90% of shark squalene is sold to the cosmetics industry. Rob Stewart thought you should know when an endangered predator is turning up in something you consume. Unfortunately, with current labeling laws, companies don’t have to disclose their use of shark-based squalene – and the burden falls squarely on the consumer.
What products have shark in it?
Shark Products at a Glance
- Whitefish fillets, fish patties, or fish sticks.
- Rock salmon.
- Flake.
- Imitation crab sticks.
- Supplements containing chondroitin or squalene/squalane (shark cartilage & shark liver oil)
- Pet food, supplements, and treats.
- Garden fertilizer.
- Jewelry (teeth)
What products are made from shark skin?
Shark skin
It is used in the manufacture of luxury items including boots and shoes, handbags, wallets and purses, belts, watch straps, holsters and for ornamentation.
Are sharks in makeup?
Much of the squalene and squalane found in cosmetics is made from shark liver. Roughly three million sharks are killed every year for this one ingredient, and yet plant-based squalene not only exists—it’s often considered to be cheaper and of higher quality than the animal-based version.
Is shark a lipstick?
Shark livers contain an oil, known as squalene, that’s widespread in sunscreen, lipstick, foundation, lotion, and many other cosmetics.
Which makeup brands use shark squalene?
1 out of 5 creams tested contains shark squalane. In Europe, 9.4% of the creams (3 out of 32) contain shark squalane. These brands are Méthode Swiss beauty care (Switzerland), and IOMA and Topicrem (France).
Does Clinique use shark squalene?
Some of the brands that included shark squalene were Clinique, Bliss (contained animal squalene) and Beyond.
Which beauty products contain squalene?
Products That Contain Squalene
- Sunscreens.
- Anti-aging creams.
- Moisturizers.
- Hair conditioners.
- Deodorants.
- Eye shadows.
- Lip balms.
- Lipsticks.
What products are made from shark fins?
Products Made from Sharks
- Shark Fins and Shark Meat.
- SHARK OIL. Shark oil is made from the liver of sharks and used in supplements such as fish oil capsules and Squalene in cosmetics.
- SHARK CARTILAGE. Cartilage is sold as a supplement for joint support and as immune booster to fight cancer.
- GIL PLATES.
Is lipstick made out of shark oil?
Many commercially produced brands of moisturizer, sunscreen, lipstick and eye makeup contain a compound derived from shark liver oil known as “squalene”.
Is there shark meat in cat food?
They found that 31% of the samples contained shark meat. The most common shark found in cat food was the blue shark (Prionace glauca), a species that isn’t protected under CITES, the international convention on the wildlife trade, but that research suggests is overexploited.
Are sharks killed for squalane?
An estimated 100 million sharks are killed annually, a portion of which are killed simply for the oil in their livers, called squalene. The most desirable squalene comes from deep-sea sharks, which are also among the most vulnerable of species.
What is squalene used for in cosmetics?
Squalene (and its derivative, squalane) increases the spreadability and absorption of creams and lotions, and has been proven to prevent moisture loss, diminish the appearance of fine lines, and help in the prevention of wrinkles.
How is squalene harvested?
The catch (no pun intended) is that to obtain squalene from sharks, they must be killed so the squalene can be extracted from their livers. Once the liver oil is obtained, high heat and pressure in a vacuum can produce squalene at a high purity.
What is the difference between squalane and squalene?
Did you know that squalane and squalene are actually different? Squalane and squalene are essentially the same compound. However, the difference subtly lies within the “a” and the “e”. Squalene is basically the natural form of squalane, where the compounds are highly unstable.
Which is better squalene or squalane?
In other words, squalane is a more shelf-stable and effective version of squalene, which is why the former is the version that makes it into our skin-care creams, face serums and oils.
Is squalene shark liver oil?
One of the main components of shark liver oil is a compound called squalene. Squalene and its derivative squalane can be found as ingredients in cosmetic products, ranging from anti-aging cream to lip gloss. Sharks, especially deep-sea sharks, are targeted for the high concentration of squalene found in their livers.
Does La Mer use squalane?
Here are some brands that have vowed to no longer use shark-based squalene: Ponds, Boots, Dove, Sunsilk, Vaseline, L’Oreal, Lancome, Soft & Dri, Clarins, Sisley and La Mer. However, it is important to note there are still plenty of companies, particularly international, that use shark-based squalene.
Does squalane oil really work?
It does penetrate pores and improve skin at the cellular level, but it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. According to research , squalane has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and swelling. While squalane won’t clog your pores, natural skin oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria can.
What does shark liver oil do?
It is used to make medicine. Shark liver oil is used along with usual cancer drugs to treat leukemia and other cancers; to prevent radiation illness from cancer X-ray therapy; to prevent the common cold, flu, and swine flu; and to boost the body’s immune system.
Is squalene harmful to humans?
Limited contact sensitization tests indicate Squalene is not a significant contact allergen or irritant. It is concluded that both Squalane and Squalene are safe as cosmetic in- gredients in the present practices of use and concentration.
Gerardo Gonzalez loves cooking. He became interested in it at a young age, and has been honing his skills ever since. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes, and is always looking for ways to improve his technique.
Gerardo’s friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of his delicious cooking. They always enjoy trying out his latest creations, and often give him feedback on how he can make them even better. Gerardo takes their input to heart, and uses it to continue refining his culinary skills.