Squalene
A cosmetic ingredient used as skin conditioning - emollient, hair conditioning, solvent in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosa-2,6,10,14,18,22-hexaene
What does it do?
Squalene is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Skin conditioning - emollient
softens the skin by reducing roughness and friction between skin cells
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Hair conditioning
improves the appearance, feel, and manageability of hair
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Solvent
dissolves other ingredients into a uniform liquid phase
EU regulatory status
Squalene is listed in the EU's CosIng inventory with the note below. Whether a ban or restriction applies can depend on the exact form or source of the ingredient.
Notes: Please consider whether entry 419 of Annex II to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 is applicable. According to entry 419, category 1 material and Category 2 material as defined in Articles 4 and 5 respectively of Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002, and ingredients derived therefrom are prohibited in cosmetics products. Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 has been repealed and replaced by Regulation No. 1069/2009. For Category 1 and 2 materials in Regulation No. 1069/2009, please see Article 8 and 9, respectively.
Frequently asked questions
What is Squalene?
Squalene is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. 2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosa-2,6,10,14,18,22-hexaene
Is Squalene allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Not clear-cut. Squalene is listed in CosIng with an EU note. Whether a ban or restriction applies can depend on the exact form or source of the ingredient.
What does Squalene do in cosmetic products?
Squalene is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: skin conditioning - emollient, hair conditioning, solvent.
What is the CAS number of Squalene?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Squalene is 111-02-4, 7683-64-9.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 09/11/2026