Squalane-Free

What is Squalane?

Wikipedia: Squalane was traditionally sourced from the livers of sharks, with approximately 3000 required to produce one ton of squalane. Squalane is a hydrocarbon derived by the hydrogenation of squalene.

 

According to PETA: Squalene is Oil derived by from shark livers. In cosmetics, moisturizers, hair dyes, surface-active agents. Alternatives: vegetable emollients such as olive oil, wheat germ oil, rice bran oil, etc.

Shark Liver Oil: Used in lubricating creams and lotions. Derivatives: Squalane, Squalene. Alternatives: vegetable oils.

It is an ingredient used in cosmetics and it is becoming very popular: squalane Market Siz

 

Sharks are considered high in mercury and other heavy metals because they are large fish. Studies: Sharks are long-lived apex predators that can accumulate toxic metals such as mercury and arsenic

Sharks are at risk of extinction

What is Pristane?

Prisdtane is obtained from the liver oil of sharks and from whale ambergris. (See Squalene, Ambergris.) Used as a lubricant and anti-corrosive agent. In cosmetics. Alternatives: plant oils, synthetics.

Squalane Vegan Alternative

 Today, squalane is predominantly sourced from plant-based materials such as olive oilsugarcane, and amaranth seeds

Research has identified that squalene can be produced from olive, plants, algae, bacteria, and yeasts, some of which are cost-effective and can produce at least as much squalene as sharks.

Squalane derived from sustainable sugarcane is a purer, vegan, more ethical, and more effective version than other forms of squalane.

  • Check the label: make sure that their squalane is vegan by their packaging or ingredient list: Products containing vegan squalane often clearly state “plant-derived,” “olive-derived,” or “sugarcane-derived” squalane.

  • Check for vegan certification: Look for certified vegan labels on the product, which guarantee that no animal-derived ingredients are used.

Squalane & Squalene In Products

It is not easy to know if the squalene was harvested sustainably, came from non-threatened shark species, or was non-shark-derived. We need to investigate the brand and demand the source of these ingredients. If they don’t mention it on their website, chances are it is not plant-sourced. If we can’t get an answer, it’s better to skip the products until we get clarification.

When you see these ingredients, buy only PETA-approved products!