Saturated hydrocarbon; emollient
Squalane
Formula context
The one-letter difference between squalane and squalene is a real chemical difference. Squalene is unsaturated and oxidises readily. Squalane is its hydrogenated, saturated form — much more stable, which is why it, and not squalene, is what appears in cosmetic formulas.
As an emollient, squalane works differently from a humectant. A humectant like sodium hyaluronate binds water. An emollient softens and smooths the surface and helps limit how much water escapes. Formulas commonly use both, which is what the Amplified Glow lavender conditioner does — squalane alongside sodium hyaluronate.
Squalane can be sourced from plants or from animals. Amplified Glow does not state which source it uses, and makes no vegan claim for the product disclosing it.
What the evidence can and cannot establish
Squalane's behaviour as an emollient is a well-characterised physical property, and it is widely used and generally well tolerated.
As with every ingredient, presence does not establish outcome. Amplified Glow publishes no concentration, and in a rinse-off conditioner what matters is what remains on the hair after rinsing — which is not published either.
Claim limitations
- No concentration is published for squalane in the Amplified Glow lavender conditioner.
- The source — plant or animal — is not disclosed.
- Emollient behaviour is a surface effect. Nothing here claims a structural or biological change.
- Squalane and squalene are different compounds and evidence about one does not automatically apply to the other.
Sensitivity considerations
Squalane is generally regarded as well tolerated and is common in products aimed at sensitive skin. Amplified Glow publishes no ingredient-specific sensitivity information for it.
Common formulation companions
- Sodium hyaluronate, disclosed alongside squalane in the lavender conditioner
- Keratin, panthenol and niacinamide
- Other emollients such as jojoba oil, used elsewhere in the Amplified Glow range
Amplified Glow products that disclose squalane
References
- European Commission — CosIng cosmetic ingredient database
The European Commission’s database of cosmetic substances and ingredients, including INCI names and declared functions.
ingredient dictionary
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review — ingredient safety assessments
An industry-funded expert panel that publishes safety assessments of cosmetic ingredients. Assessments address safety of use, not efficacy.
manufacturer technical
- Personal Care Products Council — INCI Dictionary
The body that assigns International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients names. The authoritative source for whether a trade name maps to a given INCI entry.
ingredient dictionary
- PubChem — National Center for Biotechnology Information
Public chemical structure and property database maintained by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
government