Squalene is a naturally occurring polyunsaturated hydrocarbon, classified as a triterpene, that is found in human sebum, shark liver oil, and increasingly in plant sources such as olive oil, rice bran, sugarcane, wheat germ, and amaranth oil. In the context of organic skincare, plant-derived Squalene—especially from olives and sugarcane—is the most accepted and commonly used version due to its vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable origin.

Squalene plays a vital role in maintaining the skin’s natural barrier function, elasticity, and hydration levels. It is structurally similar to the skin’s own sebum, which makes it exceptionally biocompatible and able to penetrate deeply without clogging pores or causing irritation. In cosmetic formulations, Squalene is valued as a lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient that helps restore suppleness and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). It’s important to differentiate Squalene (the raw, unsaturated form) from Squalane (the stable, hydrogenated version), although both are used in skincare—Squalene is more delicate and oxidative-sensitive but prized for its closer similarity to skin lipids.

In organic skincare, Squalene is often used in facial oils, anti-aging serums, under-eye treatments, barrier creams, and scalp elixirs. It is favored by formulators looking to include bio-identical, skin-mimicking ingredients that are gentle, moisturizing, and rich in antioxidants. When sourced from sugarcane or olives and processed using green chemistry, it meets the standards for Ecocert, COSMOS, and USDA-certified organic formulations.