1、 Overview
Vegetable Squalene, also known as triacontahexaene or spinacene, is a polyunsaturated olefin with regular branched chains.
2、 Basic Product Information
Product Name: Vegetable Squalene
Synonym: Skvalen, Sqalene, SQUALENE OIL, SQUALENE, SPINACENE,
2,6,10,14,18,22-Tetracosahexaene, 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-,
2,6,10,15,19,23-HEXAMETHYL-2,6,10,14,18,22-TETRACOSAHEXAENE,
2,6,10,15,19,23-HEXAMETHYL-2,6,10,14,18,22-TETRACOSAHEXENE
CAS NO.: 7683-64-9
Molecular Formula: C30H50
Molecular Weight: 410.72
Structural Formula: 
Appearance: Colorless or yellow transparent oily liquid
Specifications: 50% Vegetable Squalene, 70% Vegetable Squalene, 80% Vegetable Squalene
Related Categories: Organic compounds
Transport Information: Non-dangerous goods
HS Code: 2901299090
Product Manager Email: sophia@coreychem.com
3、Vegetable Squalene (CAS: 7683-64-9) — Q&A
1）
Question 1: What chemical classification does vegetable squalene belong to, and what is its core structural characteristic?
Answer: Vegetable squalene is classified as an unsaponifiable lipid and a polyunsaturated triterpene hydrocarbon. Its molecular structure contains six carbon-carbon double bonds, which contribute to its oxygen-absorbing performance and antioxidant activity. As a long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbon without glycerol or fatty acid structures, it does not undergo saponification under alkaline conditions.
2）
Question 2: Why does vegetable squalene become sticky after contacting with oxygen, and what kind of chemical change occurs?
Answer: The unsaturated double bonds in squalene are chemically active and susceptible to slow oxidation and cross-linking reactions when exposed to air. Continuous oxygen absorption leads to molecular chain polymerization, gradually increasing liquid viscosity and forming a thick texture similar to linseed oil. This is an irreversible oxidative change that affects the product’s original properties and stability.
3）
Question 3: What are the selective solubility characteristics of vegetable squalene, and what is the principle behind its solubility difference?
Answer: Vegetable squalene is a typical non-polar lipophilic compound. It is soluble in non-polar and weakly polar organic solvents including ether, petroleum ether, acetone and carbon tetrachloride, slightly soluble in ethanol and acetic acid, and practically insoluble in water. This solubility behavior follows the “like dissolves like” principle. Its non-polar molecular structure cannot form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, resulting in water insolubility.
4）
Question 4: What is the thermal stability performance of vegetable squalene under normal pressure, and what will happen when the temperature exceeds the decomposition range?
Answer: Vegetable squalene exhibits stable chemical properties at room temperature under normal storage conditions. Under atmospheric pressure, it starts to decompose at approximately 330°C, with continuous thermal decomposition occurring up to around 350°C. When heated beyond this temperature range, its long-chain hydrocarbon structure breaks down, causing molecular pyrolysis and generating small-molecule hydrocarbons. High-temperature decomposition destroys its original chemical structure and eliminates its natural antioxidant and oxygen-carrying characteristics.
5）
Question 5: What is the essential difference between unsaponifiable squalene and common vegetable oils in chemical properties?
Answer: Common vegetable oils are triglycerides that can be hydrolyzed and saponified under alkaline conditions to produce glycerol and fatty acid salts. In contrast, vegetable squalene is an unsaponifiable lipid with no ester groups in its molecular structure. It cannot be hydrolyzed or saponified in alkaline environments, showing excellent stability in alkaline formula systems, which distinguishes it from conventional edible and cosmetic oils.
4.Application Q&A
1）
Question 1: What role can vegetable squalene play in cosmetic emulsified systems such as creams and lotions?
Answer: Vegetable squalene has good compatibility with emulsified systems such as creams, ointments and sunscreens. It can be incorporated as an oil-phase emollient and moisturizer to improve the spreadability of finished products on skin. Meanwhile, it functions as a free radical scavenger to reduce oxidative stress on the skin. It can be incorporated into cold creams, moisturizing lotions and lipsticks.
2）
Question 2: What benefits does plant-derived squalene bring to cosmetic and health product formulations compared with shark liver squalene?
Answer: Both plant-derived and shark liver-derived squalene share the same chemical structure. Vegetable squalene is sourced from plant raw materials. It meets vegan requirements and animal-free formulation standards. It avoids potential biogenic contamination risks associated with animal-derived raw materials, which makes it more suitable for global cosmetic and dietary supplement markets with strict animal ingredient regulations. However, plant-derived squalene is not chemically more stable than shark liver squalene; both contain unsaturated double bonds and are prone to oxidation. If better oxidative stability is required, squalane—the hydrogenated form of squalene—should be considered instead.
3）
Question 3: What precautions should formulators take when adding vegetable squalene into cosmetic recipes?
Answer: Since vegetable squalene contains unsaturated double bonds, it is prone to oxidation upon prolonged air exposure. Formulators should minimize high-temperature processing steps and consider adding compatible antioxidants to the formula to extend shelf life. It is oil-soluble and does not dissolve in the aqueous phase, so proper emulsification system design is required.
4）
Question 4: Besides cosmetics, what are the application prospects of vegetable squalene in food and pharmaceutical fields?
Answer: Thanks to its antioxidant and oxygen-supporting properties, vegetable squalene can be used as an active ingredient in health food formulations. In pharmaceutical applications, it can serve as an excipient or active additive in certain topical preparations, leveraging its good skin affinity and antioxidant capacity. In addition, squalene is a well-known key component for vaccine adjuvant development. Squalene-based oil-in-water nanoemulsion platforms such as MF59 and AS03 have been widely adopted in influenza and other vaccines to boost immune responses. Plant-derived squalene is being explored as a sustainable alternative raw material for adjuvant development, but its use in licensed vaccines is subject to specific regulatory approval.
5）
Question 5: What is the function of vegetable squalene when used in high-grade soap formulations?
Answer: Vegetable squalene is used as a high-fat agent in premium soaps. It helps reduce the drying effect of soap on skin, improves the lubricating feel during washing, and provides mild antioxidant protection for the soap matrix.
5.Packaging, Storage and Transportation Requirements
Packaging
Pack plant squalene in sealed food-grade or chemical-grade containers (such as plastic drums or aluminum bottles). The packaging shall be protected from light and air to prevent oxidation and viscosity increase of the product.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry and dark place. Keep containers tightly closed to avoid contact with air. Keep away from high temperature, heat sources and oxidizing substances. Do not store together with strong oxidants.
Transportation
Protect the packages from direct sunlight, rain and high temperature during transportation. Handle with care to prevent package breakage and leakage. Keep away from strong oxidants. It is not classified as dangerous goods for common transportation. In case of leakage, absorb the liquid with inert absorbent and avoid discharging into water bodies.
Shelf Life
24 months under the specified storage conditions.
6、 Product Manager Information
Contact information:
Contact: Sophia Li
Email: sophia@coreychem.com
