Squalene Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The global squalene market is expected to reach a value of more than USD 183.17 Million in 2024. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.80% during the forecast period of 2025-2034. The growing demand for natural and sustainable skincare ingredients is driving the squalene market, as consumers increasingly prefer plant-based sources for cosmetic formulations, thus aiding the market to attain a valuation of USD 353.64 Million by 2034.

Squalene Market Analysis

The squalene market is growing with a high increase in demand for natural and effective skincare ingredients. Squalene is the most effective moisturizer present in facial oils, serums, creams, and masks. It helps hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines in the skin while protecting its barrier.

Squalene has become a must-have ingredient in K-beauty, particularly in hydrating and repair-based products. The lightweight, non-comedogenic properties of squalene have appealed to consumers who desire deep hydration without the greasiness of moisturizers, thereby propelling the demand of the squalene market.

Brands such as Laneige and The Face Shop include squalene in their high-end lines and promote it as an anti-aging and moisturizing agent. Rising interest in clean, cruelty-free, and plant-derived beauty products and the growing preference for multifunctional skincare continues to support the growth of squalene in the market.

Squalene Market Growth

The squalene industry growth is being driven by the growing demand for squalene in various industries, particularly cosmetics. The escalating use of squalene as a moisturiser is enhancing the industry's growth. The growing awareness about detoxifying, hydrating, and emollient properties of the product, coupled with its several health benefits, such as rejuvenation of white blood cells, stimulation of the immune system, and others, is favouring the growth of squalene market.

Furthermore, the proliferating use of squalene in the pharmaceuticals and food supplements industry is aiding the market growth. Squalene is immensely used in the pharmaceutical industry as it reduces carcinogen and cholesterol levels and helps in the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Other factors like rapid urbanisation and escalating disposable incomes are driving the sales of cosmetics and health supplements, which, in turn, is also aiding squalene demand growth.

Key Trends and Developments

Squalene is used in skincare, haircare, pharmaceuticals, and plant-based products, driving market growth across sectors.

August 2024

Boots has launched a new skincare range featuring ceramides, incorporating squalene to moisturize and protect skin, promoting a balanced, radiant complexion.

June 2024

Keys Soulcare has launched in the Amazon Premium Beauty store. The brand introduces a new exclusive product, the Deeply Replenishing Squalane Facial Oil, priced at USD 35.

October 2023

Evonik’s PhytoSquene, a GMP plant-based squalene from amaranth oil, supports sustainable pharmaceutical advancements, reducing dependency on shark-derived materials for vaccine adjuvants.

May 2023

Amyris partnered with Croda to supply sustainable sugarcane-derived squalene, replacing shark-sourced alternatives, for vaccines and drug delivery systems.

Squalene in Skin Care Products

Squalene is increasingly being used in skincare products due to its moisturizing and anti-aging benefits. It is a natural emollient found in facial oils, serums, and creams, offering hydration without clogging pores. The rising demand for clean and sustainable beauty products has seen companies like L'Oréal and Estée Lauder incorporating squalene into their products. It is a significant ingredient in K-beauty, where hydration and repairing the skin barrier take precedence. As consumers continue to demand multi-functional clean beauty products, squalene's popularity increases in all skincare brands across the globe thus augmenting the squalene demand growth.

Plant-Derived Squalene

Plant-based squalene, obtained from olives, sugarcane, and more, is growing in popularity due to its eco-friendly and cruelty-free nature. With increasing consumer awareness about sustainability and the environmental impact of sourcing ingredients such as shark-derived squalene, companies are shifting towards plant-based alternatives. Brands like Biossance use sustainably sourced squalene to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers. This trend is supported by the growing popularity of vegan beauty products, which has pushed the demand for plant-based squalene across skincare and haircare segments.

Squalene in Haircare

The haircare industry also adopts squalene, which is nourishing and moisture-locking. It finds its way into hair oils, conditioners, and masks, and it is added to provide shine and manageability. It helps to mend damaged hair, reduces frizz, and helps moisturize the hair, particularly for curly or dry hair types. Brands like Ouai and Moroccanoil are embracing this trend of functional, moisture-infused haircare treatments through the incorporation of squalene in their products. As consumers increasingly seek hydration-focused solutions, squalene’s role in haircare continues to expand, thus boosting the squalene market revenue.

