Is There Vegan Squalane, and How Is It Sourced?

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

Historically, squalane was harvested unethically from the livers of deep-sea sharks, a practice that severely endangered marine ecosystems. Today, however, a thriving market for ethical, vegan squalane exists, offering a sustainable alternative with identical skin-enhancing properties derived from plant-based sources. This guide explores how to identify and benefit from vegan squalane in your skincare routine.

Quick Summary

This article explains the difference between squalene and its stable counterpart, squalane. It details the ethical sourcing shift from sharks to sustainable plant-based options like olives and sugarcane, and outlines how to confirm a product is vegan and cruelty-free. The text also covers the benefits of this moisturizing ingredient for all skin types and its applications in modern, clean beauty.

Key Points

Vegan squalane exists: Squalane is derived from plants like olives, sugarcane, and rice bran, providing a cruelty-free alternative to shark liver oil.
Squalane vs. Squalene: Squalane is the stable, hydrogenated form of squalene, which is naturally unstable and prone to oxidation.
Check the Label: To ensure squalane is vegan, look for labels stating 'plant-derived,' 'sugarcane-derived,' 'olive-derived,' or official vegan certifications.
Squalane is non-comedogenic: As a lightweight, non-greasy emollient, it effectively hydrates all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin, without clogging pores.
Ethical sourcing benefits the planet: Choosing vegan squalane supports sustainable practices and protects marine life from unethical harvesting.

Squalene vs. Squalane: Understanding the Key Difference

Before diving into vegan sources, it's essential to distinguish between squalene (with an 'e') and squalane (with an 'a'). Squalene is a highly unstable lipid produced naturally by our skin, making up a portion of our sebum. It is prone to oxidation when exposed to oxygen, which causes it to go rancid quickly, making it unsuitable for cosmetic formulations. Squalane is the hydrogenated, stable version of squalene, created by adding hydrogen molecules to prevent oxidation. This process makes squalane a much more effective, shelf-stable, and lightweight ingredient for skincare. Both animal and plant sources can contain squalene, but only squalane is used in skincare products for stability.

The Historical and Ethical Issue with Shark Squalane

For many years, the primary commercial source of squalene was the liver oil of deep-sea sharks, which contain a high concentration of the substance. This led to the mass hunting of sharks, devastating marine populations and ecosystems. A shocking number of sharks were killed annually just for their livers, a practice known as 'shark livering'. Ethical concerns and sustainability issues prompted the skincare industry to seek alternative, cruelty-free sources, leading to the development of plant-based and biotech-derived squalane.

The Rise of Sustainable Vegan Squalane Sources

Today, ethical and environmentally-conscious brands use vegan sources to create high-quality squalane. These methods are not only cruelty-free but also offer a more stable and sometimes purer end product.

Olive-Derived Squalane

This was one of the earliest and most common vegan alternatives to shark-derived squalane. It is a byproduct of the olive oil industry, extracted and then hydrogenated to produce the stable squalane molecule.

Pros: Utilizes a food industry byproduct, widely available.
Cons: Can be limited by seasonal crop yield and might not be as pure or consistent as other methods.

Sugarcane-Derived Squalane

This modern method uses biotechnology, specifically bio-fermentation, to create squalane from renewable sugarcane. Yeast is used to ferment the sugarcane, producing a precursor molecule that is then hydrogenated into squalane.

Pros: Highly sustainable and scalable, offering superior purity and consistency.
Cons: The use of genetically modified yeast in fermentation is sometimes a point of discussion for purists, though it is considered very safe and efficient.

Other Plant Sources

Other vegan sources include amaranth, rice bran, and wheat germ, which also naturally contain smaller concentrations of squalene. These are less common for large-scale cosmetic production due to lower yields compared to olives or sugarcane but are still valid alternatives.

