Is Squalane Vegan?

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

Depends on 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.

Ingredient Data

Vegan Status

Depends on Source

Also Known As

Squalene (unsaturated precursor); Olive squalane; Sugarcane squalane

Source

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. It is chemically unstable and oxidizes quickly, so it is hydrogenated into squalane, spelled with an "a" — a saturated, shelf-stable oil suited to cosmetics.

Because squalane can be manufactured from either animal or plant squalene, the finished ingredient is chemically identical regardless of origin. The vegan question is therefore entirely about sourcing, not about the molecule itself. 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, though 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, and 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, though they appear less often commercially.

All of these plant routes are vegan. The choice among them is usually driven by cost, yield, and supply-chain considerations rather than by any meaningful difference in how the final oil performs on skin.

Why the Label Rarely Reveals the Source

On an ingredient list, the substance appears simply as "Squalane" — the standardized INCI name, which is the same whether the material came from a shark, an olive, or sugarcane. There is no general requirement to state the origin, 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, partly because it is a marketing advantage.

The absence of such a claim does not automatically mean the squalane is animal-derived, but it does mean the source is 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 is in pharmaceuticals rather than skincare. Squalene — the unsaturated precursor — is used in some vaccine adjuvants, 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.

Consumers focused on avoiding animal-derived ingredients should note that 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, you have to check the source rather than the ingredient name.

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, because it is labeled 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. This is why the ingredient 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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