Hemisqualane

For decades, silicones have been the go-to ingredient for haircare, providing strengthening properties, protecting against heat damage from curling irons and blow dryers, and aiding color retention. Silicones however, are not water soluble and cause residue to be left behind. That residue can build up over time, causing scalp irritation and weighing down of hair, leaving it dull and prone to breakage. In recent years, studies have also come out regarding the potentially harmful properties of silicones, calling them “toxic” and “persistent”, with the potential to bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms. 

Enter hemisqualane: a clean, sustainable, biodegradable silicone alternative that is revolutionizing haircare. Derived from sugarcane, hemisqualane is lightweight, odorless, transparent, non-greasy, and suitable for all hair types. And–unlike the silicones used in rinse-off hair products–the molecule is able to penetrate the hair shaft, providing weightless nourishment that helps hair’s manageability, while reducing frizz and preserving color. 

If the name sounds familiar, that's because hemisqualane is a lighter form of squalane, the hero emollient beloved by clean brands including Costa Brazil, Goop, Biossance, and Rose Inc. Hemisqualane is half the molecular weight of squalane, meaning that while it has the same biomimetic properties of this essential skin oil, it won’t cause excess grease or heaviness in the hair when used correctly. 

This clean ingredient is also the hero of the JVN Hair line created by Queer Eye grooming guru Jonathan Van Ness. “Some of my favorite, most nourishing skin-care products were powered by hemisqualane, which is this insanely hydrating yet lightweight molecule,” says Van Ness. “I started thinking about how effective it would be on your scalp and your hair, and I realized we had the ability to replicate the effects of silicones without using them.” 

An effective, clean, superior product to silicone in hair care that adds softness, slip, shine, and bounce to hair without compromising long-term hair health, hemisqualane is the basis for every product in the JVN collection, delivering hydration, strength, shine, and sustainably to all hair types.