Vegan vs. Traditional Squalane: A Comparison


Feature	Vegan Squalane	Traditional Squalane (Shark-Derived)
Source	Plants (olives, sugarcane, rice bran) and bio-fermentation	Shark liver oil
Ethical Implications	Cruelty-free and environmentally responsible	Contributes to endangerment of sharks and ecological damage
Purity	Often higher purity due to controlled extraction or fermentation	Variable purity depending on processing
Consistency	Reliable and consistent supply, especially from bio-fermentation	Can be limited by fishing quotas and supply fluctuations
Shelf Stability	Extremely stable and resistant to oxidation	Becomes unstable and rancid over time if not hydrogenated correctly

The Benefits of Vegan Squalane for Your Skin

Regardless of its source, squalane is an exceptional emollient that offers a wealth of benefits for skin and hair. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it suitable for virtually all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Intense Hydration: Vegan squalane effectively hydrates the skin by mimicking the natural sebum, preventing moisture loss and strengthening the skin's barrier.
Antioxidant Protection: Its antioxidant properties help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental stressors and UV radiation, which can accelerate aging.
Non-Comedogenic: Unlike other oils, vegan squalane has a low comedogenic rating, meaning it won't clog pores or contribute to breakouts.
Improves Skin Texture: Regular use helps to soften and smooth skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and restoring a supple, even-toned complexion.
Enhances Ingredient Absorption: Squalane's molecular structure allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin, acting as an excellent carrier for other active ingredients in a formulation.

How to Find Truly Vegan Squalane Products

With the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name for all squalane simply being "Squalane," it can be challenging for consumers to determine the origin. Follow these steps to ensure your purchase is genuinely vegan and cruelty-free:

Look for Transparency: Reputable brands will clearly state the source of their squalane. Search for phrases like "plant-derived," "100% plant-based," "sugarcane-derived," or "olive-derived" on the product packaging or website.
Check for Certification: Look for official vegan and cruelty-free certifications, such as the Vegan Society logo or PETA's "Beauty Without Bunnies" seal. These labels guarantee no animal ingredients or testing were used.
Review the Brand's Mission: Choose brands committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability. If a brand promotes clean beauty, it's more likely to be using ethical, vegan ingredients.
Contact the Manufacturer: If the source is unclear, reach out to the company's customer service for confirmation. If they are unwilling to provide information, consider it a red flag.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the good news for conscious consumers is that vegan squalane is widely available, highly effective, and ethically produced. The shift from unsustainable shark-derived squalane to innovative, plant-based alternatives derived from sources like olives and sugarcane represents a positive evolution in the beauty industry. By being an informed shopper and looking for transparent labeling and certifications, you can easily find products containing cruelty-free squalane that deliver superior moisturizing and anti-aging benefits without harming marine life.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, squalane is not always vegan. Traditionally, it was sourced from shark liver oil. While most modern skincare brands use plant-derived versions from olives or sugarcane, it is crucial to check the label for confirmation, as some products may still contain animal-derived squalane.

Squalene (with an 'e') is an unstable lipid naturally produced by the body and found in plants. Squalane (with an 'a') is the hydrogenated, stable version of squalene used in cosmetics to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life.

The most common vegan sources of squalane are olives, sugarcane, and rice bran. Advancements in biotechnology also allow for highly sustainable bio-fermentation processes using sugarcane.

To be certain, look for specific phrasing on the product label, such as 'plant-derived,' 'sugarcane-derived,' or 'olive-derived.' Also, check for third-party vegan certifications from organizations like The Vegan Society or PETA.

Yes, vegan squalane is just as effective, and in some cases, purer and more consistent than its shark-derived counterpart. It provides the same moisturizing, antioxidant, and emollient benefits.

Yes, vegan squalane is considered safe and suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. Its non-comedogenic and lightweight nature helps balance oil production and won't clog pores.

The shift was driven by ethical concerns over the environmentally destructive and inhumane practice of harvesting squalane from deep-sea shark livers. Consumers and companies alike demanded more sustainable and cruelty-free sourcing methods.