As of 2025, the squalene industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. Squalene, a natural organic compound, is renowned for its emollient and antioxidant properties, making it a valuable ingredient in various applications. The market's expansion is further propelled by a shift towards sustainable and ethical sourcing, with a notable rise in plant-based and biosynthetic squalene production.?
Top Leading Squalene Manufacturers
Several companies have established themselves as key players in the global squalene market:
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Amyris
, Inc. (USA): A pioneer in biotechnology, Amyris utilizes genetically modified yeast to produce biosynthetic squalene. This innovative approach offers a sustainable alternative to traditional animal-based sources, aligning with the industry's move towards eco-friendly solutions.
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SOPHIM
(France): Specializing in the production of high-purity vegetable squalene, SOPHIM sources its raw materials from olives. The company's commitment to natural and sustainable products has solidified its reputation in the cosmetics and personal care sectors.
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Merck Group
Germany): Operating under the brand name Sigma-Aldrich, Merck offers a diverse range of squalene products suitable for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Their extensive distribution network ensures a strong global presence.
- Kishimoto Special Liver Oil Co., Ltd. (Japan): With decades of experience, Kishimoto specializes in extracting squalene from shark liver oil. Despite the industry's gradual shift away from animal-based sources, the company maintains a significant market share due to its established quality and reliability.
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Empresa Figueirense de Pesca SA
(Portugal): This company is known for producing squalene derived from marine sources, particularly shark liver oil. Their products are primarily utilized in pharmaceutical applications, benefiting from the high purity levels achieved through their extraction processes.
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Arbee Group
(India): Catering to a diverse market, Arbee produces squalene from both animal and plant sources. Their flexibility in sourcing allows them to meet varied customer demands across different industries.
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Cibus
(USA): Focusing on sustainable solutions, Cibus employs advanced fermentation technologies to produce biosynthetic squalene. Their innovations contribute to reducing reliance on traditional animal-based sources.
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OTTO-CHEMIE
Pvt. Ltd. (India): As a prominent supplier, Otto Chemie offers squalene suitable for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Their commitment to quality and competitive pricing has earned them a strong position in the market.
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Arista Industries, Inc.
(USA): With a focus on natural ingredients, Arista supplies squalene derived from both shark liver oil and vegetable sources. Their extensive product portfolio caters to the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries.
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OLEICFAT SL
(Spain): Specializing in vegetable-based squalene, Oleicfat sources its raw materials from olives and other plant oils. Their products are widely used in the European cosmetics industry, emphasizing sustainability and natural origins.
Recent Developments
- In August 2021, Amyris, Inc. launched Rose Inc., a clean color cosmetics brand.?The products’ non-comedogenic formulas are developed with proprietary bioengineered and sustainably-sourced ingredients, including squalene and hemisqualane.
- In April 2020, Amyris, Inc. launched the squalene-based hand sanitizer named Pipette under its No Compromise Pipette baby care branded products. The hand sanitizer contains 65% USP plant-based ethyl alcohol, glycerin, and Amyris, Inc.’s sugarcane-derived squalene (for moisturizing benefit).
- In May 2023, Amyris, Inc. signed an exclusive license agreement with British specialty chemicals company Croda International Plc, ("Croda") for the supply of sustainable squalene.
- In July 2023, SOPHIM launched a moisturizing and soothing massage oil. It helps in restoring the skin’s lipidic film, creating a protective barrier that preserves your epidermis from external aggression.
- In June 2023, SOPHIM launched a moisturizing foot mask. The ingredients in this formulation restores the lipid barrier for long-lasting protection against external aggressors and dryness.
Challenges
Despite the positive trajectory, the squalene industry faces challenges:
- Sustainability Concerns: The extraction of squalene from shark liver oil has raised environmental and ethical issues. As a result, there's a concerted effort to transition towards plant-based and biosynthetic sources.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, affecting the availability of raw materials for squalene production. Diversifying sources and investing in local production facilities are potential mitigation strategies.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
The squalene market is projected to increase in value from USD 141 million in 2022 to USD 202 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.34% during this period.
This robust growth is attributed to several factors:
- Consumer Demand for Natural Ingredients: There's a rising preference for natural and organic components in personal care and cosmetic products. Squalene's moisturizing and antioxidant properties make it a sought-after ingredient in these formulations.
- Advancements in Biotechnology: The development of biosynthetic squalene through fermentation processes offers a sustainable and scalable alternative to traditional extraction methods. Companies like Amyris and Cibus are at the forefront of this innovation.
- Regulatory Support: Governments and regulatory bodies are increasingly promoting the use of sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients. This support bolsters the adoption of plant-based and biosynthetic squalene in various industries.