Squalene in Pharmaceuticals

Applications of squalene involve more than just beauty into the pharmaceutical industry. There is its use as an adjuvant in vaccines, aiding in the immune response brought about by vaccines such as Fluad, which is also manufactured by Seqirus. It is also one of the agents used in drugs for the treatment of a condition like arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. As the pharmaceutical industry clamors for more effective, safer vaccines and treatments, the application of squalene became a stabilizer and vaccine adjuvant has improved, hence the increasing sales.

Squalene Market Trends

The market is poised for growth, driven by regional pharmaceutical demand and consumer base expansion, shaping new trends in the squalene market. North America dominates, contributing 52.3% of global pharmaceutical sales, while Europe’s robust healthcare systems account for 22.4%. Rapid advancements in China (8.1%) and emerging markets in Africa, Asia, and Australia (8.3%) highlight expanding healthcare access. By 2.03 trillion new middle- and upper-class consumers are expected globally, with significant growth in Europe (40 million), Latin America (35 million), and Sub-Saharan Africa (25 million).

The squalene market is being driven by the increasing demand in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and emerging sectors. For instance, the North American market has a considerable contribution to global pharmaceutical sales, which reflects strong market growth. Companies such as Amyris, a biotechnology leader, are capitalizing on this demand by producing plant-derived squalene, increasingly used in vaccines and skincare products. This middle class has grown significantly in China. It leads to more market activity in beauty and health sectors, pushing the applications of squalene into cosmetic markets. The other source of increasing demand is opening healthcare systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Opportunities in Squalene Market

• Rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes in developing economies provide promising opportunities for market expansion.
• Continued research and development can lead to new uses and formulations in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements, expanding the market’s scope.
• The increasing supply from sustainable plant-based sources like olives and sugarcane attracts eco-conscious consumers and manufacturers, thus squalene market dynamics and trends.
• Known for its health benefits, such as boosting immunity and lowering cholesterol, squalene is becoming increasingly popular in nutraceuticals and dietary supplements.

Squalene Market Restraints

• Reliance on specific natural sources, such as shark liver oil (though decreasing) and the climatic conditions for plant sources, can cause supply chain disruptions, thus leading to squalene market challenges.
• Economic recessions can reduce consumer spending on luxury items like high-end cosmetics and health supplements, adversely affecting the growth of the squalene market.

Squalene Industry Segmentation

“Squalene Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

By source, the market is divided into:

• Shark Liver
• Vegetable
• Biosynthetic

Based on application, the market segmented into:

• Cosmetics
• Food
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Squalene Market Share

By Source Analysis

Squalene achieves market momentum due to its varied sources and the wide-ranging benefits in diverse industries. As per squalene market analysis, shark liver oil, though controversial, was the mainstay by historical virtue of its higher yield, but ethical considerations have led to a demand for different products. Vegetable-derived squalane, which is sourced from olives and amaranth, more recently meets the requirements of increasing plant-based and green preferences. Biosynthetic squalene, produced via microbial fermentation, is gaining popularity for its eco-friendly and scalable production, aligning with the increasing focus on environmental and ethical sustainability.

Market Analysis by Application

The multifunctional squalene hydrates and exhibits antioxidant properties, making it useful for various applications. As per squalene industry analysis, the cosmetic industry utilizes it in lotions and serums for healthy skin (for example, Biossance's plant-based squalane). Pharmaceutical applications for squalene are as an adjuvant for vaccines, enhancing immune response. Dietary supplements within the food industry use squalene to support heart health and reduce inflammation. Its use across these industries establishes an increasing interest in developing health and wellness solutions in markets around the world. builds on the efficiency of energy using them and reducing the maintenance needs.

Squalene Market Regional Insights

North America Squalene Market Opportunities

The North America squalene market benefits from increasing demand for sustainable, plant-derived products in cosmetics and nutraceuticals. Regulatory support for eco-friendly alternatives and rising consumer awareness drive investments in bio-based squalene production. The market sees significant innovation, with companies targeting applications in skin rejuvenation and supplements. Furthermore, partnerships in research and development are expanding capabilities to meet the growing need for squalene in health-conscious industries, particularly in the United States and Canada.

