Squalene is an unsaturated branched chain hydrocarbon found in shark liver oil, a variety of plant oils or derived through fermentation. Squalane is a purified, odorless and fully saturated (i.e., hydrogenated; non-oxidizable) version of squalene. Squalene, in its natural state, lacks stability. Therefore, for skin-care purposes, it goes through a saturation process to become squalane. If squalene was not hydrogenated, it would oxidize when exposed to the air and no longer retain its benefits.

Both squalene and squalane are non-greasy moisturizing ingredients and skin protectants. Pleasant to the touch, very soluble and resistant to extreme temperatures, these properties make them favored ingredients in moisturizing creams, foundations and other cosmetics products. Squalane is lighter and has a longer shelf life than squalene as hydrogenation protects it from the effects of light and the air (deterioration). 

Cosmetics and personal care product companies are taking action to protect biodiversity from further loss or moving beyond conserving species that are threatened or endangered. Many of these companies rely on natural ingredients derived from plants for their formulations, such as plant-based squalene. Learn more about the Personal Care Products Council’s (PCPC) member companies’ ongoing efforts to conserve biodiversity here.