Key Insights

The global squalene market, valued at $167.15 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.96% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by the increasing demand for squalene across diverse end-user industries, primarily cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. The cosmetics industry's significant reliance on squalene as a moisturizing and skin-conditioning agent fuels market growth, as consumers increasingly seek natural and effective skincare solutions. Simultaneously, the growing awareness of squalene's health benefits in the food and pharmaceutical sectors—as a potent antioxidant and immune system booster—further contributes to market expansion. The availability of squalene from various sources, including animal (primarily shark liver oil, though sustainable alternatives are gaining traction), vegetable (olive oil, amaranth), and biosynthetic routes, provides market flexibility and caters to diverse consumer preferences and ethical considerations. However, fluctuations in raw material prices and the emergence of synthetic alternatives could pose challenges to market growth. Regional market dominance is expected to be shared, with North America and Asia-Pacific showing strong growth trajectories, driven by high consumer spending on personal care products and rising disposable incomes.

The market segmentation reveals significant opportunities within specific niches. The cosmetics segment is currently leading, but the food and pharmaceutical applications of squalene are showing promising growth potential. The shift towards sustainable sourcing practices is influencing the vegetable and biosynthetic segments significantly. Key players like Sophim, Oleicfat S.L., and Evonik Industries AG are leveraging their expertise in production and formulation to capture market share, while emerging companies are introducing innovative products and exploring new applications. The forecast period anticipates continued growth, driven by technological advancements in extraction and production, along with expanding research and development in squalene's applications across different sectors. This growth will likely be accompanied by increased focus on sustainable sourcing and transparency in the supply chain, satisfying consumer demand for ethically produced and environmentally friendly products.

Squalene Market: A Comprehensive Report (2019-2033)

This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the global squalene market, encompassing market dynamics, growth trends, regional segmentation, product landscape, key players, and future outlook. The study period spans from 2019 to 2033, with 2025 serving as the base and estimated year. This report is crucial for businesses, investors, and researchers seeking to understand and capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities within the squalene market. The report covers parent markets like the cosmetic ingredients market and child markets such as pharmaceutical excipients, thus providing a holistic view.

Squalene Market Dynamics & Structure

The global squalene market is characterized by moderate concentration, with key players like Evonik Industries AG and Amyris Inc. holding significant market share (xx%). Technological innovations, particularly in biosynthetic production methods, are driving market expansion. Stringent regulations regarding animal-derived squalene are shaping market dynamics, favoring the growth of plant-based and synthetic alternatives. Competitive pressures stem from substitute ingredients, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are becoming increasingly common, as evidenced by xx M&A deals in the past five years.

• Market Concentration: Moderately concentrated, with top 5 players holding xx% market share.
• Technological Innovation: Biosynthetic production and improved extraction methods are key drivers.
• Regulatory Framework: Growing regulations against animal-derived squalene are favoring plant-based and synthetic sources.
• Competitive Substitutes: Other moisturizing and emollient ingredients pose a competitive challenge.
• End-User Demographics: Growing demand from cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food industries are fueling market growth.
• M&A Trends: Increased M&A activity reflects consolidation and expansion strategies within the industry.

Squalene Market Growth Trends & Insights

The global squalene market experienced significant growth during the historical period (2019-2024), driven by rising demand for natural and sustainable ingredients across various end-use industries. The market size reached xx Million units in 2024 and is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033), reaching xx Million units by 2033. This growth is attributed to factors such as the increasing awareness of the skincare benefits of squalene, the rising demand for natural and organic products in the cosmetics industry, and its expanding use in the pharmaceutical sector as an adjuvant and excipient. Market penetration in the cosmetics sector is expected to reach xx% by 2033. Technological disruptions, such as the advancement of biosynthetic production methods, are also contributing to market expansion. Consumer behavior shifts toward sustainable and ethically sourced products further boost market growth.

Dominant Regions, Countries, or Segments in Squalene Market

North America currently dominates the squalene market, driven by high demand from the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals sectors, strong regulatory frameworks, and robust economic conditions. Europe is expected to witness significant growth due to the increasing consumer awareness of natural and sustainable products. The cosmetics segment holds the largest market share, followed by pharmaceuticals and food. Biosynthetic squalene is experiencing rapid growth due to its ethical and sustainable production methods.

