US Squalene Market Size, Share & Forecast 2025 to 2035
The US Squalene market is experiencing significant growth driven by rising demand from cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical sectors. Squalene, a natural polyunsaturated hydrocarbon, is used as an emollient and antioxidant in personal care, vaccine adjuvants, and dietary supplements. There is a rapid shift towards vegetable-based and synthetic sources due to sustainability and ethical concerns associated with animal-based squalene. Technological advancements such as supercritical fluid extraction are driving higher yields and purity. The market is witnessing new product launches and expanding distribution channels, with a strong emphasis on vegan and cruelty-free certifications. The ongoing growth is underpinned by increased R&D investments and expansion strategies by key players. The US Squalene market is expected to reach USD 205 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2025.
Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
Rising demand for natural and sustainable ingredients in cosmetics: Major cosmetic brands, including L’Oréal and Unilever, are integrating squalene as a core emollient in their formulations. Amyris, a leader in biotech-based squalene, partnered with top beauty brands in 2024 to offer synthetic, sustainable alternatives to animal-based squalene.
Increasing usage in vaccine adjuvants: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of squalene for vaccine development, with pharmaceutical companies like GSK and Seqirus utilizing sustainable squalene-based adjuvants in their flu and COVID vaccines.
Key Trends
Shift towards plant-based and synthetic squalene: Companies like Sophim and Croda International have launched olive and sugarcane-based squalene products in 2024, addressing ethical and regulatory concerns.
Adoption of green extraction technologies: Firmenich invested in supercritical CO2 fluid extraction to enhance purity and reduce environmental impact, setting a trend for technological upgrades in 2024.
Key Opportunities
Expansion of applications in nutraceuticals and dietary supplements: With consumer focus on immunity and wellness, companies like Gracefruit introduced squalene-infused supplements targeting health-conscious consumers in early 2024.
Growth in e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales: Arista Industries expanded its online presence, facilitating easier access for end-users and small businesses, further fueled by post-pandemic digital transformations.
Key Challenges
Ethical and regulatory scrutiny of animal-based squalene: Companies reliant on shark liver oil, such as Maruha Nichiro, face increasing pressure and potential phase-outs due to conservation campaigns and changing legislation.
Supply chain volatility and raw material sourcing issues: SeaDragon Marine Oils reported challenges in sourcing sustainable fish oil, leading to sporadic supply and fluctuating prices across 2024.
Key Restraints
High cost of sustainable and synthetic squalene production: Firmenich and Nucelis highlighted the increased costs linked with bio-based production, limiting mass adoption for price-sensitive segments.
Stringent FDA regulations on new formulations: New entrants like Nucelis encountered delays in product launches due to the complexities of obtaining regulatory clearances, slowing market penetration.
Vegetable-based squalene is expected to dominate the US market in 2025, holding the largest share due to consumer preferences for plant-derived and sustainable ingredients. Synthetic squalene from sugarcane and fermentation processes is rapidly gaining traction and is projected to show the highest growth rate as companies shift towards cruelty-free certifications. Animal-based squalene, primarily from shark liver oil, continues to decline owing to sustainability concerns and evolving regulations. The transition reflects market adaptation to ethical sourcing and environmental sustainability, with major players investing in R&D and alternative technologies.
Cosmetics and personal care remain the primary application for squalene in the US, capturing nearly half of the market share in 2025 as leading brands develop innovative skin care and hair care products. Pharmaceuticals represent a significant portion, driven by the ongoing role of squalene in vaccine adjuvants and therapies. Food supplements and nutraceuticals are emerging as high-growth segments, benefiting from increasing consumer attention to nutrition and preventive healthcare. The market is expected to diversify its application base further as R&D initiatives unlock new health and wellness benefits.
US Squalene Market Revenue (USD Million), 2020-2035
The US Squalene market showcased robust growth from 2020, with revenue figures reaching USD 143 million in 2025. The growth trajectory is propelled by heightened demand in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetics sectors, coupled with an accelerated move toward plant-based and synthetic sources. Over the forecast period till 2035, market revenue is projected to expand to approximately USD 205 million, reflecting the market's adaptation to evolving consumer preferences and steady investment in innovative extraction technologies.
US Squalene Market Year-on-Year Growth (%), 2020-2035
The year-on-year growth of the US Squalene market averaged 7.2% during the forecast period, peaking at 8.6% in 2026 before stabilizing around 6% post-2030. This growth pace reflects both the recovery from pandemic-related disruptions and the accelerating shift towards sustainable raw materials. Strategic initiatives by key players to diversify product portfolios and commercialize new sources contributed to the market’s consistent YOY expansion.
In 2025, the Western US region, including California and Pacific Northwest states, leads in squalene consumption and production, closely followed by the Northeast, which is home to several biotech and pharmaceutical innovators. The Southern region exhibits steady uptake fueled by growth in nutraceutical and wellness industries. Regional market share reflects the concentration of key industry players, consumer awareness, and access to advanced R&D infrastructure, making the US market one of the most dynamic globally.
Amyris leads the US Squalene market with a strong focus on sustainable and synthetic squalene for the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors. Croda International and Sophim have also made significant market inroads, thanks to wide product portfolios and global distribution networks. Their collective innovation in bio-based and plant-derived squalene supports ongoing demand for cruelty-free, high-purity ingredients. Intense competition and frequent new product launches characterize the landscape, with the top five players capturing over 70% of the US market.
The leading buyers of squalene in the US are dominated by cosmetic product manufacturers, accounting for the largest share, followed by pharmaceutical companies using it in vaccines and specialized health applications. Nutraceutical and dietary supplement manufacturers are gaining presence as squalene use in functional foods grows. Shifting consumer preferences toward plant-based products and innovative formulations are shaping buying patterns, with major beauty and personal care brands leading procurement.
April 2024: Amyris announced commercial scale-up of sugarcane-based squalene partnerships with top cosmetic brands.
May 2024: Croda International launched a new olive-derived squalene ingredient certified vegan and non-GMO.
June 2024: Sophim opened a new US facility dedicated to plant-based squalene extraction and processing.
June 2024: Firmenich released R&D results showing enhanced purity from supercritical CO2 extraction technology.
July 2024: GSK confirmed use of sustainable squalene adjuvants in new flu vaccine for the US market.
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About the Author
Ankit
Senior Research Consultant
Ankit is a Senior Research Consultant specializing in market research, industry analysis, and business consulting across Chemical & Material. Ankit brings a commercially grounded perspective to sectors shaped by changing demand, innovation, and competitive dynamics, helping turn complex market trends into clear strategic insights for business decision-makers. With 10+ years of experience across research, analytics, and strategic advisory roles, Ankit has helped organizations translate data into actionable growth strategies.
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