The key difference between squalane and hyaluronic acid is that squalane acts as a barrier to keep the moisture locked in and hydration at a cellular level, whereas hyaluronic acid can increase the water content of the skin.
Both squalane and hyaluronic acid are naturally occurring substances that are present in the human body. But both these perform slightly different jobs in the body.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Squalane
3. What is Hyaluronic Acid
4. Squalane vs Hyaluronic Acid in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Squalane vs Hyaluronic Acid
What is Squalane?
Squalane is a hydrocarbon compound derived from the hydrogenation of squalene. It is different from squalene because it has complete saturation and is not subjected to auto-oxidation. Therefore, it is not coupled with lower costs that are associated with squalene, which makes it desirable in cosmetic manufacturing. In cosmetics, it is used as an emollient and as a moisturizer.
Squalane has the chemical formula C30H62 and a molar mass 422.82 g/mol. Squalane appears as a colorless liquid that is odorless. Its density is about 810 mg/mL, and its melting point can be given as -38 degrees Celsius, and the boiling point is 176 degrees Celsius. The flash point of squalane is 218 degrees Celsius, which means it needs a minimum of this temperature to make an ignitable vapor.
Traditionally, this compound was obtained from the livers of sharks; about 3000 sharks were required to make one ton of squalane. This gave rise to major environmental concerns, so people wanted to use other sources such as olive oil, rice, and sugar cane. These resources have been commercialized to use these sources to the extent of 40% of the industry total.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a polymeric organic molecule with the chemical formula (C14H21NO11)n. We can categorize it as a glycosaminoglycan compound. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid is a unique, organic molecule because it is the only non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan among them. This compound naturally occurs in the human body. It can undergo distribution throughout connective, epithelial, and neural tissues.
Unlike other glycosaminoglycan compounds that form in the Golgi apparatus, this compound is formed in the plasma membrane. When considering hyaluronic acid’s application in the cosmetic industry, it is a common ingredient in many skin care products. Moreover, it is useful as a dermal filler in cosmetic surgeries. Manufacturers produce hyaluronic acid mainly via microbial fermentation processes. This is because of the lower production cost and fewer environmental concerns. The major microorganism used for this production is Streptococcus sp. However, since these microbial species are pathogenic, there is a great controversy and concern about this process.
According to some research studies, the injection of hyaluronic acid into osteoarthritic joints can restore the viscoelasticity of the synovial fluid, augment the flow of joint fluid, and normalize endogenous hyaluronate synthesis, etc.
What is the Difference Between Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid?
Squalane and hyaluronic acid are naturally occurring organic compounds that have different roles to play inside the body. The key difference between squalane and hyaluronic acid is that squalane acts as a barrier to keep the moisture locked in and hydration at a cellular level, whereas hyaluronic acid can increase the water content of the skin.
The below infographic presents the differences between squalane and hyaluronic acid in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Squalane vs Hyaluronic Acid
Squalane is a hydrocarbon compound derived from the hydrogenation of squalene. Hyaluronic acid is a polymeric organic molecule with the chemical formula (C14H21NO11)n. The key difference between squalane and hyaluronic acid is that squalane acts as a barrier to keep the moisture locked in and hydration at a cellular level, whereas hyaluronic acid can increase the water content of the skin.
Reference:
1. “Hyaluronic Acid.” Chemsrc.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Squalan” By NEUROtiker – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Hyaluronan” By Vaccinationist – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia