Is Squalane Vegan?

Also known as: Squalene (unsaturated precursor), Olive squalane, Sugarcane squalane

Depends on Source

Last checked 29 Jul 2026 How we decide

Squalane depends on the brand. Shark liver oil was the original source, and most cosmetic squalane now comes from olive oil, sugarcane fermentation, or wheat germ; Biossance and The Ordinary both state a plant origin outright. Shark-derived squalene has not vanished, and some vaccine adjuvants still use it.

Which animal, and does it die

Comes from: shark
Requires slaughter: Yes

Vegetarian depends on the source

Fish-derivedRelevant to a fish allergy

These flags describe sourcing. They are not an allergen assessment, and a vegan label is not a free-from claim. If you have an allergy, read the allergen declaration on the pack.

Ingredient Data

Vegan Status

Depends on Source

Also Known As

Squalene (unsaturated precursor); Olive squalane; Sugarcane squalane

Source

Historically, squalene (the unsaturated precursor) was extracted from shark liver oil [not vegan]. Today, most commercial squalane is derived from: (1) olive oil [vegan], (2) sugarcane fermentation [vegan], or (3) wheat germ [vegan]. However, shark-derived squalene is still used in some pharmaceutical vaccine adjuvants.

Commonly Found In

Moisturizers, facial oils, sunscreens, hair serums, lip balms, some vaccine formulations.

Vegan Alternative

Plant-derived squalane. Brands like Biossance (sugarcane) and The Ordinary (plant-derived) explicitly source from plants.

Additional Notes

This is a major improvement story in beauty. The shift away from shark squalene has saved an estimated millions of sharks per year. When purchasing, look for 'olive-derived' or 'sugarcane-derived' squalane on the label or brand website.

In depth

Squalene, Squalane, and Where They Come From

The two similar spellings describe related but distinct compounds. Squalene, spelled with an "e," is a naturally occurring unsaturated hydrocarbon found in the liver oil of sharks and, in smaller amounts, in plants such as olives, rice bran, wheat germ, and amaranth. Squalene is chemically unstable and oxidizes quickly, so it is hydrogenated into squalane, spelled with an "a." The result is a saturated, shelf-stable oil suited to cosmetics.

Squalane can be manufactured from either animal or plant squalene, and the finished ingredient is chemically identical regardless of origin. The vegan question is therefore entirely about sourcing. Historically, one of the most efficient commercial sources was shark liver oil, particularly from deep-sea species. Growing attention to shark populations and the wider availability of plant feedstocks have shifted much of the cosmetics market toward vegetable-derived squalane. Animal-derived material has not disappeared from the supply chain entirely.

How Plant-Derived Squalane Is Produced

Two plant routes dominate the market. Olive squalane is obtained from squalene naturally present in olive oil, typically recovered from the distillates left over when olive oil is refined and deodorized. That squalene is purified and then hydrogenated into stable squalane.

Sugarcane squalane follows a fermentation route. Sugars from sugarcane are fed to yeast, which convert them into a hydrocarbon called farnesene. The farnesene is then chemically converted and hydrogenated into squalane. Both processes yield a material that is chemically indistinguishable from shark-derived squalane. Wheat germ, rice bran, and amaranth oil can also serve as squalene sources. They appear less often commercially.

All of these plant routes are vegan. Cost, yield, and supply-chain considerations usually drive the choice among them. The final oil performs the same on skin whichever route is used.

Why the Label Rarely Reveals the Source

On an ingredient list, the substance appears simply as "Squalane." That is the standardized INCI name, and it is the same whether the material came from a shark, an olive, or sugarcane. No rule generally requires the origin to be stated, so the ingredient list alone cannot confirm whether a product is vegan.

To determine the source, consumers usually have to rely on manufacturer claims, brand websites, customer-service inquiries, or third-party vegan and cruelty-free certifications. Many brands that use plant material now advertise it explicitly, with wording such as "plant-derived," "olive-derived," or "sugarcane-derived" squalane. Part of the motive is marketing advantage.

The absence of such a claim does not automatically mean the squalane is animal-derived. The source is simply unverified. Certification from a recognized vegan organization offers the most reliable confirmation when origin is not stated on the packaging.

Squalane and Squalene Beyond Cosmetics

The clearest remaining overlap with animal sourcing sits in pharmaceuticals. Squalene, the unsaturated precursor, is used in some vaccine adjuvants. Adjuvants are the components added to certain vaccines to strengthen the immune response. A portion of this squalene has historically been sourced from shark liver oil, which is why the topic occasionally appears in shark-conservation discussions.

In cosmetics, squalane is valued as a lightweight, non-greasy emollient and shows up in moisturizers, facial oils, sunscreens, lip balms, and hair serums. Because it resembles a lipid the human body produces naturally, it is common in products marketed for sensitive skin.

The cosmetic and pharmaceutical supply chains are separate. Choosing plant-derived squalane in skincare does not change what is used in any particular vaccine formulation.

Frequently asked questions

Is squalane vegan?

It depends on the source. Squalane can be made from shark liver oil, which is not vegan, or from plants such as olives and sugarcane, which are vegan. Because the finished molecule is identical either way, the ingredient name tells you nothing. Check the source.

What is squalane made from?

Commercially, squalane is made from either shark liver oil or plant sources. The most common plant sources are olive oil and sugarcane fermentation, with wheat germ, rice bran, and amaranth used less often. All of the plant routes produce a chemically identical, vegan version.

Is squalane the same as squalene?

No, though they are closely related. Squalene, spelled with an "e," is the naturally occurring, unstable precursor; squalane, spelled with an "a," is the hydrogenated, shelf-stable form used in cosmetics. Both can come from either animal or plant sources.

How can I tell if squalane comes from sharks or plants?

You usually cannot tell from the ingredient list. The label says simply "Squalane" regardless of origin. Check the brand's website or packaging for terms like "plant-derived," "olive-derived," or "sugarcane-derived," or look for a recognized vegan certification.

Is shark-derived squalene still used?

Yes. While much of the cosmetics industry has shifted toward plant-derived squalane, shark-derived squalene has not disappeared and is still used in some products, including certain vaccine adjuvants. The ingredient therefore remains a topic in shark-conservation discussions.

Does plant-derived squalane work as well as shark-derived squalane?

Yes. Because squalane is the same molecule regardless of source, plant-derived and shark-derived versions perform identically on skin. The difference is entirely in the sourcing, not in the ingredient's cosmetic properties.

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