Getting To Know Squalane

Squalane is a fantastic ingredient that The Sage offers in two forms: Squalane Oil and Squalane Butter.

It is a vegetable-derived cousin to a substance called squalene, which is found in the sebum. Because squalane is a bio-identical match to squalene, it’s readily absorbed into the skin.

Squalane helps chapped and cracked skin, offers cell-regeneration properties, and naturally lubricates and moisturizes skin. It can even protect against UV damage, though that is not a claim you’d want to make. It’s just a good thing to know.

Substitute Squalane Oil for any light oil and Squalane Butter for any oil that is solid at room temperature. We suggest usage rates between 1-10%. Though you can do a 100% substitution, the cost of Squalane is prohibitive.

To highlight the moisturizing power of Squalane Butter, I’ll make a luscious foot cream. Come along to the workroom and we’ll see what we can whip up.

Squalane Foot Cream

Instructions

Weigh all ingredients but the extracts, preservative, and fragrance into a double boiler or microwave-safe container. Heat gently until all ingredients are melted, stirring frequently.

Once everything has melted, use a stick blender to blend the mixture until ingredients are emulsified. Check the temperature. Set mixture aside until temperature falls below 120ºF (49ºC).

Once temperature has dropped, add the extracts, preservative, and fragrance oil. Stir well to combine.

Scoop the cream into a plastic zip-top bag to pipe into wide-mouth jars.

Ingredients in beaker prior to melting.

Adding extracts after cooling.

Notes

What a luxurious foot cream you can make with Squalane Butter! It goes on smooth and feels quite moisturizing, though it is not a heavy feeling cream. There is enough play to give yourself a bit of a foot rub, too.

I’m going to use this cream on my feet for as long as my test batch holds out. I think this will really make a difference in my scaly heels!