• Key Drivers (North America): High consumer spending on cosmetics & pharmaceuticals, stringent quality control, strong regulatory compliance.
• Key Drivers (Europe): Growing consumer preference for natural and organic products, increasing demand from the personal care industry.
• Market Share: Cosmetics (xx%), Pharmaceuticals (xx%), Food (xx%).
• Growth Potential: Biosynthetic squalene (highest growth potential).

Squalene Market Product Landscape

Squalene products are available in various forms, including oils, powders, and emulsions, catering to diverse applications across different industries. Recent innovations focus on enhancing purity, stability, and efficacy. Biosynthetic squalene is gaining traction due to its consistent quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, offering a significant competitive advantage compared to animal-derived squalene. The emphasis is on developing high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable products that meet the growing demands of diverse applications.

Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in Squalene Market

Key Drivers:

• Increasing demand for natural and sustainable ingredients in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
• Growing awareness of squalene's beneficial properties for skin health.
• Technological advancements in biosynthetic production methods.

Key Challenges:

• High production costs for biosynthetic squalene.
• Supply chain limitations for certain sources (e.g., shark liver oil).
• Regulatory hurdles related to the use of squalene in specific applications.
• Intense competition from substitute ingredients.

Emerging Opportunities in Squalene Market

Emerging opportunities include the expansion into untapped markets in Asia and Latin America, the development of novel applications in nutraceuticals and personal care products, and the growing interest in squalane-based products for cosmeceuticals. Customization of squalene products to meet specific end-use requirements also presents significant opportunities.

Growth Accelerators in the Squalene Market Industry

Strategic partnerships between raw material suppliers and end-product manufacturers are accelerating market growth. Technological advancements in biosynthetic production methods are making squalene more accessible and affordable. The expansion of market presence in emerging economies will further enhance market growth and penetration.

Key Players Shaping the Squalene Market Market

• Sophim
• Oleicfat S L
• Nucelis
• Evonik Industries AG
• Amyris Inc
• Gracefruit Limited
• Vestan S A
• Arbee
• Efpbiotek
• Kishimoto Special Liver Oil Co Ltd

Notable Milestones in Squalene Market Sector

• June 2022: Amyris announced the inauguration of the production of 13 molecules, including squalene, at its plant in Brazil, offering a sustainable alternative to shark-derived squalene.
• December 2022: Evonik Industries AG launched PhytoSquene, a non-animal-derived squalene suitable for vaccines and pharmaceutical applications.
• May 2023: Amyris partnered with Croda International Plc to supply biotechnology-derived, pharmaceutical-grade squalene for adjuvants.

In-Depth Squalene Market Market Outlook

The squalene market is poised for robust growth driven by technological innovations, expanding applications, and increasing consumer demand for natural and sustainable products. Strategic partnerships and market expansions into new regions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the squalene market. The continued development of sustainable and cost-effective biosynthetic production methods will further enhance market growth and affordability, resulting in a significant expansion of the market size over the forecast period.

Squalene Market Segmentation

• 1. Source
  • 1.1. Animal Source
  • 1.2. Vegetable Source
  • 1.3. Biosynthetic
  • 1.4. Other Sources
• 2. End-user Industry
  • 2.1. Cosmetics
  • 2.2. Food
  • 2.3. Pharmaceuticals
  • 2.4. Other End-user Industries

Squalene Market Segmentation By Geography

• 1. Asia Pacific
  • 1.1. China
  • 1.2. India
  • 1.3. Japan
  • 1.4. South Korea
  • 1.5. Malaysia
  • 1.6. Thailand
  • 1.7. Indonesia
  • 1.8. Vietnam
  • 1.9. Rest of Asia Pacific
• 2. North America
  • 2.1. United States
  • 2.2. Canada
  • 2.3. Mexico
• 3. Europe
  • 3.1. Germany
  • 3.2. United Kingdom
  • 3.3. France
  • 3.4. Italy
  • 3.5. Spain
  • 3.6. NORDIC Countries
  • 3.7. Turkey
  • 3.8. Russia
  • 3.9. Rest of Europe
• 4. South America
  • 4.1. Brazil
  • 4.2. Argentina
  • 4.3. Colombia
  • 4.4. Rest of South America
• 5. Middle East and Africa
  • 5.1. Saudi Arabia
  • 5.2. Qatar
  • 5.3. United Arab Emirates
  • 5.4. Nigeria
  • 5.5. Egypt
  • 5.6. South Africa
  • 5.7. Rest of Middle East and Africa