FSS Olive Squalane

Please note, due to the density and nature of oil products, the final weight of these materials may vary. 

From a formulating point of view, squalane is just about as good as it gets. Like water, it’s clear, it’s colorless and it’s odorless. It seems like a perfect ingredient for use in cosmetics. Squalane is a non‐greasy oil soluble emollient that is often used as a moisturizer and conditioner. Previously, commercially available forms of squalane were derived from shark liver. Shark liver squalene was commercialized decades ago after it was realized that squalene accounts for approximately 10% of our sebum composition. In our bodies, squalene protects our skin from lipid peroxidation. However, the hydrocarbons’ degree of unsaturation causes it to oxidize over time thus creating a strong odor in cosmetic products. Chemists overcame this problem by saturating the aliphatic compound to form commercially available squalane derived from shark liver squalene. Squalane is the stable form of squalene, a component naturally present in both botanical oils and in our sebum. This process had ensured squalane’s use in cosmetics since then. Today plant-derived squalane is a more commonly used ingredient as it’s an animal friendly alternative to shark liver derived squalane. FSS Olive Squalane consists of plant-based squalane, great for cosmetic and personal care applications for nourishing and conditioning benefits.

This ingredient is featured in Herb Nerd's cosmetic chemistry classes! Learn how to work with it in the Formula Building Blocks Course. Use code FSS05 for 5% off tuition.

Our products are for cosmetic and personal care formulations only; External Use Only. We recommend working with a chemist or a formulator if you’re not advanced in formulating.

Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure, or prevent disease.