Squalane
Squalane is an inert, stable emollient widely used in cosmetics and considered very safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It is not normally a food ingredient, though its parent compound squalene occurs naturally in foods such as olive oil and in human sebum.
What it is
Saturated, hydrogenated form of squalene; a stable hydrocarbon emollient (often plant- or shark-derived).
Primarily a cosmetic emollient, not a typical food ingredient; its parent compound squalene is a precursor in cholesterol biosynthesis.
Why it's flagged
- rare skin sensitivity in topical use
What regulators actually say
"Squalane is safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics."
"Cosmetic products placed on the market are safe for human health under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted in cosmetics; not a food additive at commercial levels
European Union — EFSA
Cosmetic ingredient under Reg. 1223/2009
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