Squalane oil should not be confused with the popular squalene health capsules. As a food supplement, squalene may prevent cancer and promote heart health. In certain
flu vaccines, it is used as an adjuvant to boost immune system.
In the beginning, the primary source of squalene is shark liver oil from deep ocean sharks. Environmental concerns over shark hunting have motivated its extraction from vegetable oils
such as olive, rice bran and wheat germ.
These plant sources contain much less than 1% squalene oil, making the extraction process expensive and wasteful. Recently a patent was issued for biofermentation of molasses,which produce high purity squalene oil. This augurs well for having a renewable source of organic squalene oil.
Squalene is the most common oil found in our sebum. This makes squalene a natural candidate
for skin care preparations. However, it is so unstable when exposed to air. Through
hydrogenation, squalene is transformed to the more stable form called squalane, which is now widely used in luxury cosmetics. Squalane oil is prized as an organic moisturizing ingredient. It is used sparingly at 1% to 4% in many high-end skin care products in Japan, Europe and the USA.
Some would rather use the pure squalane oil. Easily absorbed, the odorless non-greasy oil is an excellent skin moisturizer with silky feel. It helps condition skin, nails and hair. Instant relief has been reported for sensitive skin conditions such as skin cracks, rashes, eczema, and psoriasis.
During pregnancy, it is applied on the belly to help improve skin elasticity and avoid stretch marks.
If you don’t mind the price, pure squalane oil can be an enjoyable pure indulgence for your skin.
This column was published in the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Section on March 20, 2012. The author is the CEO of
SkinStation and Chemworld Fragrance Factory. He received the 2011
Outstanding Chemist Award from Professional Regulations Commission for his
achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. Skin Smart will clarify facts
and myths on skin care. Questions sent to info@skinstation.ph maybe featured in future issues.
