Essentially Natural Hemisqualane is a lightweight, fast-absorbing emollient produced from plant sugars that feels like a dry, silky oil on the skin. It offers excellent slip and conditioning without the heaviness or greasiness some plant oils can leave behind. With a lower molecular weight than squalane , hemisqualane is especially popular in facial care and haircare as a natural-feel alternative to silicone-style smoothness.
Key Properties
- INCI Name: C13-15 Alkane
- Trade Name: Neossance® Hemisqualane
- Source: Plant sugars
- Texture: Very light, dry-feel oil
- Skin Feel: Non-greasy, fast absorbing
- Function: Emollient, skin conditioner, hair conditioner, slip enhancer
- Usage Rate: 1-100%
- Phase: Oil phase
- Certification: ECOCERT approved
- Size Options: 50ml, 100ml, 200ml, 500ml or 1L
What It’s Used For
- Facial oils and lightweight moisturising products with a dry-touch finish
- Makeup removers and gentle oil cleansers that rinse cleanly
- Serums, balms, and anhydrous blends to improve spreadability and reduce heaviness
- Hair serums and leave-ins as a natural-feel alternative to silicone slip
- Conditioning boosters in hair masks and finishing products to reduce frizz and improve manageability
Who It’s For
This product is suitable for:
- Oily or combination skin routines that want moisture without a greasy feel
- Sensitive-feel skin routines that prefer simple, low-residue emollients
- Formulators looking for a sustainable alternative to cyclomethicone-type sensorials
- Haircare products that want smoothness and shine without silicone build-up
This product is not:
- A water-phase ingredient, it must be used in the oil phase or anhydrous products
- Best for those who prefer rich, heavy oils or occlusive finishes
- Intended for ingestion or internal use
How To Use
- As a Facial Oil: Apply 2 to 4 drops to clean, slightly damp skin, alone or layered under moisturiser.
- As a Makeup Remover: Massage onto dry skin to dissolve makeup, then remove with a warm damp cloth or follow with a gentle cleanser.
- As a Hair Serum: Smooth a few drops onto damp or dry hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends to reduce frizz and add shine.
- As an Oil Phase Ingredient: Use at 1-100% depending on the texture you want, it can partially or fully replace heavier oils to improve slip and reduce greasiness.
- Processing Tip: Add during cool-down for emulsions where possible, and always mix well for even distribution.
Safety Instructions
- For external use only
- Patch test before first use
- Avoid contact with eyes, if contact occurs rinse thoroughly with water
- Discontinue use if irritation occurs
- Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
FAQs
Q: How is hemisqualane different from squalane?
A: Hemisqualane has a lower molecular weight, so it tends to feel lighter and more dry-touch while still providing excellent emollience.
Q: Is hemisqualane a silicone?
A: No, it is not a silicone. It is a naturally derived emollient often used as a sustainable alternative to silicone-style slip.
Q: Can I use it on oily or acne-prone skin?
A: Many people like it for oily-feel skin because it absorbs quickly and feels non-greasy, start with a small amount and patch test.
Q: Can it replace cyclomethicone in hair products?
A: It is commonly used as a naturally derived alternative to cyclomethicone-type sensorials, offering slip and smoothness without a silicone feel.
Q: Can I use hemisqualane at 100%?
A: Yes, it can be used neat as a lightweight face or hair oil, or used at lower percentages in formulas to adjust skin feel and spread.