Asia Pacific Squalene Market Trends

Asia Pacific is growing strongly in the squalene market with a booming cosmetics industry in Japan, South Korea, and China. Conservation efforts are reducing the demand for shark liver oil, driving innovation in the extraction of squalene from plants. Increasing disposable incomes, as well as gains in awareness of skincare benefits, enhance adoption. Governments promote local manufacturing under initiatives such as "Make in India," promoting regional production while reducing import dependency on high-value cosmetics ingredients.

Europe Squalene Market Dynamics

Stricter regulatory standards promoting responsible and sustainable sourcing practices in Europe will lead to greater penetration of plant-based sources versus animal-based sources in squalene production. Of late, the region has been witnessing ever-growing clean-label demand in cosmetics which is in line with consumer interest in eco-friendly and vegan products. Companies are looking to invest in cutting-edge technologies related to extraction owing to EU directives, but more importantly, nutraceuticals based on squalene are expanding increasingly for applications in maintaining heart health and immune boosters across Germany and France.

Middle East and Africa Squalene Market Drivers

The Middle East and Africa market for squalene is expanding with growth in awareness of natural and organic beauty products. Expanding pharmaceutical applications, especially for immune boosters, provide opportunities for growth. Regional governments actively encourage local manufacturing of cosmetics and healthcare industries as part of economic diversification. Increasing wellness tourism and premium skincare demand in the UAE and Saudi Arabia supports squalene demand. Investment in sustainable production processes will also continue to increase, especially in response to global supply chain challenges.

Latin America Squalene Market Insights

Latin America squalene market expansion is addressed by a steadily increased interest in natural-based skin care solutions and nutritional supplements. Countries such as Brazil and Mexico observe an upward trend in the demand for bio-based products, helped by the region's biodiversity and scientific research on plant-based alternatives. Additionally, government promotion to improve local cosmetics production based on sustainable practices creates a favorable environment for producers of squalene. International partnerships between companies active globally and local firms facilitate innovation and answer regional needs for high-performance, ethically sourced ingredients.

Competitive Landscape

The squalene market players focus on developing squalene from renewable, plant-derived alternatives against the animal-derived squalene, catering to mounting consumer demand for an eco-friendly product. Squalene companies like Amyris, through biotechnologies, are developing renewable squalene from sugar cane. Companies like Sophim are using olive-derived squalane. It's all about clean beauty formulations and enriching the performance of squalene in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In addition, these firms are doing research to enhance the production yield of their sustainable sources.

Amyris, Inc.

Amyris, Inc. founded in 2003, headquartered in Emeryville, California. Sources: sustainable squalene from sugarcane. Bases its technology on biotechnology in order to make its production renewable and plant-based, encouraging friendly skincare and cosmetics.

Empresa Figueirense de Pesca, Lda.

Empresa Figueirense de Pesca, Lda. founded in 1979, headquartered in Portugal. Marine-based squalene from shark liver oil: The company produces high-quality natural squalene for the health and cosmetic industries.

Arbee Bio Marine Extracts Pvt Ltd

Arbee Bio Marine Extracts Pvt Ltd established in 1999, with the head office in Goa, India, manufactures plant-based squalene. The company provides a sustainable non-animal source mainly for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Sophim

Sophim was established in 1983 and is headquartered in Grasse, France. The company's product is olive-derived squalane. Sophim's eco-friendly vegetable-based squalene is applied in cosmetic and personal care products based on natural formulations.

Other market players include American Squalene Company, Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation, CZ LOKO, A.S., and Hyundai Corporation, among others.

Innovative Squalene Startups

Squalene-based startups are emphasizing sustainable productions, especially from plant-derived sources, in order to cater to increasing demand. For example, Amyris delivers bio-based squalene coming from sugarcane but through eco-friendly processes. Other startups, such as Seppic, can innovate in pharmaceutical-grade squalene for vaccines and cosmetics, including both wellness and beauty segments. These companies aim at providing sustainable high-quality squalene products for diverse applications.

Amyris: Specializing in sustainable biotechnology, Amyris produces bio-based squalene derived from sugarcane, offering a sustainable alternative to shark-derived squalene, which is widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

Seppic: A leader in active ingredients, Seppic focuses on producing high-quality, plant-based squalene for use in personal care and pharmaceutical products, ensuring sustainable sourcing and high efficacy for skincare applications.

Squalene Market Report Snapshots

Squalene Market Size

Squalene Market Growth

Squalene Market Analysis

Squalene Market Share

Squalene Companies