Common Name(s): Pentahydrosqualene,pentahydrosqualene,dihydrosqualene intermediate,squalene biosynthesis precursor
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides squalene-like sebum-compatible triterpene emolliency with one fewer double bond for improved oxidative stability, reducing the squalene oxidation that generates the pro-inflammatory squalene monohydroperoxide implicated in acne.
Why It's Used: Pentahydrosqualene is selected as a stabilised squalene analog โ reducing the degree of unsaturation from 6 to 5 double bonds significantly reduces lipid peroxidation susceptibility while retaining the sebum-compatible triterpene hydrocarbon structure, addressing squalene's pro-oxidant tendency in comedone-prone skin.
How It Works: Pentahydrosqualene: 5 isoprene double bonds (vs squalene 6) โ lower lipid peroxidation rate โ reduced squalene monohydroperoxide formation โ less comedone-promoting sebum peroxidation.
Typically Found In: Anti-acne,sebum compatible,emollient
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ20%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Squalene monohydroperoxide (squalene + ยนoโ) is the key trigger of comedone formation โ pentahydrosqualene reduces this pathway by ~30% compared to squalene at equivalent use concentration.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,pentahydrosqualene stabilised squalene analog sebum review