Squalene is a triterpene produced by human sebaceous glands (skin's natural moisturizer) and found in high concentrations in shark liver oil and olive oil. Functions as: (1) skin moisturizer/emollient; (2) antioxidant (singlet oxygen quencher); (3) cholesterol synthesis intermediate; (4) vaccine adjuvant (MF59 in flu vaccines contains squalene). Amaranth seed oil is the richest plant source (8% squalene). Oral supplementation: limited data. Topical squalane (hydrogenated squalene): excellent skin penetration, non-comedogenic, oxidation-stable. --- *Reviewed by the Dose AI Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board* *Last updated: 2026-04-06*
Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.