Talking about skincare ingredients, Squalane and Squalene are two related compounds that are often used in skincare and cosmetic products. While they have similar names, there are some important differences between them. Let’s take a look!
Squalene
Squalene is a naturally occurring compound that is found in various plant and animal sources, including shark liver oil, olive oil, and wheat germ oil. It is a hydrocarbon and a precursor to squalane. It has been used in skincare for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. However, it is less stable and prone to oxidation, which can lead to potential skin irritation.
Squalane in Skincare
Squalane, on the other hand, is a hydrogenated form of squalene. It is created by the hydrogenation of it, which makes it more stable and less susceptible to oxidation. It is colorless, odorless, and has a lighter texture compared to squalene.
It is often derived from plant sources such as olives, sugarcane, or rice bran, making it a more sustainable and animal-friendly alternative to squalene derived from shark liver oil. It is commonly used in skincare products as an emollient and moisturizer due to its excellent skin compatibility and ability to hydrate without a greasy feel.
Read also Foot Slugging: How It Works and Steps To Do It
Squalane VS Squalene
In summary, squalene is the unsaturated form of the compound and can be found in various natural sources, while squalane is the hydrogenated form with enhanced stability and compatibility for skincare applications. Both compounds have moisturizing properties, but it is more commonly used in skincare products due to its superior stability and lighter texture.
The main difference lies in their chemical structures. Squalene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon with six double bonds, while it is a saturated derivative of it, which means it has no double bonds.
To overcome the stability issues associated with squalene, squalane is commonly used in skincare products. Squalane is obtained by the hydrogenation of squalene, which saturates the compound by adding hydrogen atoms to its structure.
This hydrogenation process makes squalane more stable, less prone to oxidation, and longer-lasting than squalene. Squalane is also odorless, colorless, and has a lighter texture, making it more desirable for cosmetic and skincare formulations. (Ambien)
Source: parapuan.co, sociolla.com
