Squalene: What is Another Name for Shark Oil?

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

The primary component of shark oil, commercially harvested from the livers of deep-sea sharks, is a compound called squalene. While this oily substance was once widely used in cosmetics and supplements, the industry is now moving towards more sustainable, plant-based alternatives due to rising ethical concerns.

Quick Summary

Shark oil's primary component is squalene, a natural hydrocarbon with a stabilized derivative called squalane, used in cosmetics and vaccines. Due to concerns over shark exploitation, there is a significant shift toward plant-based alternatives.

Key Points

Squalene is the scientific name for the primary compound found in shark liver oil, but it is unstable and prone to oxidation.
Squalane is the stable form of squalene, created through hydrogenation, and is the version predominantly used in skincare products.
Ethical concerns over shark overfishing have led the cosmetics industry to shift from shark-derived oil to sustainable, plant-based sources like olives and sugarcane.
Squalane is a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that deeply hydrates the skin, mimics natural sebum, and won't clog pores, making it suitable for all skin types.
Check product labels for 'plant-derived' or 'vegan' squalane to ensure you are buying an ethical and sustainably sourced product.
Squalene has other applications beyond skincare, including use as an adjuvant in some vaccines to enhance immune response.

The Scientific Name: Squalene

Squalene (with an "e") is the most common alternative name for shark oil, specifically shark liver oil. It is a naturally occurring organic compound and a key component of human sebum. Sharks, particularly deep-sea species, have livers rich in squalene which helps with buoyancy. Squalene is also found in other animals and many plants like olives, amaranth, sugarcane, and rice bran. Raw squalene is unstable and prone to oxidation, requiring further processing for applications with longer shelf lives.

Where is Squalene Found?

Shark Liver Oil: Historically, a primary commercial source due to high concentration in deep-sea sharks.
Plant-Based Sources: Olives, amaranth seed, sugarcane, and rice bran are common, ethical sources.
Human Sebum: A significant part of the skin's natural moisturizing oil.
Other Microbes: Research indicates sources from yeasts, bacteria, and algae as sustainable options.

The Stable Derivative: Squalane

To overcome squalene's instability, it undergoes hydrogenation to become squalane (with an "a"). This process adds hydrogen atoms, preventing oxidation and extending shelf life. Squalane is the preferred ingredient in topical skincare due to its durability and stability. It acts as an effective moisturizer, mimicking natural skin oils for quick absorption without a greasy feel. Squalane is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types.

Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing

Historically, the demand for shark liver oil led to overfishing and endangerment of shark species. This raised major ethical concerns, especially regarding slow-growing deep-sea sharks. Over a decade ago, many cosmetic companies started moving away from shark-derived squalane. Today, the market favors plant-based alternatives from sources like olives and sugarcane. This shift supports marine ecosystems and offers a more ethical, cruelty-free, and often purer product. Consumers should look for "plant-derived" or "vegan" labels to confirm ethical sourcing.

Uses of Squalene and Squalane

These compounds are used in various industries:

Cosmetics: Squalane is a key emollient in moisturizers and serums.
Pharmaceuticals: Squalene acts as an adjuvant in some vaccines, enhancing immune response.
Nutraceuticals: Shark liver oil containing squalene is marketed as a supplement, though effects vary.
Industrial: Historically used in lubricants and cleaning agents.

Squalene vs. Squalane: A Comparison


Characteristic	Squalene	Squalane
Source	Historically, shark liver oil; also in plants (olives, etc.) and human skin.	Derived from squalene, primarily from plant sources today.
Stability	Unstable; prone to oxidation when exposed to air and UV light.	Highly stable; created through the hydrogenation of squalene.
Skin Use	Rarely used directly in cosmetics due to instability and risk of irritation.	Widely used in skincare for deep hydration and as a lightweight emollient.
Benefits	Antioxidant and moisturizing properties in its natural state.	Moisturizing, non-comedogenic, lightweight, and long shelf life.
Formulation	Difficult to incorporate into products due to its sensitive nature.	Easy to formulate into various products due to its stability.

Conclusion

In summary, squalene is the scientific name for the compound in shark oil, but the stable derivative squalane is more common in modern products. The industry has moved towards ethical, sustainable plant-based sources like olives and sugarcane, protecting marine life. Plant-derived squalane is a high-quality, stable, and effective moisturizer. Consumers can make ethical choices by looking for products labeled with plant-derived squalane. Protecting ocean life by choosing ethical alternatives is a vital step forward. For more information on protecting marine species from commercial exploitation, consider visiting the Oceana website for ongoing campaigns Shark Squalene - Oceana USA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Squalene is the raw, unsaturated hydrocarbon found in shark livers, plants, and human skin, which is unstable and oxidizes quickly. Squalane is the hydrogenated, or saturated, and stable form of squalene, making it ideal for use in cosmetic and skincare products.

While it was historically sourced from shark livers, most modern squalane used in cosmetics and skincare is derived from sustainable plant sources, such as olives, sugarcane, and amaranth. Some pharmaceutical squalene may still be shark-sourced, so it's important to check product labels.

Squalane is an excellent moisturizer that mimics the skin's natural oils, improving hydration, reducing fine lines, and strengthening the skin's moisture barrier. It is lightweight, non-greasy, and suitable for all skin types.

No, squalane is non-comedogenic, meaning it is very unlikely to clog pores. Its texture is very similar to the natural oils in our skin, allowing for easy absorption.

To ensure a product uses plant-based squalane, look for labels that state "100% plant-derived," "vegan," or specifically mention the plant source, such as "olive-derived squalane." If it is not clearly stated, you can contact the manufacturer.

Cosmetic companies transitioned away from using shark-derived squalene due to increasing ethical and environmental concerns related to shark overfishing and the threat to marine biodiversity. Plant-based alternatives provide a sustainable and cruelty-free source.

Yes, squalene is used as an adjuvant in certain vaccines, such as some influenza vaccines, to boost the immune system's response to the active ingredients. This pharmaceutical-grade squalene can be sourced from plants, but some may still come from sharks.