Squalane (CAS 111-01-3): The Stable Emollient That Carries Actives Into the Skin

Squalane is one of those raw materials almost every formulator meets sooner or later. It shows up in facial oils, serums, lotions, and hair conditioners, and it keeps showing up because it does a simple job unusually well: it spreads easily, feels light on the skin, and carries other ingredients where they need to go. If you buy or sell cosmetic ingredients, the number to keep handy is CAS 111-01-3.

What squalane actually is

Squalane is a saturated hydrocarbon oil with the formula C30H62 and a molecular weight of 422.81. It is the hydrogenated, fully stable form of squalene — the unsaturated compound your own skin produces as part of sebum. Human sebum contains roughly 10% squalene and about 2.4% squalene-derived squalane. The body converts squalene to squalane on its own, which is part of why squalane sits so comfortably on skin: it is chemically close to what the skin already makes.

The difference that matters for product stability is saturation. Squalene carries double bonds and oxidizes readily, so it is usually kept in capsules or used internally. Squalane has no double bonds, which makes it inert, odorless, and slow to turn rancid. That is the version used in topical products, and it is the one most buyers ask for by name.

Specs at a glance

Where it comes from

Traditionally squalane was recovered from the liver oil of deep-sea sharks. That route still exists, but most cosmetic-grade supply today is hydrogenated from squalene of plant origin — olive, sugarcane, and amaranth are the common feedstocks. The plant route answers the sourcing questions buyers raise most often: no endangered-species concern, a steadier price, and a cleaner story for the label. Either way the finished molecule is identical; CAS 111-01-3 does not care where the squalene began.

Why formulators keep it on the bench

Squalane is non-polar, with low polarity and medium spreadability, which means it covers skin evenly without building a greasy film. It forms a breathable, water-permeable layer that slows water loss but still lets skin function normally. It is also one of the few oils with real affinity for the skin's own lipid film, so it blends in rather than sitting on top.

For the formulator the practical win is penetration. Squalane accelerates the uptake of other actives. A serum built around a copper peptide such as GHK-Cu (CAS 49557-75-7) often uses squalane as the lipid phase that carries the peptide into the upper skin layers. The same logic applies to brightening actives: kojic acid (CAS 501-30-4) and alpha-arbutin (CAS 84380-01-8) both benefit from a stable oil carrier that keeps them in contact with the skin long enough to work. Vitamin C users will recognize L-ascorbic acid (CAS 50-81-7) as an oil-friendly companion that pairs well with squalane in anhydrous serums.

Outside skin care

Squalane is not only a cosmetic oil. Because it is inert and chemically stable, it is used as a base for medical ointments, as a lubricant in precision machinery, and as a high-grade component in soaps. In analytical chemistry it is the standard non-polar stationary phase — its polarity is set to zero, so it separates general hydrocarbons and non-polar compounds by dispersion force alone. That dual life is worth knowing if you source for more than one department.

Handling and storage

Squalane arrives as a transparent, colorless liquid. Keep it at 2–8 °C and away from strong oxidizers; under those conditions it holds a long shelf life. It has a low melting point (-38 °C), so it stays fluid through normal shipping. Density is about 0.81 g/mL at 25 °C, which matters when you are scaling a formula by weight. Because it is non-toxic and non-irritating at cosmetic use levels, it suits sensitive-skin products and baby care.

Buying notes

When you request a quote, confirm grade (cosmetic vs technical), the country of origin of the squalene feedstock, and the batch COA. Ask for the full document set — commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, COA, health certificate, and certificate of origin — and check that the pack size matches your batch size. A mild surfactant such as sodium lauroylsarcosinate (CAS 137-16-6) and a pH adjuster such as citric acid anhydrous (CAS 77-92-9) are the usual companions in an emulsion built around squalane. Shandong Deshang Chemicals supplies squalane CAS 111-01-3 in standard cosmetic grade with sample testing and per-batch QC, which keeps incoming inspection straightforward.

Frequently asked

Is squalane the same as squalene? No. Squalene is unsaturated and oxidizes; squalane is its saturated, hydrogenated, shelf-stable form. Cosmetic products use squalane.

Can squalane replace a heavier oil? It can reduce greasiness, but on its own it does not hold water well in very dry conditions. Most formulas pair it with humectants or esters rather than use it alone.

Does plant-derived squalane perform differently? The molecule is the same regardless of feedstock, so performance is comparable; the choice is usually about sourcing, price, and label story.

The short version

Squalane is the stable, skin-friendly oil that makes other actives work harder and feels good doing it. If your line includes facial oils, anti-aging serums, or brightening treatments, it belongs in the formula — and linking it with actives like GHK-Cu, kojic acid, and alpha-arbutin is how most finished products are built. See the full specification sheet on the squalane product page.