Global Squalene Market Expected to Reach USD 263.0 Million by 2033 - IMARC Group

Global Squalene Market Statistics, Outlook and Regional Analysis 2025-2033

The global squalene market size was valued at USD 155.0 Million in 2024, and it is expected to reach USD 263.0 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.84% from 2025 to 2033.

The increasing demand for sustainable and plant-based ingredients in the beauty, pharmaceutical, and wellness industries is stimulating the squalene market growth. Squalene, once predominantly sourced from shark liver oil, is now being replaced by plant-derived alternatives, a trend that aligns with growing consumer demand for cruelty-free and environmentally friendly products. For instance, in August 2024, Hibiscus Monkey introduced the velvet spray squalene, an in-shower body moisturizer that uses plant-derived squalene to provide deep hydration, mild exfoliation, and improve circulation. This launch highlights the shift toward more natural, eco-conscious products that cater to the rising demand for sustainability in skincare. In line with this, in January 2024, Bubble Skincare launched two new products, namely Moon Walk, an exfoliating serum, and Water Slide, a hydration-boosting serum, both featuring squalene. These products exemplify the growing importance of squalene in skin care formulations, as it helps to soothe, hydrate, and enhance the skin barrier function, making it an essential ingredient for improving skin health and combating dryness. Furthermore, this trend is particularly prominent in the skincare industry, where consumers are increasingly prioritizing products that offer both efficacy and sustainability.

Moreover, pharmaceutical applications are also seeing significant developments. For instance, in October 2023, Evonik launched PhytoSquene, a GMP-quality, plant-based squalene derived from amaranth oil. This sustainable and non-animal-derived squalene is making waves in the pharmaceutical industry, especially for its use in vaccine adjuvants and drug delivery applications. Evonik meets the growing demand for animal-free alternatives in pharmaceuticals by offering a more consistent and purer form of squalene while supporting the industry's focus on sustainability and reducing reliance on animal-derived materials. Therefore, these recent innovations underscore the increasing versatility and demand for squalene in both personal care and pharmaceutical products. Also, the market is expanding across regions and sectors with a growing emphasis on plant-based and cruelty-free solutions, driven by both consumer preferences and advancements in biotechnology.

Global Squalene Market Statistics, By Region

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Europe dominates the squalene market due to the advanced cosmetics industry, high consumer demand, robust research, and sustainable sourcing practices.

North America Squalene Market Trends:

In North America, the demand for plant-based squalene is growing rapidly due to increasing consumer awareness about sustainability and cruelty-free products. The U.S. market is seeing a surge in squalene use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. For example, companies like Sephora are integrating plant-derived squalene in their skincare lines, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers seeking natural ingredients.

Europe Squalene Market Trends:

Europe is the dominating region in the market, as it is witnessing a strong shift toward plant-based squalene as a sustainable alternative to animal-derived sources. In addition, countries like France and Germany are leading this transition, with brands, such as L'Occitane and Yves Rocher utilizing squalene in their beauty products. Furthermore, the demand is also driven by stricter regulations on animal-derived ingredients, which is making plant-based options increasingly popular for ethical and regulatory reasons.

Asia Pacific Squalene Market Trends:

In Asia Pacific, especially in countries like Japan and South Korea, the squalene market is experiencing significant growth due to the rising popularity of skincare routines. Also, squalene's role in moisturizing and anti-aging formulations has made it a sought-after ingredient. Besides this, major cosmetic brands are incorporating squalene into their products, catering to consumers who prioritize skin hydration and anti-aging benefits, driving market expansion.

Latin America Squalene Market Trends:

In Latin America, the market is growing rapidly with the increasing adoption of plant-based squalene driven by consumer demand for natural ingredients. Brazil, with its strong cosmetic industry, has seen a rise in squalene use, particularly in eco-friendly beauty products. In line with this, local brands are incorporating squalene to meet the demand for hydration-focused products, thereby offering consumers effective skincare with a sustainable, natural edge.

Middle East and Africa Squalene Market Trends:

In the Middle East and Africa, the market is expanding due to rising consumer demand for high-quality skincare products. Also, countries like the UAE are increasingly adopting plant-based squalene in luxury skincare brands. Moreover, the growing preference for organic and sustainable products is driving market growth, with brands offering squalene-based formulations to meet the needs of health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers in the region.

Top Companies Leading in the Squalene Industry

Some of the leading squalene market companies include Amyris Inc., Arbee Agencies, Arista Industries Inc., Empresa Figueirense De Pesca Lda, Gracefruit Limited, Kishimoto Special Liver Oil, Maruha Nichiro Corporation, Nucelis Inc. (Cibus Ltd.), SeaDragon Marine Oils Limited, Sophim, and VESTAN Squalene Hydrogenation and Purification, among many others. In May 2023, Amyris Inc. announced that they signed an exclusive license agreement with Croda International Plc for the supply of sustainable squalene.

Global Squalene Market Segmentation Coverage

• On the basis of the source type, the market has been bifurcated into animal, vegetable, and synthetic, wherein animal represents the most preferred segment. Animal-derived squalene is a natural organic compound that can be found in various animal sources, primarily in the liver of sharks and some other deep-sea fish.
• Based on the application, the market is categorized into cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, and others, amongst which cosmetics dominate the market. Squalene is widely used in cosmetics due to its effective emollient properties and useful for dry and rough skin, providing a smooth texture.

Browse IMARC Related Reports on Squalene Market:

• Japan Squalene Market Report
   
• United States Squalene Market Report