Common Name(s): Hydrogenated shark liver oil,shark squalane (historical),hydrogenated elasmobranch oil
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Conditions skin deeply; derived from a historical animal-origin source now largely replaced by sustainable alternatives.
Why It's Used: Shark liver oil is naturally rich in squalene, which on hydrogenation produces squalane; shark squalane has been largely replaced by plant-derived (olive, sugarcane) or synthetic squalane due to shark conservation concerns.
How It Works: Shark liver squalene is converted to squalane by hydrogenation; the saturated squalane provides excellent emolliency; identical in function to plant-derived squalane; use has declined dramatically due to shark conservation concerns.
Typically Found In: Historically used emollient formulas,legacy formulations
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: No - animal-derived
Halal Status: Conditional - species declaration required
Source Notes: Shark liver oil; animal-derived; not sustainable — shark populations threatened. not recommended for new formulations. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: marine animal origin; permissibility varies by madhhab and species is undeclared. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low
Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Use is strongly discouraged due to shark conservation concerns. ewg score: 1–3.
Works Well With: Plant squalane (olive, sugarcane-derived — recommended sustainable alternative),synthetic squalane
Avoid Combining With: Strongly advise against use in new formulations due to sustainability concerns — use plant-derived or fermentation-derived squalane instead
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Shark liver oil squalane has been largely phased out in favor of olive-derived and fermentation-derived (amyris sugarcane) squalane; shark conservation advocacy (organizations like bloom association) has driven this transition; identical squalane functionality is available from sustainable sources.
Last Verified: 2026-03-28
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary