Squalane and Squalene are oily substances that are common components of other oils. Both Squalane and Squalene are natural components of human sebum, a mixture of lipids produced by glands in the skin. In cosmetics and personal care products, Squalane and Squalene are used in the formulation of a wide variety of products including bath oils, hair products, eye makeup, makeup foundations, lipstick, suntan and sunscreen products, body powders, nail products and in cleansing, moisturizing, and skin care products.
The safety of
Squalane and Squalene has been assessed by the
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that both
Squalane and Squalene were safe for use as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of use and concentration. In 2001, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on
Squalane and Squalene and reaffirmed the above conclusion.CIR Safety Review: The CIR Expert Panel noted that studies indicated that
Squalane was slowly absorbed through the skin, and both
Squalane and Squalene were poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The toxicity of these two ingredients by all routes was low. At 100% concentrations, both compounds were nonirritants to the skin and eyes. Products containing Squalene were not dermal irritants or sensitizers.
Squalane and Squalene may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the
general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/cosmetics/html/consolidated_d...