Squalane
Squalane is a fully saturated 30-carbon branched hydrocarbon, a clear, colorless, odorless oil. It is made by hydrogenating squalene, which is extracted from olive oil deodorizer distillate, amaranth, or historically shark liver oil, or it is made from sugarcane-derived farnesene by fermentation and chemical synthesis. Cosmetic brands buy it as a light, non-greasy emollient oil for skin, hair and makeup products.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Squalane from hydrogenated olive squalene; quality depends on refining and can carry a faint odor in lower grades.
Squalane made from fermentation-derived farnesene, usually very high purity with a consistent profile.
Squalane from shark liver oil; many brands and retailers exclude it, so ask suppliers for a source declaration.
Squalane meeting the EP monograph, used in pharmaceutical and some OTC products.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store squalane sealed at room temperature away from strong light and heat. It is saturated and resists oxidation, but containers should be resealed to keep out moisture and dust. Shelf life is set by the supplier, often three years or more, with a retest of peroxide value and odor for older stock.
Record assay, iodine value and declared source for each lot, and keep the supplier's source declaration on file, since buyers and retailers often ask for proof that it is not shark-derived. Rotate FIFO.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists squalane (CAS 111-01-3) with non-medicinal purposes of ointment base and skin-conditioning agent (occlusive), for topical use only.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · Eastsound, WA
Washington State seller of cosmetic raw materials in small and bulk sizes, including actives, butters, waxes, emollients, emulsifiers and preservatives, for independent formulators and small brands.
Distributor · Redmond, WA
US supplier of cosmetic ingredients repackaged in retail and bulk sizes, covering actives, butters, oils, waxes and emulsifiers for brands, contract manufacturers and independent formulators.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include olive-derived, sugarcane-derived, shark-derived and pharmaceutical grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect squalane assay, source verification, iodine value, acid value and peroxide value, color and odor and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store squalane sealed at room temperature away from strong light and heat. It is saturated and resists oxidation, but containers should be resealed to keep out moisture and dust. Shelf life is set by the supplier, often three years or more, with a retest of peroxide value and odor for older stock.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists squalane (CAS 111-01-3) with non-medicinal purposes of ointment base and skin-conditioning agent (occlusive), for topical use only.
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