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Squalane Ingredient Custom Cosmetics Manufacturer
Meet squalane—a weightless, oxidation-resistant emollient that mimics skin lipids. Improve slip, shine, and barrier comfort across serums, creams, balms, and hair oils. Explore recommended percentages, pairing actives, packaging, MOQ, and private-label options.
What Is Squalane
Squalane is the fully saturated (hydrogenated) form of squalene, delivering a lightweight, non-greasy emollient profile that closely resembles skin’s own surface lipids. It is highly stable, oxidation-resistant, and broadly tolerated, making it a versatile choice for dry, sensitive, and mature skin as well as hair-shine applications.
INCI: Squalane · CAS: 111-01-3 · Clear, odorless, low-viscosity oil. (Wikipedia)
Sources: Predominantly plant-derived via sugarcane bio-fermentation or olive-based streams; vegan supply is standard for global brands.
Solubility/Compatibility: Oil-soluble; blends with esters, triglycerides, silicones, and mineral oils; disperses pigments; acts as a slip-booster and tack-reducer in humectant-heavy systems.
Stability & Processing: Oxidation-resistant, heat-tolerant, and pH-agnostic; ideal for oil phase or post-emulsification addition; pairs with airless or UV-safe packaging for premium positioning.
Squalane Benefits: Mechanisms, Results & OEM Formulation
See how squalane enhances barrier comfort, hydration retention, texture slip, shine, and formula stability—plus recommended % and testing to substantiate premium claims for private-label skincare and haircare.
Barrier Comfort & TEWL Reduction
Mechanism: Occlusive micro-film reinforces the lipid matrix and reduces TEWL, improving stratum-corneum flexibility.
Benefits: Softer feel, less tightness, smoother look on dry or sensitized skin.
Importance: A universal base for moisturizers that reduces return rates due to dryness.
Use level & testing: 2–10% in creams/lotions; up to 100% in facial oils. Track TEWL (Tewameter), Corneometer hydration, tactile/sensory panels.
Good pairings: Ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, panthenol, beta-glucan.
Sensory Slip & Texture Optimization
Mechanism: Low surface tension reduces friction and fills micro-roughness, improving spreadability and reducing tack from humectants and polymers.
Benefits: Silky glide with faster absorption and no greasy residue.
Importance: Differentiates premium lines with superior application feel and no pilling under makeup.
Use level & testing: 1–6%; assess sensory panels, rheology, and pilling tests with high-solids actives.
Good pairings: Glycerin/HA, ectoine, silica microspheres, volatile silicones or silicone alternatives.
Oxidation-Resistant Oil Phase & Shelf Life Support
Mechanism: Fully saturated hydrocarbon resists peroxidation; dilutes fragile lipids (e.g., algae oils) and sensitive actives.
Benefits: More odor-stable formulas and cleaner aging under heat/UV.
Importance: Reduces rancidity risk in global shipping and long shelf cycles.
Use level & testing: 2–10%; monitor peroxide value, GC–MS markers, accelerated stability at 40 °C/75% RH.
Good pairings: Tocopherol, ascorbyl derivatives, medium-chain esters, retinoids.
Retinoid/Acid Routine Comforter
Mechanism: Emollient buffer moderates penetration rate and reinforces barrier during actives onboarding.
Benefits: Less flaking and sting when starting retinoids/acids.
Importance: Improves adherence to higher-value routines without sacrificing efficacy positioning.
Use level & testing: 3–8%; stinging tests, erythema scoring, user comfort diaries over 2–4 weeks.
Good pairings: Retinol/retinal, bakuchiol, niacinamide, allantoin.
Radiance & Hair Shine Enhancement
Mechanism: Surface lubrication increases specular reflection; smooths cuticle and micro-roughness.
Benefits: Subtle glow on skin; anti-frizz softness and gloss on hair.
Importance: Adds immediate perceived quality in before/after visuals.
Use level & testing: 1–5% in hair serums/masks; gloss units, frizz reduction imaging, profilometry for smoothness.
Good pairings: Amodimethicone or silicone-free film formers, polyquats, light esters.
Best Product Formats for Squalane
Explore how squalane elevates skin comfort and shine across different formats—from weightless facial oils to repairing balms and hair serums for multi-category brand architectures.
