Definition:

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herbgreey®Squalane Health Benefits:

herbgreey®Squalane is a hydrogenated derivative of squalene. This process involves adding hydrogen atoms to the unsaturated double bonds of squalene, thereby stabilising its chemical structure and rendering it milder. As a naturally derived ingredient that is both biocompatible and multifunctional, squalane is widely used in the cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food industries. It has gained particular prominence as a moisturising and repairing agent for the skin, making it a popular raw material in the industry.

Particularities of herbgreey®Squalene

Product Specifications:

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Product quality standards:

● USP, EP, Food grade, Cosmetic grade, In-house

▶Antioxidant

herbgreey®Squalane Applications:

herbgreey®Squalane molecules contain six unsaturated double bonds and possess a certain degree of free radical scavenging capacity. In vitro experiments have shown that squalene can inhibit lipid peroxidation reactions, such as reducing the damage to cell membrane lipids caused by free radicals. This could potentially aid in maintaining cellular structural stability. Animal studies have found that squalene supplementation may reduce oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), but clinical evidence of this effect in humans is currently insufficient. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate these findings.

■ Source

The source of herbgreey®Squalane has transitioned from sharks to plants, driven primarily by ecological conservation and market demand (sharks are endangered, and there is growing interest in veganism and environmentalism). Currently, mainstream sources are categorised into three types. Animal-based sources are traditional, but are gradually decreasing. These sources primarily come from the livers of deep-sea sharks, such as the deep-sea mako and basking shark, where the squalene content of the liver oil can reach 40-70%. Squalane is obtained through a process called hydrogenation. Plant-based sources currently dominate the market, accounting for over 80%. This involves extracting squalene from plant oils and converting it into squalane through hydrogenation. This technology is well-established, environmentally friendly and safe, and the main plant-based raw materials used are soybean oil, olive oil and palm oil. Microbial sources represent an emerging technology and a future direction. Genetically engineered microorganisms such as yeast and algae are used to ferment and produce squalene, which is then hydrogenated to yield squalane. herbgreey®Squalane is derived from pure plant sources, specifically soybeans, and is produced under strict quality control and sustainability measures.

herbgreey®Squalane is available in the following specification and contents:

☑  herbgreey®Squalane oil 92%

Based on research into herbgreey®Squalane's antioxidant properties and its role in supporting liver metabolism, a dietary supplement has been developed, primarily targeting individuals with basic health maintenance needs. The most common form is capsules, typically containing liquid squalene dissolved in plant oil. This makes it easy to control the dosage and they are commonly found in the health supplement market. To enhance absorption efficiency, squalene is formulated into soft capsules (which are paired with vitamin E to prevent oxidation) or drops (which can be mixed with milk or juice for consumption). These are suitable for individuals who have difficulty swallowing, such as the elderly.

herbgreey®Squalane, a natural component of human sebum accounting for 10-15% of its total composition, has exceptional affinity with the skin (it is absorbed without conversion) and is a classic lipid ingredient in skincare products. It is used to address issues such as damaged skin barriers and dryness, and can be found in all categories of skincare products, including basic skincare products, makeup removers, and specialised care products (eg. baby moisturisers).

Due to its lipophilicity and biocompatibility, squalene can be used as a 'solvent or carrier' for lipophilic drugs, such as certain antibiotics and vitamins A and D. This enhances the absorption of drugs within the body and reduces loss in the gastrointestinal tract.

■ Squalane VS Squalene

The properties of squalane stem from the changes in its structure after hydrogenation. Compared with natural squalene, which contains six unsaturated double bonds, squalane has three key advantages: stability, mildness and functionality. herbgreey®Squalane contains no unsaturated double bonds, making it highly chemically stable and resistant to oxidation and rancidity. It also has a long shelf life. It causes minimal skin irritation and has no allergenic properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin, including that of babies. It is a colourless, transparent, oily liquid with moderate viscosity. It is heat resistant and does not easily decompose at high temperatures. It has strong moisturising and sealing properties, forming a breathable protective film that locks in moisture for long-lasting hydration.

In contrast, squalene has lower chemical stability and is prone to oxidation by air and light, necessitating the addition of preservatives. It has moderate skin irritation potential and its oxidation products may also irritate the skin. It is a colourless oily liquid with slightly lower viscosity. It has average heat resistance and may accelerate oxidation at high temperatures. Although it has strong moisturising and sealing properties, it locks in moisture for a shorter duration than squalane.

herbgreey®Squalane is a natural component of human sebum, accounting for approximately 10-15% of its total composition. It exhibits excellent skin affinity. Its primary function is to protect the skin barrier. As we age or when exposed to external environmental factors such as dryness and UV radiation, the skin's natural production of squalene decreases. Supplementing with squalene can help fill lipid gaps in the skin, reduce moisture loss and alleviate dryness and flakiness. Experiments have shown that squalene can promote the ordered arrangement of lipids in the stratum corneum of the skin, thereby enhancing the skin's resistance to external stimuli such as pollutants and low humidity. It is particularly suitable for basic skincare for dry and sensitive skin.

▶ Skin health

herbgreey®Squalene is found in high concentrations in shark liver oil, accounting for approximately 40-70% of the oil. Some studies have examined its impact on liver metabolism. Animal experiments have shown that squalene may reduce fat accumulation in the liver by promoting the activity of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism (as demonstrated in studies on mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).

▶ Liver health

■ Extraction process characteristics

herbgreey®Squalane is a hydrogenated derivative of squalene. The saturation of its double bonds makes it significantly more stable than squalene. It retains key properties such as skin affinity and moisturising effects, which is why it is widely used in the cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food industries. Its production process involves four key stages: acquiring the raw materials, extracting and purifying the squalene, carrying out the hydrogenation reaction, and refining and purifying the product. These steps enable the conversion of natural or synthetic raw materials into high-purity squalane.

Choose plants that have a high squalene content. The main sources of squalene are soybean oil, olive oil, palm oil and rice bran oil. In some regions, wheat germ and grape seed oils are also used.

For soybean oil, for example, the crude oil is first extracted from the seeds using pressing or solvent extraction methods. Squalene is then extracted using either solvent or supercritical CO2 extraction. The impurities are then removed through deacidification (alkali refining), decolourisation (activated carbon adsorption) and deodorisation (vacuum distillation). Finally, high-purity, plant-derived squalene is obtained through molecular distillation. Ultimately, high-purity plant-derived squalane is produced through catalytic hydrogenation and refinement.

General Information: