Is Squalane Vegan?
Usually yes — but the answer has a history worth knowing, and a label worth checking.
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Squalane is one of the more common questions for anyone shopping vegan skincare, and the answer is mostly reassuring: the vast majority of squalane sold today is plant-derived and vegan. But it carries a genuine caveat, because historically squalane came from shark liver — which is exactly why it's worth knowing how to read a label rather than assuming.
The short version: modern cosmetic squalane is usually made from fermented sugarcane or olives (also rice bran and amaranth), all of which are plant sources and vegan. Shark-derived squalane still exists in some markets, so if this matters to you, look for a stated plant source.
Where squalane comes from
Squalane is the stable, hydrogenated form of squalene, a lipid found widely in nature — including in your own skin, in plants, and, in high concentrations, in shark liver. That last fact is the source of the ethical question. For decades, the easiest commercial source of squalene was shark liver, and some squalane was (and in places still is) made that way, which raised real conservation concerns about deep-sea sharks.
Today the industry has largely shifted to plant sources — most commonly fermented sugarcane, plus olives, rice bran, and amaranth — which are renewable, vegan, and avoid the conservation issue entirely. The full sourcing story is in where does squalane come from?.
How to tell if a squalane is vegan
- Look for a stated plant source. Transparent brands say 'plant-derived,' 'sugarcane-derived,' or 'olive-derived' on the pack.
- Check for '100% plant-derived squalane.' This wording, used by several popular oils, confirms it isn't shark-sourced.
- Look for a vegan mark if the brand carries one, or a clear vegan claim in the description.
- Be cautious with unlabeled sources. If a product doesn't state where its squalane comes from, that's worth questioning before you buy.
Note on 'cruelty-free' vs 'vegan': plant-derived squalane is vegan by source, but 'cruelty-free' refers to a brand's animal-testing policy, which is a separate question. Check the brand's own certification or policy if not testing on animals also matters to you.
Vegan squalane picks
The good news is that the most popular, best-value squalane oils are explicitly plant-derived. A single-ingredient oil that states 'plant-derived' or 'sugarcane-derived' gives you a vegan product with nothing else to check. Our top picks are transparently plant-sourced.
Transparently plant-derived picks
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
9.2A single-ingredient, plant-derived squalane at a price nothing else touches — the default pick for most people.
Read our review
Biossance 100% Squalane Oil
8.8A sustainably sourced, sugarcane-derived squalane in a larger bottle — the polished pick if you want brand pedigree and a bigger size.
Read our reviewThe bottom line
If you buy a squalane that clearly states a plant source, you're getting a vegan product — and that covers most of the market today. The only real homework is avoiding the minority of shark-derived squalane by reading the label. For the science of what squalane is, see what is squalane?; for sourcing in depth, where does squalane come from?.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Is squalane vegan?
Most modern squalane is vegan. Today it's usually derived from plant sources like fermented sugarcane or olives, which are renewable and animal-free. The caveat is that squalane was historically made from shark liver and some still is, so look for a stated plant source to be sure.
Is squalane made from sharks?
It can be, but usually isn't anymore. Squalane was historically derived from shark liver, which raised conservation concerns, so the industry has largely shifted to plant sources such as sugarcane and olives. Check the label for a plant-derived claim if this matters to you.
How do I know if my squalane is plant-derived?
Look for wording like 'plant-derived,' 'sugarcane-derived,' 'olive-derived,' or '100% plant-derived squalane' on the pack, or a vegan mark. Transparent brands state their source; if a product doesn't say where its squalane comes from, it's worth questioning.
Is vegan the same as cruelty-free for squalane?
No. Vegan refers to the ingredient source (plant rather than animal), while cruelty-free refers to a brand's animal-testing policy. Plant-derived squalane is vegan by source, but you'd need to check the brand's own policy or certification for cruelty-free status.
Keep reading
Find a plant-derived squalane
See our ranked squalane oil picks, each with a live price and who it suits — transparently plant-derived options included.
See the best squalane oils