Hair Mask
Squalane Oil
Anti-Frizz Serum
Smooth Shampoo
Gel-Cream Moisturizer
Squalane Serum
Ready to Create Your Squalane Skincare Line?
Talk to our formulation experts today and receive a formula proposal—recommended percentage, base, and co-actives—within 48 hours. From sampling to small-batch pilot to scale-up, we help you build high-performing, branded products powered by squalane.
Squalane Concentration Options | Custom 0.5–100% for OEM/ODM
Choose the right squalane percentage to tune slip, cushion, gloss, and “occlusive-lite” moisturization across anhydrous oils, gel oils, O/W and W/O emulsions, balms, and cleansers. We guide base selection, oxidative stability, sensory targets, and validation—supported by testing and documentation for safe, compliant launches.
1. Concentration Range
Typical levels:
- lightweight serums/lotions: 0.5–2%
- gel-creams: 2–6%
- rich creams/night balms: 6–12%
- cleansing oils/balms: 10–60%
- body oils: 10–30%
- hair leave-ins: 0.5–3%.
- facial oils and minimalist routines: 100%
*Final selection depends on skin/hair type, format, and claim positioning.
2. Typical Use Levels
| Target Use Case | Squalane % | Best Formats | pH Window | Proof & QA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight daily hydration | 0.5–2% | serum, essence-lotion (O/W) | 4.5–6.5 (emulsion) | Corneometer, TEWL↓, sensory glide |
| Cushioned barrier gel-cream | 2–6% | gel-cream (lamellar O/W) | 5.0–6.0 | TEWL↓, comfort panels, spreadability |
| Rich cream / night balm | 6–12% | cream, balm (O/W or W/O) | 4.8–6.0 | Profilometry (smoothness), user feel |
| Pure facial oil / minimalist | 60–100% | anhydrous facial oil | n/a (anhydrous) | TEWL trend, comedogenicity diaries, spread test |
| Cleansing oil / balm | 10–60% | makeup remover oil/balm | n/a (anhydrous) | Makeup removal efficacy, residue & eye sting |
| Hair gloss & frizz control | 0.5–3% | leave-in serum/conditioner | 4.0–5.5 (haircare emulsion) | Glossmeter, combing force, breakage reduction |
*Final percentage depends on target claim, skin type, and regional compliance.
Squalane Formulation & Actives Ingredient Customization
We build squalane-centric systems for weightless moisturization, barrier comfort, cleansing efficacy, and hair gloss. Formats span facial oils, gel-oils, creams, balms, cleansing oils/balms, and hair/scalp serums.
2. Ingredient Customization Case
Dewy Daily Serum-Oil
Benefits: Instant glow and cushion with non-greasy slip; supports skin-comfort in dry/AC climates.
Actives: Squalane 90% + Isoamyl Laurate 9.5% + Tocopherol 0.2% + CoQ10 0.1% + Bisabolol 0.2%.
Barrier-Lift Gel-Cream
Benefits: TEWL reduction and silky spread; year-round comfort for sensitive users.
Actives: Squalane 4% + Ceramide NP 0.2% + Cholesterol 0.15% + FFAs 0.15% + Niacinamide 3% + HA (MW blend) 0.15%; pH 5.2–5.8.
Overnight Recovery Balm
Benefits: Plush occlusive-lite cushion; softens dry patches and fine dehydration lines by morning.
Actives: Squalane 30% + Shea Butter 8% + Meadowfoam 5% + Tocopherol 0.2% + Bakuchiol 0.5% (or Encap. Retinal 0.05%).
Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm
Benefits: Breaks down sunscreen and long-wear makeup; rinses clean without tightness.
Actives: Squalane 40% + Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate 10% + Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride 40% + Tocopherol 0.1% + Low-melt wax 8–10%.
Frizz-Taming Hair Serum
Benefits: Boosts shine, reduces flyaways, improves combability with a dry, non-oily finish.
Actives: Squalane 2% + Hemisqualane 3% + Argan Oil 1% + Lightweight Ester 5% + Tocopherol 0.1%.
Body Glow Dry Oil
Benefits: Fast-absorbing, satin sheen; non-sticky finish suitable for daily body hydration.
Actives: Squalane 20% + CCT 60% + Jojoba 10% + Vitamin E 0.1% (optional soft-focus mica 0.1–0.3%).
