural emollient that absorbs quickly into the skin, forming a lightweight, breathable moisturizing barrier that effectively prevents transepidermal water loss. It deeply replenishes intercellular lipids, leaving the skin soft, smooth, and elastic, and is a foundational ingredient for long-lasting moisturization and nourishment.
Enhancing Absorption
Due to its molecular structure and high biocompatibility, Squalane acts as a penetration enhancer, helping other active ingredients in the formula (such as vitamins and antioxidants) penetrate the skin barrier more effectively. This not only improves the bioavailability of the active ingredients but also ensures that the overall efficacy of the formula is maximized.
Repair & Anti-inflammatory
Squalane helps repair and strengthen a damaged skin barrier by rapidly filling gaps in the stratum corneum’s lipids. It also possesses mild soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively alleviating redness, sensitivity, and discomfort caused by external irritants, making it an ideal choice for formulations targeting delicate and sensitive skin.
Antioxidant & Anti-aging
By maintaining skin’s hydration and cellular health, Squalane indirectly supports the skin’s antioxidant defenses, helping to combat free radical damage to cells and collagen. This action can effectively delay the signs of aging, help reduce the appearance of fine lines, and maintain a youthful, plump appearance.
Stability
Squalane is an extremely chemically stable saturated hydrocarbon with excellent resistance to heat, light, and oxidation. This high stability makes it an ideal base for sensitive active ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C, helping to protect and prolong the effectiveness of valuable active ingredients in formulas.
Acne-friendly
Squalane is a non-comedogenic oil that won’t clog pores, making it safe and friendly for oily and acne-prone skin. It mimics human sebum, potentially tricking the skin into reducing its natural oil production and helping maintain a healthy oil balance, making it an essential emollient in acne-prone skincare formulas.
Applications of Squalane（CAS 111-01-3）
Skincare and Cosmetics
The core value of squalane in the field of beauty lies in its multifunctionality and biocompatibility. As a highly effective squalane moisturizer and emollient, it forms a thin, hydrating film to reduce water loss. It is also an ideal skin penetration enhancer and antioxidant co-ingredient, making it widely used in squalane skincare products such as creams, serums, and sunscreens, providing consumers with a refreshing, non-greasy, and highly effective treatment.
Hair Care and Personal Care
The moisturizing properties of squalane make it a high-quality ingredient in the field of personal care. In squalane hair care products, such as squalane shampoo and squalane conditioner, it can deeply nourish hair, significantly improve hair softness and glossiness, and reduce frizz. In terms of body care, it can provide lightweight and long-lasting moisturizing effects for hand cream and body lotion, improving skin texture.
Pharmaceutical Applications
In the pharmaceutical industry, squalane is highly valued due to its exceptional purity, stability, and biocompatibility. It is commonly used as a pharmaceutical excipient and drug delivery vehicle, enhancing the solubility and absorption of fat-soluble drugs. Furthermore, squalane’s use as an immune adjuvant in some vaccine formulations highlights its crucial role in advanced medical applications.
Food and Nutritional Supplements
In the oral market, squalane is primarily utilized for its natural health benefits. It can be used as a food antioxidant, protecting lipid components in foods from oxidation. As a nutritional supplement, it is used to support immune function and anti-aging health, meeting consumers’ continued demand for oral beauty and overall wellness.
Industrial and Specialty Uses
Due to its exceptional chemical stability and lubricity, squalane is also valuable in traditional industrial and specialty applications. For example, it can be used as a high-grade lubricant for precision machinery or as a base oil for the manufacture of demanding specialty chemicals or laboratory reagents, taking advantage of its stability under extreme conditions.
Safety of Squalane（CAS 111-01-3）
Squalane is widely recognized for its excellent safety profile, making it a trusted ingredient in skincare and cosmetic formulations.
Non-comedogenic and Acne-safe
Squalane is lightweight and non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores or exacerbate acne. It is suitable for all skin types, including oily and sensitive skin.
High Skin Compatibility
Due to its chemical similarity to human sebum, squalane naturally integrates with the skin, minimizing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
Stable and Non-toxic
Squalane is chemically stable, resistant to oxidation, and non-toxic. This stability allows for safe long-term topical use and compatibility with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients.
Dermatologically Tested
Squalane-containing products often undergo rigorous dermatological testing, confirming their safety for sensitive skin, infants, and post-procedure skin care.
Regulatory Approval
Plant-derived and bio-fermented squalane are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in cosmetics and supplements, meeting international regulatory standards such as those upheld by the Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety and the European Union’s Cosmetics Regulation.
Where to Buy Squalane Oil in Bulk?
As a professional bulk squalane manufacturer with over 15 years of experience in chemical raw material export, Runtai Chemical is dedicated to providing a stable and high-quality supply of squalane oil to customers around the world. We specialize in providing efficient and reliable supply chain solutions.
Runtai Chemical offers high-purity Squalane at competitive prices and with a stable supply. Our production and quality management systems comply with stringent international ISO and GMP standards, ensuring the highest safety for each batch of raw materials.
Runtai Chemical’s Squalane oil is widely used in high-end skincare, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. To better support your R&D and production needs, we offer flexible customization services and free samples for your testing.
Runtai Chemical specializes in the global export of wholesale squalane OIL. With our extensive logistics experience, we can ensure that raw materials are delivered quickly, safely, and in compliance with regulations around the world.
Conclusion
Squalane has established itself as a versatile, safe, and highly effective ingredient in skincare, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. Its ability to mimic natural skin oils, lock in moisture, enhance active ingredient absorption, and provide antioxidant and anti-aging benefits makes it indispensable for modern formulations.
FAQs about Squalane（CAS 111-01-3）
1. What is squalane, and how is it different from squalene?
Squalane is the hydrogenated, stable form of squalene. While squalene occurs naturally in shark liver oil and some plants, it is highly unstable and prone to oxidation. Squalane, on the other hand, is safe, stable, and widely used in skincare products.
2. Is squalane natural or synthetic?
Squalane can be sourced from shark liver oil, plant-based oils such as olives and amaranth seeds, or produced through sugarcane fermentation. Today, most cosmetic companies prefer plant-derived and bio-fermented squalane for sustainability and eco-friendliness.
3. What are the skin benefits of squalane?
Squalane is well-known for its moisturizing, nourishing, and anti-aging properties. It strengthens the skin barrier, reduces moisture loss, promotes absorption of active ingredients, and helps repair and protect the skin from external stressors.
4. Is squalane good for acne-prone skin?
Yes. Squalane is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores. Its lightweight texture helps balance sebum, reduce oxidative stress, and soothe inflammation, making it suitable for acne-prone and oily skin.
5. Where can I buy bulk squalane Oil?
If you are looking for a reliable bulk squalane supplier, Runtai Chemical offers high-purity squalane at competitive prices. With over 15 years of experience in cosmetic raw materials, we provide consistent quality and global shipping. Contact us today for free samples and quotations.
