The livers of sharks are also targeted for commercial use. Since sharks lack a swim bladder (unlike most fish), their livers are their main source of buoyancy. (A swim bladder is an internal air-filled organ that fish use to control their buoyancy). Sharks’ large livers help them maintain their buoyancy in the water because they are filled with an oil called squalene. Their livers have a high concentration of squalene, estimated to be around 96% (Roth, 2018).
Squalene is a natural oil produced by oil glands that maintain the barrier around the skin. This secretion has also been found to have antioxidant properties, so it is sought out as an ingredient in beauty products. Squalene is also found naturally in some plants (olives, sugarcane, rice bran, etc.) and can be synthesized in a laboratory. However, the amounts found in plants are in very low concentrations and tend to be more expensive. Shark squalene is known to be the cheapest and highest-yielding source of squalene available.
About half of the shark species who are targeted for their livers are listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List. Top species that are targeted are the Tope Shark, Basking Shark, Longfin Mako, Porbeagle, Thresher, Hammerhead, Bull, Blacktip, Tiger, Dusky, etc (Irvine, 2020).
The greater the size of the shark, the larger the liver and the more squalene available. It is for this reason that many large sharks are targeted for the oil in their livers. It is estimated that a Tiger Shark’s liver may contribute 17.5% of its total body weight (Vannuccini, 2002).
Here is a video that illustrates how livers are extracted from sharks: *WARNING: VIDEO IS GRAPHIC*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg2nm1Hi8Bg
The primary culprit of shark squalene is the cosmetic industry. In a study done by the non-profit Bloom Association, it was found that over three million deep-sea shark livers are needed each year to meet current demand (Chabrol, 2012).
The Bloom study tested 72 moisturizing creams with “squalane” on the list of ingredients to specify whether it was derived from shark or plant-based. It was found that one out of five creams tested contained shark squalane. In more than 80% of the creams containing shark squalane, the squalane is a blend of shark and plant-based. Asian brands were more likely to use shark squalane while Western brands have shifted more to using plant-based squalane. Shark squalane was found in both the least expensive and most expensive creams (Chabrol, 2012).
Squalene is used in cosmetics because it increases spreadability of lotions. It is non-greasy, water soluble, and resistant to extreme temperatures. It is often used in sunscreen, moisturizer, foundation, and lipstick (Hernandez & Evashenk, n.d).
In 2019, the global squalene market was worth an estimated $140 million, according to Allied Market Research. It is estimated to reach $214 million by 2022 (Prasad & Roy, n.d).
The problem with shark squalene and the cosmetic industry is that companies have no legal obligation to inform consumers of the source of their squalene. Companies can claim to be cruelty-free or vegan, but since there is no third party to test their claims, these claims are often misleading or just wrong (Irvine, 2020).
Companies may also claim their squalene is animal-free by labeling it as “squalane.” Squalane is a form of squalene, but it is hydrogenated, meaning it is converted from an unsaturated fat to a saturated fat, increasing the shelf life of the product. Squalane can still be derived from sharks.
So, how can consumers avoid squalene/squalane?
The easiest way is to buy products that do not contain squalene. If that is not possible, reaching out to the company of the desired product and inquiring where their squalene is sourced is a way to ensure the product uses plant-based squalene.
Putting pressure on companies to use plant-based instead and to disclose the source of their squalene is the most important action individuals can take.
Squalene is a natural oil produced by oil glands that maintain the barrier around the skin. This secretion has also been found to have antioxidant properties, so it is sought out as an ingredient in beauty products. Squalene is also found naturally in some plants (olives, sugarcane, rice bran, etc.) and can be synthesized in a laboratory. However, the amounts found in plants are in very low concentrations and tend to be more expensive. Shark squalene is known to be the cheapest and highest-yielding source of squalene available.
About half of the shark species who are targeted for their livers are listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List. Top species that are targeted are the Tope Shark, Basking Shark, Longfin Mako, Porbeagle, Thresher, Hammerhead, Bull, Blacktip, Tiger, Dusky, etc (Irvine, 2020).
The greater the size of the shark, the larger the liver and the more squalene available. It is for this reason that many large sharks are targeted for the oil in their livers. It is estimated that a Tiger Shark’s liver may contribute 17.5% of its total body weight (Vannuccini, 2002).
Here is a video that illustrates how livers are extracted from sharks: *WARNING: VIDEO IS GRAPHIC*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg2nm1Hi8Bg
The primary culprit of shark squalene is the cosmetic industry. In a study done by the non-profit Bloom Association, it was found that over three million deep-sea shark livers are needed each year to meet current demand (Chabrol, 2012).
The Bloom study tested 72 moisturizing creams with “squalane” on the list of ingredients to specify whether it was derived from shark or plant-based. It was found that one out of five creams tested contained shark squalane. In more than 80% of the creams containing shark squalane, the squalane is a blend of shark and plant-based. Asian brands were more likely to use shark squalane while Western brands have shifted more to using plant-based squalane. Shark squalane was found in both the least expensive and most expensive creams (Chabrol, 2012).
Squalene is used in cosmetics because it increases spreadability of lotions. It is non-greasy, water soluble, and resistant to extreme temperatures. It is often used in sunscreen, moisturizer, foundation, and lipstick (Hernandez & Evashenk, n.d).
In 2019, the global squalene market was worth an estimated $140 million, according to Allied Market Research. It is estimated to reach $214 million by 2022 (Prasad & Roy, n.d).
The problem with shark squalene and the cosmetic industry is that companies have no legal obligation to inform consumers of the source of their squalene. Companies can claim to be cruelty-free or vegan, but since there is no third party to test their claims, these claims are often misleading or just wrong (Irvine, 2020).
Companies may also claim their squalene is animal-free by labeling it as “squalane.” Squalane is a form of squalene, but it is hydrogenated, meaning it is converted from an unsaturated fat to a saturated fat, increasing the shelf life of the product. Squalane can still be derived from sharks.
So, how can consumers avoid squalene/squalane?
The easiest way is to buy products that do not contain squalene. If that is not possible, reaching out to the company of the desired product and inquiring where their squalene is sourced is a way to ensure the product uses plant-based squalene.
Putting pressure on companies to use plant-based instead and to disclose the source of their squalene is the most important action individuals can take.