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.

Does squalane come from sharks?

Squalene is a compound that comes from shark liver oil (along with squalane, a derivative of squalene). Shark livers are made up of a high concentration of fatty acids, making them integral for a shark's survival at lower ocean depths.

Is squalane vegan?

Unfortunately, squalene is obtained from shark liver oil. ... Luckily, squalene can be completely vegan—and non-gross! —thanks to olive oil, rice bran oil, and amaranth oil.