What is the Difference Between Squalane and Hemi-squalane

The key difference between squalane and hemi-squalane is that squalane is a moisturizing agent with a high molecular weight found in skin care products, while hemi-squalane is a moisturizing agent with a low molecular weight found in skin care products.

Squalane and hemi-squalane are two agents found in skincare and hair products. Both of them are hydrocarbons with moisturizing properties. Moreover, squalane and hemi-squalane can be applied to the skin as well as to the hair. However, when discussing their use in skin care products, hemi-squalane is better as it has a light weight.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Squalane 
3. What is Hemi-squalane
4. Similarities – Squalane and Hemi-squalane
5. Squalane vs Hemi-squalane in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Squalane vs Hemi-squalane

What is Squalane?

Squalene naturally occurs in the sebum of the skin and usually accounts for 13% of sebaceous sebum. It is a hydrocarbon and an organic compound having 30 carbons. The molecular formula of this compound is C₃₀H₅₀. It is a colourless oil. The impure samples of this compound appear yellow. Moreover, all plants and animals also produce this compound as a biochemical intermediate to sterol biosynthesis. Squalene is also present in some vegetables like olives and sugarcane. Most beauty products use squalene in olive oil. However, squalene is not stable as it undergoes oxidation. Because of this, its effectiveness is not 100%. Squalane is a hydrogenated alternative to squalene, which is used as an emollient. Squalane is obtained from shark liver oil. It is the modified version of the same ingredient (squalene). Therefore, squalane undergoes no oxidation and is highly effective.

Squalane, on a commercial scale, has a role in topical skin lubrication and protection properties. Squalane is also an important adjuvant in vaccine adjuvants such as MF59 (Novartis) and AS03 (GlaxoSmithKline). Furthermore, squalane is enriched with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, squalane has low toxicity and is not a significant contact allergen or irritant.

What is Hemi-squalane?

Hemi squalane is a moisturizing agent found in skin care products. It is a hydrocarbon with 15 carbon atoms and is low in molecular weight. Hemi squalane is normally produced from the fermentation of sugar cane feedstock, so it is plant derived. Hemi squalane is a cosmetic grade emollient. It provides excellent sensorial and spreading properties. Therefore, hemi-squalane is ideal for replacing silicones in colour cosmetics, suncare, haircare, and other skin products. Moreover, hemi-squalane also has make-up removal benefits. In addition, hemi-squalane is a very effective replacement for isohexadecane, amodimethicone, and cyclomethicones like cyclopentasiloxane.

When talking about skin care products, hemi-squalene is better than squalene or squalane. This is because hemi-squalane is a fast-absorbing, non-greasy hydration solution for skin and hair. Furthermore, the low molecular weight of hemi-squalene gives it a lighter texture and feel on the skin.

What are the Similarities Between Squalane and Hemi-Squalane?

• Squalane and hemi-squalane are found in skincare and hair products.
• Both compounds are hydrocarbons.
• They are found naturally.
• Both compounds are highly pure, odourless, clear, and stable emollients.
• Both compounds have moisturizing properties.
• They have low or no toxicity.

What is the Difference Between Squalane and Hemi-Squalane?

Squalane is a moisturizing agent that is high in molecular weight, while hemi-squalane is a moisturizing agent that is low in molecular weight. Thus, this is the key difference between squalane and hemi-squalane. Furthermore, squalane is a 30 carbons hydrocarbon, while hemi-squalane is a 15 carbons hydrocarbon.

The following table summarizes the difference between squalane and hemi-squalane.

Summary – Squalane vs Hemi-Squalane

Squalane and hemi-squalane are chemical compounds usually found in skincare and hair products. Both these compounds are hydrocarbons (organic compounds) with excellent moisturizing and emollient properties. Moreover, both these compounds have low or no toxicity. However, squalane is high in molecular weight, while hemi-squalane is low in molecular weight. So, this is the key difference between squalane and hemi-squalane.

Reference:

1. “100% PLANT-DERIVED HEMI-SQUALANE.” Beauty Bay: The Destination to Explore Your Beauty Obsessions.
2. “The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane 30ml.” Boots.

Image Courtesy:

1. “The Ordinary” By Daniel Foster (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) via Flickr