Potensi Squalen dalam Anti-aging: Tinjauan Literatur Review - Arumsari, Putri; Tajudin, Tatang; Indratmoko, Septiana; Issusilaningtyas, Elisa (Empiricism Journal, 2026)
Penuaan kulit semakin mendapat perhatian, namun pemahaman tentang peran senyawa alami sebagai agen anti-aging masih perlu diperdalam. Squalene, senyawa triterpen hidrokarbon alami (C30H50) yang ditemukan dalam minyak hati ikan hiu, minyak zaitun, amaranth, dedak padi, serta mikroba rekayasa genetik, menarik perhatian sebagai bahan aktif anti-aging alami. Kajian ini bertujuan menganalisis kandungan aktif, mekanisme kerja, bentuk konsumsi, dan bukti ilmiah squalene dalam potensi anti-aging melalui pendekatan systematic literature review. Penelitian ini menganalisis 14 artikel dari bidang kosmetologi, dermatologi, dan bioteknologi farmasi (2016-2025), yang sebagian besar merupakan penelitian eksperimental (in vitro, ex vivo, dan in vivo) serta beberapa studi klinis awal. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa squalene bekerja melalui empat mekanisme utama: aktivitas antioksidan (menetralkan ROS, menekan MMP-1, mengaktifkan jalur Nrf2/ARE), antiinflamasi (menghambat NF-KB dan sitokin proinflamasi), fotoprotektif (mencegah peroksidasi lipid akibat UV), dan regeneratif (menstimulasi TGF-B untuk pembentukan kolagen). Formulasi nanoemulsi dan oleogel berbasis squalene efektif meningkatkan kondisi kulit. Squalene nabati, seperti dari minyak zaitun dan amaranth, menunjukkan efektivitas setara dengan sumber hewani, mendukung keberlanjutan dan etika produksi kosmetik. Squalene berpotensi sebagai bahan aktif anti-aging generasi baru yang aman, efektif, dan ramah lingkungan, namun kajian lebih lanjut diperlukan untuk menilai efektivitas jangka panjang dan dosis optimalnya. The Potential of Squalene in Anti-aging: A Literature Review Abstract Skin aging is becoming an increasingly recognized issue, but understanding the role of natural compounds as anti-aging agents still requires further exploration. Squalene, a natural triterpene hydrocarbon (C30H50) found in shark liver oil, olive oil, amaranth, rice bran, and genetically engineered microbes, has gained attention as a natural anti-aging active ingredient. This review aims to analyze the active content, mechanisms of action, consumption forms, and scientific evidence supporting the anti-aging potential of squalene through a systematic literature review approach. The study analyzes 14 articles from the fields of cosmetology, dermatology, and pharmaceutical biotechnology (2016-2025), mostly experimental research (in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo) supported by some early clinical studies. The results show that squalene works through four main mechanisms: antioxidant activity (neutralizing ROS, inhibiting MMP-1, activating Nrf2/ARE pathway), anti-inflammatory (inhibiting NF-KB and pro-inflammatory cytokines), photoprotective (preventing lipid peroxidation due to UV), and regenerative (stimulating TGF-B for collagen formation). Squalene-based nanoemulsion and oleogel formulations effectively improve skin conditions. Plant-based squalene, such as from olive oil and amaranth, shows comparable effectiveness to animal sources, supporting sustainability and ethical considerations in modern cosmetic production. Overall, squalene has great potential as a new generation of safe, effective, and environmentally friendly anti-aging active ingredients, though further studies are needed to assess long-term effectiveness and optimal dosages.