Squalane

• BPSqualane
• Ph. Eur.Squalane
• USP–NFSqualane

Cosbiol; dodecahydrosqualene; hexamethyltetracosane; perhydrosqualene; spinacane; squalanum

2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane · [111-01-3]

UNII GW89575KF9 · PubChem CID 8089

C30H62 · 422.8

Semi-solid base, emollient

Typical concentrations: — · Dosage forms: Semi-solid

Squalane is used mainly as an emollient, skin-conditioning agent and oil phase in topical creams, lotions and ointments, and very widely in cosmetics. It spreads well, is non-greasy and penetrates the skin surface readily, and it is used as a lubricant and vehicle for lipophilic actives. It has also been used as a component of lipid-based delivery systems and as an alternative to mineral oil.

A colourless, transparent, oily liquid, practically odourless and tasteless. It is a saturated branched hydrocarbon obtained by complete hydrogenation of squalene.

Density

about 0.81 g/cm³ at 20 °C

Freezing point

about −38 °C

Refractive index

about 1.452 at 20 °C

Iodine value

very low (not more than about 4), indicating near-complete saturation

Solubility

practically insoluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol; miscible with light petroleum, ether, chloroform and fixed oils

Because it is fully saturated, squalane is very resistant to oxidation and does not become rancid, unlike squalene. Store in a well-closed container protected from light, in a cool place.

Incompatible with strong oxidising agents. It may soften or swell some plastics and rubbers.

Prepared by catalytic hydrogenation of squalene. Squalene was traditionally obtained from shark-liver oil; plant-derived material (for example from olive-oil refining by-products) and squalane made from sugarcane-derived farnesene by fermentation and chemical synthesis are now widely used.

Squalane is generally regarded as non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising when applied to the skin, and it has low comedogenic potential.

Observe normal precautions for the quantity handled. Spills are slippery; eye protection is recommended.

Used in topical medicines licensed in Europe and elsewhere and widely in cosmetics.

Squalene; mineral oil; light mineral oil; isopropyl myristate.

Do not confuse squalane (saturated, stable) with squalene (unsaturated, oxidation-prone), which is used, for example, in vaccine adjuvant emulsions. The source (animal, plant or bio-based) should be specified where vegetarian or sustainability requirements apply.