Also on labels as: hydrogenated olive oil squalane, hydrogenated shark liver oil, C30H62
In one line
A stable, saturated hydrocarbon oil used in skincare to soften skin and reduce moisture loss.
What is Squalane?
Squalane is a fully hydrogenated, saturated version of squalene, a lipid found naturally in human sebum, shark liver, olive oil, amaranth seed, and sugarcane. Hydrogenation removes the double bonds in squalene, making squalane far more stable and resistant to oxidation. Most commercial squalane today is derived from plant sources, particularly sugarcane or olives, rather than from shark liver.
What does it do in the product?
Squalane sits on the surface of skin and forms a lightweight, non-greasy barrier that slows water evaporation, keeping skin feeling soft and hydrated. Because it closely resembles the skin's own natural lipids, it tends to be well-tolerated and absorbs without leaving a heavy residue. In hair products it smooths the cuticle and adds sheen without significant buildup.
Where you usually find it
facial moisturisers and serums
hair oils and conditioners
lip balms and glosses
body lotions
cleansing balms and oils
Is Squalane something to worry about?
Squalane has a long safety record in cosmetics and is consistently rated as well-tolerated across skin types, including sensitive skin. Regulatory bodies in both the US and EU recognise it as safe for topical cosmetic use at typical concentrations. The main historical concern was its sourcing from deep-sea sharks, an environmental rather than a safety issue; plant-derived alternatives now dominate the market.
Who should pay attention
Olive-allergic individuals: olive-derived squalane may trigger reactions — check the source listed on the label
Acne-prone skin: squalane is considered non-comedogenic for most people, though individual responses vary
Vegans and animal-welfare advocates: shark-derived squalane still exists; look for 'sugarcane squalane' or a vegan certification
People with nut or grain sensitivities: amaranth-sourced squalane is less common but worth noting
How is it regulated?
In the United States, squalane is used in cosmetics without restriction under FDA's general cosmetic safety framework, and it also appears in some over-the-counter drug products as an emollient excipient. The EU Cosmetics Regulation permits squalane without concentration limits, and EFSA has reviewed squalene and related lipids in the context of food supplements, finding no significant safety concerns at typical intake levels. Neither jurisdiction requires a specific origin declaration on the label.
How to spot it on a label
On an ingredient list, it appears simply as 'squalane'; if the source matters to you, look for supplementary on-pack claims such as 'plant-derived squalane' or 'sugarcane squalane', which some brands add voluntarily. Do not confuse it with 'squalene' (spelled with an 'e'), which is the unsaturated precursor and is less shelf-stable. The two behave differently in formulas, so the spelling is worth checking.
What a cleaner swap looks like
If you prefer a certified plant-derived option, look for products that specify sugarcane or olive squalane and carry a vegan or marine-free certification. Other lightweight emollient oils with similarly low concern profiles include jojoba oil and hemisqualane, both of which offer comparable skin-feel and stability. Scanning a barcode with InZoRAH can surface products that explicitly declare their squalane origin.
Questions people also ask about Squalane
Is squalane the same as squalene?
No. Squalene is the natural, unsaturated lipid found in sebum and shark liver; it oxidises quickly. Squalane is made by hydrogenating squalene, which removes its reactive double bonds and makes it far more shelf-stable. The extra 'a' in squalane signals that saturated, more stable form.
Is squalane still made from sharks?
Some squalane still comes from deep-sea shark liver oil, but the majority of squalane in cosmetics today is plant-derived, primarily from sugarcane or olive oil. Shark-derived squalane is not banned in the US or EU, so if this matters to you, look for on-pack claims like 'plant-based' or a vegan certification.
Will squalane clog my pores?
Squalane is widely considered non-comedogenic, meaning it is unlikely to block pores for most people. It mimics the skin's own lipids and absorbs without a heavy, occlusive feel. That said, individual skin responses vary, and people with very acne-prone skin may want to patch-test any new oil-based ingredient.
Can I use squalane if I have an olive allergy?
Potentially, yes, but with caution. Olive-derived squalane undergoes significant processing that removes most proteins responsible for allergic reactions, but cross-sensitivity cannot be ruled out for highly allergic individuals. If you have a confirmed olive allergy, consult an allergist before use and always read the physical label.
Is squalane safe to use during pregnancy?
Squalane is a topical emollient with no known systemic absorption concern at cosmetic doses, and there is no widespread regulatory guidance flagging it as a pregnancy risk. However, ingredient safety during pregnancy is a personal medical question, and you should raise any specific concerns with a healthcare provider rather than rely on a glossary entry.
Why does squalane feel lighter than most face oils?
Squalane is a straight-chain saturated hydrocarbon rather than a triglyceride-based oil. Its molecular structure allows it to spread thinly and absorb quickly without the heavier, greasier texture associated with many plant seed oils. That lightweight feel is one of the main reasons formulators choose it for serums and daytime moisturisers.
Where this came from
FDA cosmetic ingredient and OTC drug excipient records — Supports the permitted use of squalane as an emollient in cosmetics and as an inactive excipient in certain drug products in the US
EU Cosmetics Regulation ingredient database (CosIng) — Confirms squalane is permitted in cosmetics in the EU without a stated concentration limit, with listed functions including emollient and skin conditioning
EFSA scientific opinions on squalene and related lipids — Supports the general safety assessment of squalene and squalane as components of lipid-based formulations; no significant safety concerns identified at relevant levels
Open Food Facts and cosmetics ingredient databases — Used to confirm common product categories and label naming conventions for squalane across commercial products
Original write-up based on public records. Educational information, not medical advice — ingredient records change, so always read the physical label if you have an allergy.
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