PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 2128548
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 2128548
The global squalene market was valued at USD 185.03 million in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 202.91 million in 2026 to USD 437.36 million by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.10% during the forecast period. Europe dominated the global market with a 48.00% market share in 2025, supported by strong demand from the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries.
Squalene is a naturally occurring organic compound traditionally extracted from shark liver oil, although plant-based sources such as olive oil, amaranth seed, wheat germ, and sugarcane are becoming increasingly popular due to sustainability concerns. The ingredient is widely used in skincare products because of its excellent moisturizing and antioxidant properties. It also plays a significant role in pharmaceutical formulations, especially as an adjuvant in vaccines, making it an important ingredient across multiple industries.
The market is witnessing steady expansion due to the rising consumer preference for natural and plant-derived ingredients, increasing investments in pharmaceutical research, and growing awareness of sustainable cosmetic formulations. Manufacturers are also introducing biotechnology-derived squalene to reduce dependence on marine resources while meeting regulatory and environmental standards.
Market Trends
One of the most significant trends shaping the squalene market is the growing demand for plant-based and sustainably sourced squalene. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of environmental issues associated with shark-derived ingredients and are actively choosing skincare products made from renewable botanical sources such as olives, sugarcane, and amaranth.
The cosmetics industry is also emphasizing clean-label and cruelty-free formulations, encouraging manufacturers to replace conventional animal-derived ingredients with sustainable alternatives. In addition, biotechnology companies are producing fermentation-based squalene, offering consistent quality and improved scalability for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
Market Drivers
The rapid expansion of the global skincare and cosmetics industry remains one of the strongest growth drivers for the market. Squalene provides excellent hydration, improves skin elasticity, and enhances the absorption of active ingredients, making it an essential ingredient in moisturizers, anti-aging creams, serums, and sunscreens. Rising disposable incomes, growing beauty awareness, and increasing preference for premium skincare products continue to support market demand.
Another major driver is the growing pharmaceutical application of squalene. It is widely used as a vaccine adjuvant that strengthens immune responses and improves vaccine effectiveness. The increased production of vaccines and continuous research into advanced drug delivery systems are generating strong demand from pharmaceutical manufacturers. Furthermore, ongoing studies exploring new therapeutic applications of squalene are expected to create additional opportunities during the forecast period.
Market Restraints
Despite its growing demand, the market faces challenges due to environmental concerns associated with shark-derived squalene. Excessive harvesting of sharks has raised sustainability and biodiversity issues, resulting in stricter regulations and increased pressure on manufacturers to adopt alternative raw materials.
Additionally, plant-derived and biotechnology-produced squalene often involve higher production costs, creating pricing challenges for manufacturers while maintaining product quality and profitability.
Market Opportunities
The transition toward sustainable ingredients presents significant growth opportunities for industry participants. Companies investing in biotechnology-derived and plant-based squalene production are expected to gain a competitive advantage as global regulations increasingly favor environmentally responsible sourcing.
Growing applications in nutraceuticals, functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and premium cosmetics are expected to further expand market opportunities over the coming years.
By Source
Based on source, the market is segmented into animal, plant, and biosynthetic.
The animal segment is projected to dominate the global market with a 55.42% share in 2026 due to its long-established use in cosmetics and pharmaceutical formulations. However, the plant segment is expected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period as manufacturers increasingly shift toward sustainable and cruelty-free ingredients.
By End-use Industry
Based on end-use industry, the market is segmented into cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and others.
The cosmetics segment is expected to account for the largest share, contributing 70.51% of the global market in 2026. Rising consumer demand for premium skincare products and clean beauty formulations continues to drive product adoption. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical segment is witnessing strong growth due to increasing utilization of squalene in vaccine adjuvants and advanced drug delivery technologies.
Europe remained the leading regional market with a value of USD 89.63 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 97.98 million in 2026. The region benefits from advanced cosmetic manufacturing, strong pharmaceutical research, and increasing adoption of sustainably sourced ingredients.
North America accounted for USD 43.90 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 47.85 million in 2026, driven by robust demand for skincare products and pharmaceutical innovations.
Asia Pacific generated USD 41.21 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 44.98 million in 2026. Rapid expansion of pharmaceutical manufacturing, increasing healthcare expenditure, and rising demand for premium cosmetics are supporting regional growth.
Latin America reached USD 7.47 million in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 8.09 million in 2026, supported by abundant plant-based raw materials and increasing local production capabilities.
The Middle East & Africa market stood at USD 3.74 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 4.02 million in 2026, driven by growing demand for sustainable cosmetic ingredients and improving healthcare infrastructure.
Competitive Landscape
The global squalene market is moderately competitive, with leading companies focusing on sustainable sourcing, biotechnology-based production, product innovation, strategic partnerships, and international expansion to strengthen their market positions. Many manufacturers are investing in plant-derived and fermentation-based production technologies to address environmental concerns while meeting rising global demand.
Major companies operating in the market include Amyris, Sophim, Kishimoto Special Liver Oil Co., Ltd., Empresa Figueirrense de Pesca, Matrix Life Science Private Limited, Croda International Plc, Aasha Biochem, and Evonik Healthcare.
Key Industry Developments
Conclusion
The global squalene market is positioned for strong long-term growth, supported by rising demand from cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care industries. The industry's transition toward sustainable, plant-based, and biotechnology-derived production methods is creating new opportunities for manufacturers while addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional sources. Growing investments in clean beauty products, vaccine development, and advanced healthcare applications are expected to sustain market expansion from USD 202.91 million in 2026 to USD 437.36 million by 2034, making squalene an increasingly important ingredient across multiple high-growth industries.
Segmentation By Source
By End-Use Industry
By Region