Squalene Global Trends & Regional Analysis
Known for squalene excellent antioxidant, emollient, and immune-boosting properties. In cosmetics, it is used in a wide range of products, including moisturizers, creams, sunscreens, and makeup, due to its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging benefits
1. Squalene Global Trends
The Global Squalene Market size is expected to be worth around USD 393.0 Million by 2034, from USD 161.5 Million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.
The Personal Care & Cosmetics Segment Emerging As The Dominant User
By end-use, the market is categorized into personal care & cosmetics, food supplements, pharmaceuticals, and others. The personal care & cosmetics segment is emerging as the dominant user, holding 54.3% of the total market share in 2024. Due to the growing consumer demand for natural and effective skincare ingredients. Squalene’s moisturizing, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties make it highly valued in beauty products, driving its widespread use. Additionally, the rising trend of clean and sustainable beauty products has further fueled the adoption of squalene in this segment.
2. Squalene Regional Analysis
In 2024, Europe dominated the global squalene market, accounting for 43.6% of the total market share, driven by rising demand for nutraceutical, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products, supported by increasing awareness of squalene’s benefits for skin and overall health.
The market is experiencing significant growth. The increasing preference for natural, sustainable ingredients, along with greater awareness of skin health and anti-aging benefits and advancements in pharmaceutical applications, are key factors fueling this trend. With the continued rise of clean-label, sustainable, and vegan formulations, squalene is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries.
The cosmetics and personal care industry, one of the primary consumers of squalene, is particularly well-established in countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and the UK. These nations host leading beauty brands that are actively adopting bio-based squalene from sources like olives and sugarcane to meet consumer demand for clean-label and eco-friendly products. In addition to cosmetics, the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors in Europe are contributing to market growth by incorporating squalene for its proven immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
More Squalane product customization instructions and FAQs
Q: Which squalane grade should I choose—sugarcane vs. olive; what specs matter?
A: Prioritize plant-derived, hydrogenated squalene with ≥95–100% assay, low peroxide/anisidine values, water <0.1%, and near-colorless/odorless profile. Sugarcane (bio-fermentation) offers highly consistent supply and a strong vegan/sustainable narrative; olive-derived can complement “Mediterranean botanicals” stories. Always request COA, non-GMO/vegan statements, residual solvent, and stability data.
Q: What percentage should I use across formats and skin/hair types?
A: Use 0.5–2% in light serums/lotions for slip without shine; 2–6% in gel-creams for cushioned barrier feel; 6–12% in rich creams/night balms; 10–60% in cleansing oils/balms; 10–30% in body oils; 0.5–3% in hair leave-ins. For oily/combination skin, begin ≤2% and pair with niacinamide to balance shine; for very dry skin or winter lines, step up to 6–12%. Substantiate with TEWL↓, Corneometer, and sensory panels.
Q: Can squalane be combined with strong actives (retinoids, vitamin C, acids) and ceramide systems?
A: Yes. Squalane is chemically inert and blends well with retinoids/retinal (prefer encapsulated), vitamin E/CoQ10, ceramides + cholesterol + FFAs, and neutral-pH routines (~4.5–6.5 in emulsions). For L-ascorbic/low-pH acids, layer squalane products separately or use derivative vitamin C in O/W creams. Add 0.1–0.3% tocopherol for lipid-phase defense; process ≤50–60 °C post-antioxidant where possible.
Q: Squalane vs. hemisqualane—when should I choose each?
A: Squalane = richer “occlusive-lite” cushion, ideal for barrier support, night creams, body oils, and sunscreen emolliency. Hemisqualane (C13–15 isoalkane) is more volatile/fast-drying, perfect for oil-gel serums, primer-like slip, scalp/hair defrizz, and makeup-friendly textures. Many brands blend 1–3% hemisqualane with squalane for quicker dry-down without sacrificing comfort.
Q: Any stability, packaging, and claim-support watch-outs?
A: Though oxidatively robust, verify peroxide index over time, run 45 °C/8-week, cycling, and centrifuge tests (emulsions). Use airless pumps/amber glass for anhydrous oils and laminated tubes/airless jars for creams to minimize oxygen and headspace. For claims, measure TEWL reduction, profilometry (smoothness), and in haircare glossmeter/combing force. Confirm pump torque, leak/suck-back, and compatibility with PCR packaging if pursuing sustainability stories.
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