The beauty industry is taking a closer look at animal-derived ingredients such as squalane. Interest in plant-based alternatives is growing as ethics and sustainability receive more attention. Squalane has traditionally been sourced from shark liver oil, while shark hunting can pose a threat to marine ecosystems. Plant-derived squalane offers a way to meet demand for the ingredient without relying on an animal source.
From shark to plant
Consumers are becoming more aware of the moral and environmental implications of animal-derived ingredients. Formulators are therefore looking for alternatives that can deliver similar properties without compromising on the desired effects. Plant-based squalane is gaining attention across skin care, hair care, and beauty-from-within applications.
Squalane is valued for its hydrating and barrier-supporting properties. It closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum and contributes to skin moisturization, barrier function, and protection.
Plant-based versions can be sourced from sugarcane, olives, and palm fruits. A lightweight version made from Brazilian sugarcane is mainly used in hair care and is said not to contribute to deforestation. Another version derived from plant sugars is resistant to oxidation and remains stable under UV exposure and temperature variations. It is used in makeup, skin care, and hair care.
Interest in squalane is not limited to one region. A Korean skin care brand recently launched a collection containing olive-derived squalane through a major beauty retailer. The collection features five lightweight hydration formulas designed to provide long-lasting moisture. Since squalane closely resembles natural skin sebum, the formulas are designed to absorb quickly, replenish moisture, and leave skin feeling comfortable rather than coated.
Squalane for skin health and healthy aging
Squalane is not only being used in products applied directly to the skin. The ingredient is gaining attention in the beauty-from-within space, where products combine beauty and well-being.
The natural presence of squalene in the skin, together with its role in skin moisturization, lipid biology, and skin protection, makes it an interesting ingredient for formulations targeting skin health and healthy aging.
One active ingredient combines plant-derived squalane with full-spectrum tocotrienols extracted from sustainably sourced palm fruits. The combination brings together squalane’s lipid and emollient properties with the antioxidant activity and cellular protection associated with tocotrienols.
Squalene plays a role in lipid biology as a precursor to sterols, including cholesterol, which are needed for normal cellular function. Tocotrienols are part of the vitamin E family and are recognized for their antioxidant properties. There is growing research interest in their role in cellular protection, healthy aging, and skin health.
Rather than focusing on one part of skin health, the combination connects skin hydration and resilience with broader aspects of healthy aging. The ingredient is positioned as a solution for both topical and ingestible beauty applications.
Sustainability goes beyond the source
Replacing shark liver oil in cosmetics is a first step, but sustainability involves more than simply choosing a different raw material. Raw material sourcing, extraction methods, and processing practices all play a role in developing more sustainable cosmetics.
Consumers are increasingly able to distinguish between natural sourcing and ethical sourcing. Plant-based alternatives to animal-derived ingredients therefore need to be produced with responsible extraction practices as well.
One plant-based squalane ingredient sourced from sustainably grown palm fruits uses a natural extraction process without solvents or chemicals. This approach is intended to preserve the natural properties of the phytonutrients while supporting cleaner production practices.
The move toward plant-based squalane shows that ingredient choices can go beyond simply replacing one source with another. The focus is on using renewable resources responsibly and creating solutions that consider both human health and the health of the environment.
