What is squalene?

Between 10% and 12% of the natural oil of your skin is made of squalene. It is a colourless, oily liquid found naturally in many animals and plants and is produced by your body to lubricate and protect your skin. Squalene is used in skin-care products as an emollient and natural antioxidant. Amaranth seed oil and olive oil are examples of plant-based sources of squalene.(1).

According to the Oxford Dictionary of Food and Nutrition, squalene inhibits the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis, and so has a cholesterol-lowering action.(2).