What is squalane, it’s benefits and uses
If you're into skincare, you probably heard about the ingredient squalane. But did you know it can be used in intimacy products?
While it's most popular in skincare and beauty products, it's definitely not the only place where you can reap the benefits of this organic compound. So, if you're curious to learn more about squalane, what are the benefits of using it even in your intimate routine, read on.
Squalane 101: what is squalene, where it's used, and the benefits
What is squalane?
Squalane is a colorless saturated oil that can be derived from either shark liver or plants including sunflower seeds and olives. It's an essential emollient that helps the skin barrier function, provides moisturization, and improves the overall skin texture and appearance.
Squalene vs. squalane – is there a difference?
They're similar, but not quite the same. Squalene with an "e" is an organic compound found naturally in human sebum, shark liver, and plants, while squalane with an "a" is a more shelf-stable derivative of squalene.
They both have similar benefits, but squalane is lighter and more stable than squalene in the formulation. Both types can originate from animals (unfortunately) or plants (our fave), but plant-based squalane with an “a” is great ingredient with numerous benefits to the body that is used in consumer products.
How is squalene harvested?
Despite its enormous benefits for skin and hair, squalane has become a rather controversial ingredient due to the way the majority of it is harvested.
Previously, one of the more popular ways to harvest squalane was from shark livers. To produce 1 ton of squalane, you need 3,000 sharks. The overall shark population has declined over 70% over the last 50 years for various reasons, and the rising popularity of beauty products containing squalane hasn't helped.
The dying shark population has a huge effect on the ocean ecosystem, which can have dire consequences. Because of unethical concerns, squalane has a bad reputation. However, not all squalane is bad! The good news is that we don't need to use shark livers to produce the compound, we can derive it from plant-based sources.
Squalane can be successfully harvested from plants like olives (Bloomi’s favorite choice and described more below), rice bran, wheat germ, and amaranth seeds. It can even be harvested from the leftovers of the olive oil refining process. About 80% of squalane used in the United States and Europe comes from plant sources.
When choosing squalane in your products, always pay attention to whether the squalane is plant-based or not. Shark Allies have created a Shark Free label for consumer products that help consumers figure out whether the squalane in their beauty products comes from plants, so look out for that when shopping.
Where is squalene used?
Squalane is an ingredient that's widely used in many different products due to its moisturizing properties:
Sunscreen
Anti-aging creams
Moisturizers
Hair conditioners
Deodorants
Eye shadows
Lip balms
Lip masks
Lipsticks
Foundations
Face cleansers
Massage oils
What are the benefits of using squalene?
Using squalane for the skin has a ton of benefits. Aside from being a highly-effective moisturizer that keeps our skin healthy and plump, squalane is also an antioxidant and detoxifier.
Using squalane regularly can help improve the skin's appearance, treat scars and UV damage (when used together with sunscreen to further prevent damage), and restore a damaged skin barrier. It might also boost collagen production which increases skin's firmness and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
The moisturizing benefits of squalane are also key for healthy hair. Using squalane oil in your hair can improve the natural shine and prevent breakage as it seals the moisture in. Also, because it's so light, it doesn't weigh down the hair as some of the other oils might.
As for the benefits of using squalane in sexual wellness products, the oil can be used as a natural moisturizing oil, like coconut oil, to lubricate and mimic our body’s natural secretions. Due to its properties, squalane can help ensure things feel naturally slippery and enhances the sensations.
Relax Body and Massage Oil
A clean massage oil that doubles as an everyday body oil with squalene and lavender aromatherapy.
Squalane in Bloomi's product
Bloomi has a selection of Luxe intimate care products that contain olive oil derived squalane. And we use only the best quality plant-based squalane that fits with our Clean Standard.
If you're looking for a luxurious massage oil, then Bloomi's Luxe is a great option for you. The blend of oils including squalane provide a luxurious slip during a sensual body massage while the full-spectrum hemp extract helps to relax the muscles.
Bloomi's Luxe Arousal Oil also has squalane, which adds extra moisture to this intimate area oil that's designed to increase pleasure before and during intimate moments solo or with your partner. Apply 2-4 pumps to your fingertips and glide them over sensitive areas like the vulva, clitoris, inner thighs, breasts, and other desired places.
All products are moisturizing and are great to enhance sensations all over your body. Remember though, these products are not latex or silicone-friendly and should be used externally.
Squalene FAQ
Let's answer some of the most frequently asked questions people have about what is squalene and where it is used.
Is squalane sustainable?
Squalane that is harvested from plants like amaranth, olives, rice, wheat, and more sources is sustainable. However, not all squalane is plant-based, and certain companies still use squalane harvested from shark liver, which is damaging to the environment.
Always pay attention to what kind is used in the products before you buy. Look out for the ‘Shark-Free’ label or verification that the squalane is plant-derived on the packaging.
Is squalane safe for intimate care products?
Yes. Squalane is healthy and its moisturizing and protecting qualities are beneficial for our skin, hair, lips, and most parts of our bodies, including intimate areas. It's not an edible ingredient, so it's not advisable to ingest squalane.
What kind of squalane does Bloomi use?
We use plant-based squalane that is harvested from are olives and is free of fragrances and glycerin.
Bloomi Clean Standard
At Bloomi, we believe that everyone deserves clean and non-toxic intimate care products that feel good and do good for our bodies. That's why with the help of top sexual wellness experts and academic research we have created a Clean Standard for our intimate care products.
Our products have plant-based formulas that are free of vulvar allergens like glycerin, gluten, parabens, fragrances, and sulfates so you don't have to worry about having an unpleasant reaction to something.
Our toys are made from non-toxic ingredients like medical-grade silicone and stainless steel so you can enjoy solo and partnered pleasure knowing you're using the best quality toys.
And our packaging is made with sustainable, compostable, and recyclable materials, so you know your favorite intimate products are not harming the environment.
EXPERT REVIEW: Stephanie Tran, Clean Beauty Lab Assistant at KKT Consultants