Squalene can be harvested from the liver of sharks, which isn't environmentally friendly or sustainable. When shopping for squalane, look specifically for oils that are 100 percent plant-derived. Some skin care lines use squalane from plants, not sharks. Oil derived from plants is cruelty-free and sustainable.

What is squalane oil derived from?

Instead, "The squalane in skin-care products is now being derived mostly from plants such as olives and rice bran," Garshick says. It can also be derived from other plant oils including amaranth seed, wheat germ, and even sugar cane, Fisher explains.

Is all squalene from sharks?

Squalene (or squalane is when it is processed for products) is a natural oil that comes from shark liver. The molecule C30H50 is also found in many plants such as olive oil, and is harvested from plants like sugarcane and soap box for the synthesis of other compounds.