Where is squalane derived from?

Have you ever stopped to wonder where your beauty products come from? Specifically, have you ever pondered the origin of squalane – a popular ingredient in skincare and hair care products alike? Fear not, my friend! In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of squalane and uncover its true origins (although it’s probably not quite as thrilling as “Jurassic Park”).

The Basics: What is Squalane?

Before we delve into its beginnings, let’s first understand what exactly squalane is. At its core, squalane is an oily substance that is produced naturally by human skin cells (impressive!). It acts as a natural moisturizer and antioxidant for our skin while also having anti-inflammatory properties (wowza). In recent years it has become a common ingredient in both cosmetic and medical industries due to these qualities.

Squalene (with an “e”) sounds similar but isn’t quite the same thing; they are related substances with slightly different properties. Squalene can be found naturally in various animal sources like shark liver oil or vegetable oils like olive oil or wheat germ oil.

When exposed to oxygen however, squalene can undergo oxidation which makes it more prone to causing inflammation if applied topically on skin (nobody wants angry acne breakouts!!) And that’s where our hero molecule swoops in – introducing: squelches baddies – no sorry wait – SQUALANE– ta-da!

Squeaky clean from impurities such as peroxides thanks to processing technology developments over time (SCORE).

Now then… drumroll please…. let’s talk about where we get it!

Olives Aren’t Just For Eating Anymore

Nope! You read that right folks; who knew those little guys could also help us achieve glowing skin (and heart health but that’s for another time!). Olive oil to be exact is where we can find the derivative of squalane known as ‘squalene’.

Okay, I know what you’re thinking – “hold up, wasn’t that just said before?” Yes and no! Squalane (with an “a”) is CAN be derived from squalene in a process called hydrogenation.

To simplify things: hydro…what? Basically it means adding atoms of hydrogen to convert unsaturated bonds in this instance making it more stable when added to skincare products (our faces thank you) especially anti-aging ones… (Because who wants saggy skin – ‘No thanks Father Time!’)

Sourced usually from the olive industry itself or other vegetable sources such as rice bran, olives and its derivatives have propelled squalane into widespread usage because it needs less processing than animal-derived alternatives (FEELING GOOD ABOUT MY CHOICES NOW THANK YOU OLIVES)

From Animal Kingdom with Love

While olives are pretty amazing let’s not forget about our sometimes furry friends out there – animals! Some companies prefer sourcing squalane from animals rather than vegetables. Depending on whether vegans or vegetarians appeal more broadly amongst consumers within their target market one choice may seem wiser than another.

Let’s delve into these options:

Sharks: Not Just In The Ocean Anymore?!

If you read shark liver oil cream on your label don’t raise your brows in confusion. That’s essentially where they come from!

But does this mean a pool party for sharks ends with their liver being harvested? Unfortunately so…

Some lines do take responsibility by only sourcing ingredients pushed via regulated fishing methods involving monitoring kill-count can still wipe out part of an eco-system with potential side-effects – costing countries money via disappearance impacting tourism too etc.(you follow!)

However conversations and practices being carried out by committed marine biologists and conservationists are cause for optimism that alternatives will arise making it completely unnecessary to rely on these creatures! (let’s hope this happens FAST!)

“Baa”yond Beautiful Sheep

Another option is sheep. Not just for their wool – a transdermal patch study was conducted in Taiwan using squalane from sheep wool (available research also points towards marketing lanolin – a known multipurpose emollient derived from wool grease!)

Guess what the subjects showed an improvement in? None other than skin hydration levels as well decrease of wrinkle depth (THE SHEEP HAVE SOMETHING GOOD TO CONTRIBUTE AFTER ALL)

All jokes aside, many people do lean away from animal-derived sources due to preferences such as High vegan commitments or… However it’s Glad tidings that vegetable /plant derived ingredient sources ARE widening!

Getting Technical: How is Squalane Produced?

Since we’ve covered where we source squalene/animal-derived squalane let’s take brief moment to learn about how non-animal variants come into production.

Methods vary based off company-specific processes but one common use method brews up large quantities of glycerin & simethicone which create high purity oxygen-free settings necessary when adding hydrogen to heated squalene liberating itself creating a steam like substance… then voila!

We have our newly produced baby ‘SQUA-LANE’- A key player now highly welcomed by both consumers and professionals alike used mainly in skincare products etc

Did someone say bonus table time?- Yup!!

So here goes :

Method Used	Source Used
Hydrogenation – Processed Vegetable Oil	Olive oil, rice bran oil

Other Retail Alternatives

Wait there’s more?!

Remember when I said usage extends beyond medicinal fields?

Scientific testing has increased proving efficacy of products featuring squalane derived ingredients as an option in various commercial fields such as rendering certain machine parts more durable and adsorbing cracks on building surfaces when infused with cement (now, that’s some powerful st).

Wrapping Up – Squalane, Here to Stay

Let’s face it (no pun intended), skincare isn’t going anywhere- appearance plays a vital role within society creating jobs producing billions of dollar revenues across markets worldwide…and with the rise & alluring qualities behind ingredients such as this one – surprise! Companies have begun exploring wider applications for usage.

Whether we choose animal-derived or vegetable/fruit options; whether added within our skincare ritualistic routine or other fields- everybody summarizing can agree that this little known (but mighty!) molecule is here to stay!

Disclaimer:

The purpose of our articles are to entertain however do kindly acknowledge doing further research before reaching conclusions especially when concerning external situations 😊