Squalane

Conventional Squalane

❌  Squalane:  According to PETA’s  Squalane is Shark Liver Oil.  
Sharks are considered high in mercury and other heavy metals because they are large fish.

It is an ingredient used in cosmetics, moisturizers, hair dyes, and surface-active agents and it is becoming very popular: squalane Market Siz

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

Alternatives: vegetable emollients such as olive oil, wheat germ oil, rice bran oil, etc.

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.

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

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.

Sustainable Squalane Vegan Alternative

Squalane is an adaptogenic powerhouse derived from vegan sources; it locks in moisture and balances skin while providing concentrated hydration and nourishment. 

 Today, squalane is predominantly sourced from plant-based materials such as: 

 

  • ✅ Olive oil,
  • ✅ Sugarcane
  • ✅ 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!