Squalane (Vegetable Derived)

Squalane (Vegetable-Derived) — Technical & Clean Standards Overview

Vegetable-Derived Squalane is a lightweight, fully saturated hydrocarbon emollient produced from renewable plant sources, most commonly olives, sugarcane, or other vegetable feedstocks. Cosmetic-grade Squalane is manufactured through hydrogenation of squalene, converting it into a highly stable, non-oxidizing material suitable for long-term cosmetic use. This process results in a colorless, odorless oil that does not involve ethoxylation, sulfation, or petrochemical surfactant modification, supporting its use in clean and modern cosmetic formulations.

From a formulation standpoint, Vegetable-Derived Squalane functions as a fast-spreading, non-greasy emollient that closely mimics components of the skin’s natural lipid barrier. Its saturated structure provides exceptional oxidative stability, making it resistant to rancidity and ideal for formulations requiring long shelf life. Squalane integrates seamlessly into emulsions and anhydrous systems, improving slip, absorption, and sensory elegance without contributing heaviness or occlusivity. Its performance is largely unaffected by pH, heat, or formulation complexity.

In finished products, Vegetable-Derived Squalane delivers a silky, lightweight skin feel with rapid absorption and excellent after-feel. It enhances skin softness and comfort while supporting barrier function, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types, including oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. It is commonly used in facial oils, serums, creams, lotions, body oils, hair serums, leave-in conditioners, and makeup products where clarity, stability, and refined sensory performance are desired.

From a clean standards and safety perspective, Vegetable-Derived Squalane has an extensive history of cosmetic use and broad global regulatory acceptance. It is biodegradable, non-comedogenic, and generally well tolerated for topical use. Its renewable plant origin and high purity profile support its inclusion in ingredient offerings carefully selected by Suncoast PCP for dependable cosmetic formulation performance.

Suncoast PCP carefully selects Vegetable-Derived Squalane based on source transparency, purity, and formulation versatility, ensuring consistent performance across skincare and haircare applications while aligning with clean and modern formulation standards.

Ingredient Identification

INCI Name: Squalane
CAS Number: 111-01-3

Physical & Technical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Liquid at room temperature
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in oils and oil phases
Viscosity: Low
Functional Role: Emollient, skin-conditioning agent, sensory modifier

Typical Usage Levels (Skincare & Haircare)

Facial Serums and Oils: 5–100%
Lotions and Creams: 2–15%
Body Oils: 5–25%
Hair Serums and Leave-In Products: 1–10%
Makeup and Hybrid Products: 1–20%

Actual usage levels vary depending on desired sensory profile and formulation design.

DIY Education and Formulation Guidance

For DIY formulators, Vegetable-Derived Squalane is extremely easy to work with and compatible with both hot and cold process formulations. It can be added directly to the oil phase and requires minimal heating. Due to its excellent oxidative stability, antioxidants are not strictly required but may be included when blending with less stable oils.

Squalane is often used to dilute heavier oils, improve absorption, or refine skin feel in both simple and complex formulations.

Formulation Compatibility & Common Combinations

Vegetable-Derived Squalane is compatible with vegetable oils, esters, butters, waxes, emulsifiers, surfactant systems, and active ingredients. It pairs especially well with botanical oils, silicones alternatives, ceramides, and lipid-based actives to enhance delivery and sensory performance. In haircare, it works effectively with conditioning agents to improve shine and manageability.

Shelf Life, Storage, and Packaging

Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months due to high oxidative stability
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry environment away from direct light
Packaging Recommendations: Glass bottles, aluminum containers, or HDPE packaging
Handling Notes: Minimal sensitivity to air and heat compared to unsaturated oils

Regulatory & Safety Notes

Regulatory Status: Approved for cosmetic use globally, including the United States and European Union
California Proposition 65: Not listed
EWG Context: Generally categorized as low hazard based on available data
Irritation and Sensitization: Non-irritating and non-comedogenic for topical cosmetic use
Clean Beauty Compatibility: Plant-derived, biodegradable, and compatible with clean, vegan, and transparency-focused formulation standards