Squalene (Triterpene Lipid · Olive Oil Emollient · Skin & Immune Modulator)

CAS No.	111-02-4
Class	Lipid · Triterpene · Polyunsaturated Hydrocarbon · C30 Isoprenoid
Source	Olea europaea (Olive) — fruit residue; Amaranthus cruentus (Amaranth) — seed oil (5–8%, highest plant source); shark liver oil (traditional source, non-preferred)
Claim strength	Moderate
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Squalene was first isolated from shark liver oil in 1916 and named after the shark genus Squalus. The compound occurs naturally in human sebum at approximately 12–15% of total sebum lipids — where it functions as a natural skin surface antioxidant and emollient. Commercial plant-source squalene from amaranth seed oil and olive residue has replaced shark-source material in responsible supplement formulations. Squalene is also an important intermediate in cholesterol biosynthesis — all steroid hormones and plant sterols derive from squalene via the mevalonate pathway.

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Squalene for Skin Health, Antioxidant Protection & Immune Modulation — Evidence

Skin hydration and emolliency: Squalene's natural presence in human sebum makes it a well-tolerated skin emollient. Topical squalene reduces transepidermal water loss, improves skin elasticity, and is non-comedogenic. Multiple clinical studies document skin hydration improvements with topical application. Claim strength: High (topical).

Antioxidant — skin surface protection: Squalene in sebum functions as a sacrificial antioxidant on the skin surface, quenching singlet oxygen and lipid peroxyl radicals generated by UV exposure. Claim strength: Moderate.

Immune modulation: Squalene is a component of oil-in-water vaccine adjuvants (MF59 and AS03, used in licensed influenza vaccines) — demonstrating immune-modulating activity at pharmaceutical doses. Claim strength: Emerging–Moderate.

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Dosage & Formulator Notes

Dietary intake from olive oil-rich Mediterranean diets provides approximately 200–400mg squalene per day. Supplement doses in published studies range from 860mg to 2g per day. Specify plant source (amaranth, olive residue) on the CoA. Squalene is the natural unsaturated biologically active form; squalane is the hydrogenated form used in topical cosmetics for stability. For oral supplementation specify squalene; for topical cosmetics where stability is paramount, squalane is the industry standard.

Pairs with: Vitamin E (tocopherol stabiliser), olive polyphenols (comprehensive olive extract positioning), CoQ10 (mitochondrial + lipid antioxidant combination), astaxanthin (multi-carotenoid antioxidant stack).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between squalene and squalane?
Squalene is the natural unsaturated biologically active form with six double bonds — prone to oxidation. Squalane is hydrogenated — indefinitely stable and non-reactive. Use squalene for oral supplements; squalane for topical cosmetics where stability is paramount.

Why is plant-source squalene preferred over shark liver oil?
Shark liver oil raises sustainability, regulatory, and consumer acceptance issues. Plant sources (amaranth at 5–8%, olive oil residues) provide equivalent purity without these concerns. Premium brands uniformly specify plant-source squalene.

Is squalene safe for supplement use?
Excellent safety profile — present naturally in human sebum (12–15% of sebum lipids), consumed at 200–400mg per day in Mediterranean diets, and used in FDA-approved vaccine adjuvants. Well-tolerated at up to 2g per day.

How does dietary squalene relate to cholesterol levels?
Squalene is the direct cholesterol biosynthetic precursor, but dietary squalene from olive oil does not increase plasma cholesterol. The body tightly regulates cholesterol biosynthesis via HMG-CoA reductase feedback regardless of substrate availability.

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Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human studies; Moderate = a few trials; Emerging = early lab data.

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