Squalane is now a go-to ingredient in dermocosmetic formulation. Praised for its excellent skin tolerance, natural origin and high stability, it is ideally suited to skincare products designed to protect, strengthen and restore the skin barrier. At Laboratoire Orescience, we use squalane as a strategic component in the development of tailor-made formulas that are technical, sustainable and aligned with current market expectations.
Squalane and squalene: a natural evolution serving performance
Squalene is a lipid naturally present in human sebum. It plays a role in maintaining hydration and protecting the skin from environmental aggressors. However, in its raw form, squalene is sensitive to oxidation, which limits its use in cosmetic formulations. Squalane is a more stable, hydrogenated version of squalene, obtained through a gentle conversion process. It retains all the skin benefits while offering outstanding formulation stability over time. With its strong affinity for epidermal lipids and its high tolerance, squalane is particularly suitable for dermocosmetic care, especially for sensitive or compromised skin.
An ingredient supporting modern, clean and distinctive formulations
Squalane fits seamlessly into today’s formulation standards: sensorial textures, minimalist INCI lists, well-tolerated actives and high naturality. It meets consumer expectations for gentle yet effective skincare, while offering technical advantages to formulators. Whether used in minimalist serums, multifunctional balms or innovative waterless textures, squalane serves as a reliable, stable and versatile base for value-added products. Its multifunctionality allows for use across various product types: facial skincare, body care, haircare, or post-procedure applications.
A multifunctional ingredient for effective, well-tolerated skincare
Squalane offers multiple technical and sensorial benefits that make it a transversal active in dermocosmetic formulation:
• Indirect moisturiser: reinforces the skin barrier to reduce transepidermal water loss without an occlusive effect
• Biomimetic emollient: softens and smooths the skin, providing comfort from the first application
• Active carrier: improves the bioavailability of lipophilic ingredients such as vitamins or botanical extracts
• Lipid phase stabiliser: its oxidative stability supports long-lasting formulations
• Modern sensoriality: delivers a dry, silky, non-greasy touch highly appreciated in contemporary skincare
Its neutral profile (odourless, colourless) allows for easy incorporation into a wide range of formulations: serums, creams, oils, balms, sticks, anhydrous systems and leave-on haircare products.
Optimal tolerance and compatibility with advanced actives
Squalane is non-irritant, non-comedogenic, and highly suitable for sensitive skin. It is well tolerated by reactive, damaged or post-treatment skin. Its compatibility with potent active ingredients such as retinoids, AHAs or vitamin C makes it a valuable partner to improve skin tolerance while preserving efficacy. On a biological level, it helps maintain stratum corneum hydration, enhances skin elasticity and protects skin lipids from oxidative stress and UV-induced damage.
Why include squalane in your next formulation?
Squalane meets key expectations in modern formulation: performance, tolerance, sensoriality and naturality. It is particularly suitable for:
• Hydrating or soothing care for sensitive skin
• Minimalist, high-tolerance serums
• Repair balms for post-aesthetic treatments
• Lightweight textures for combination to oily skin
• Haircare and multi-zone products (face, body, eye contour)
It also allows for the development of clean formulations with reduced ingredient lists while ensuring high efficacy and excellent stability.
Our approach: tailor-made, clean and high-performance formulation
At Orescience, we develop tailor-made formulations incorporating squalane based on each brand’s specific needs: target texture, level of naturality, desired claims and market positioning. Our expertise in dermocosmetic formulation, combined with continuous monitoring of raw materials and international trends, enables us to deliver high-value solutions in line with current regulatory and clean beauty standards (Yuka, COSMOS, etc.). We work in close collaboration with brands to ensure the success of their final product, from concept to industrial scale-up.
Have a project in mind? Looking to include squalane in your formula?
R&D expertise: innovative and high-performance formulation design
Clean beauty commitment: natural, responsibly sourced ingredients
Full-service support: from concept to finished product
Laboratoire Orescience brings its formulation expertise to your brand. Share your brief with us and benefit from tailor-made support to develop a formula that is innovative, effective and aligned with your brand identity. Together, let’s create a product that reflects your brand’s true DNA.
