BioChem™️ 100% Squalene

Squalene is a natural lipid produced by our skin’s sebaceous glands and also found in plants (olive, sugarcane, amaranth) and shark liver oil.
In skincare, it’s usually hydrogenated to squalane (more stable, longer shelf life), but pure squalene is still used in certain formulations for its emollient and antioxidant properties.

Benefits

1. Moisturizing & Barrier Support

   • Mimics the skin’s natural oils to restore and maintain hydration.

2. Non-Comedogenic

   • Lightweight and absorbs easily without clogging pores (especially plant-derived).

3. Antioxidant Protection

   • Helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

4. Soothing

   • Calms redness and irritation in sensitive or compromised skin.

5. Enhances Product Absorption

   • Acts as a delivery vehicle for other active ingredients.

Uses

• Common concentration:

  • Often used at 0.5–10% in moisturizers, serums, and facial oils.

• Application:

  • Can be used AM and PM; apply as last step in routine or mixed into moisturizer.

• Pairs well with:

  • Retinol, vitamin C, ceramides, niacinamide, peptides.

• Best for:

  • Dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin; post-treatment recovery.

FDA Cautions & Safety

• FDA Status:

  • Considered a cosmetic ingredient in the U.S.; no FDA restrictions on topical use.

  • Plant-derived squalene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for both cosmetic and dietary purposes.

• Potential Side Effects:

  • Very low irritation risk; rare allergic responses possible.

• Cautions:

  • Pure squalene (unhydrogenated) is prone to oxidation—must be stored properly.

  • Oxidized squalene may contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone skin, though this is uncommon in well-formulated products.