Segment Analysis of Global Plant Based Squalene Market: Products, Applications, and End-Users

Global Plant Based Squalene market size was valued at USD 45.2 million in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 51.8 million in 2024 to USD 112.4 million by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.2% during the forecast period.

Plant based squalene is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon derived from renewable sources such as olives, amaranth seeds, and sugarcane through advanced biotechnological processes. This vegan alternative to traditional shark-derived squalene offers similar emollient, antioxidant, and hydrating properties while addressing ethical and sustainability concerns. Its biocompatibility and non-comedogenic nature make it ideal for use in skincare formulations, drug delivery systems, and nutritional products, driving adoption across the health, beauty, and wellness sectors.

The market for plant based squalene, while still emerging compared to synthetic or animal-sourced variants, holds significant growth potential. Demand is fueled by rising consumer preference for cruelty-free and eco-friendly ingredients, stringent regulations on marine resource exploitation, and innovations in biotechnology that enhance production efficiency and purity levels.

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Segmentation by Product Type

The plant based squalene market can be divided into two primary product categories based on form and processing:

1. Powder Plant-based Squalene

Powder plant-based squalene is a finely milled, stable form obtained through dehydration and encapsulation techniques, often used in solid formulations like tablets and powders. This variant provides ease of incorporation into dry blends while maintaining the compound’s bioactive benefits, such as moisture retention and skin barrier support.

Market Insight: Powder forms are gaining traction in the nutraceutical sector due to their convenience in supplement manufacturing. They appeal to formulators seeking shelf-stable ingredients that resist oxidation better than liquid counterparts in certain applications. However, production costs remain a challenge, limiting widespread adoption outside premium products.
Trend: With the surge in plant-based wellness products in North America and Europe, manufacturers are optimizing spray-drying methods to improve yield and purity, targeting health-conscious consumers who prefer powdered supplements over oils.

2. Liquid Plant-based Squalene

Liquid plant-based squalene retains its natural oily consistency, extracted and refined to high purity levels for direct use in emulsions, serums, and injectables. Its lightweight texture and rapid absorption make it a staple in topical and pharmaceutical applications requiring deep hydration.

Market Insight: The liquid segment dominates the market, accounting for the majority of volume due to its versatility in cosmetics and vaccines. Demand is particularly strong from beauty brands emphasizing clean beauty labels, where squalene acts as a key humectant. Nonetheless, supply chain disruptions in olive sourcing can impact availability.
Trend: Biotechnology advancements, including fermentation from sugarcane, are scaling up liquid production in Asia-Pacific, reducing dependency on seasonal crops and enabling consistent supply for global cosmetics giants.

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Segmentation by Application

Applications highlight the versatility of plant based squalene, leveraging its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and stabilizing properties to address needs across diverse industries.

1. Pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceutical sector utilizes plant based squalene primarily as an adjuvant in vaccine formulations and as a carrier in drug delivery systems. Its ability to enhance immune response and solubility makes it invaluable in injectable therapies and oral medications.

Insight: In vaccine production, squalene-based emulsions improve efficacy without animal-derived risks, aligning with global health standards. This application has seen increased use post-pandemic, with biotech firms prioritizing ethical sourcing.
Trend: Regulatory approvals for plant-derived adjuvants in Europe and the USA are accelerating adoption, especially as mRNA vaccine technologies evolve to incorporate more sustainable excipients.

2. Personal Care & Cosmetics

Personal care and cosmetics represent the largest application, where plant based squalene serves as a key ingredient in moisturizers, anti-aging creams, and hair care products. It mimics the skin’s natural sebum, providing long-lasting hydration without greasiness.

Insight: Consumer demand for vegan and sustainable beauty is propelling this segment, with brands reformulating to replace synthetic emollients. High-end skincare lines particularly favor its antioxidant properties for combating environmental stressors.
Trend: The rise of clean beauty movements in Asia-Pacific and North America is driving innovation in squalene-infused serums, with e-commerce platforms boosting accessibility to these products worldwide.

3. Food Supplements

In food supplements, plant based squalene is incorporated into capsules and functional foods for its potential cardiovascular and immune-supporting benefits. As a dietary lipid, it aids in nutrient absorption and cellular health.

Insight: This application is growing among health enthusiasts seeking natural antioxidants, though efficacy claims require more clinical backing to expand mainstream use.
Trend: Wellness trends in Europe, including the popularity of plant-based diets, are encouraging supplement makers to highlight squalene from olives in marketing, fostering niche market expansion.

4. Others

Other applications include industrial uses like lubricants and research-grade reagents, where plant based squalene’s stability and purity are essential. Emerging roles in nutraceuticals and agrochemicals are also developing.

Insight: While smaller in scale, these diverse uses provide steady demand from specialized sectors, benefiting from the ingredient’s biocompatibility in non-consumer products.
Trend: Sustainability initiatives are pushing industrial applications toward bio-based alternatives, with R&D investments exploring squalene in biodegradable polymers and eco-friendly coatings.

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Segmentation by End-User

1. Pharmaceutical Manufacturers

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are the largest end-user group for plant based squalene, integrating it into vaccines, ointments, and sustained-release formulations for enhanced bioavailability.

Insight: The shift toward ethical sourcing has made plant-based variants preferable, reducing supply risks associated with marine products while complying with international pharmacopeia standards.
Trend: Global vaccine drives and biopharma expansions in India and China are heightening procurement, with companies investing in dedicated supply chains for consistent quality.

2. Cosmetics & Personal Care Companies

Cosmetics firms, from indie brands to multinational conglomerates, rely on plant based squalene for premium skincare and haircare lines that emphasize natural and vegan credentials.

Insight: As clean label trends intensify, these end-users are reformulating to incorporate higher concentrations, capitalizing on squalene’s role in improving product texture and efficacy.
Trend: Social media influence and K-beauty waves are spurring demand in Asia-Pacific, where innovative delivery systems like nano-emulsions are gaining popularity.

3. Nutraceutical & Food Supplement Producers

Nutraceutical companies use plant based squalene in dietary supplements targeting joint health, skin vitality, and overall wellness, often blending it with other botanicals.

Insight: Although a smaller segment, it offers growth potential as consumers seek evidence-based natural supplements, with squalene positioned for its lipid-lowering properties.
Trend: The booming functional food market in North America is encouraging fortified products, with regulatory clarity on health claims poised to accelerate integration.

4. Research & Development Institutions

Academic and R&D labs procure plant based squalene for studies in dermatology, immunology, and material science, exploring its applications in novel therapies and biomaterials.

Insight: This group acts as an innovation hub, testing purity levels and bioactivity to inform commercial developments, though budget constraints limit volume purchases.
Trend: Increased funding for sustainable biotech research in Europe and the USA is broadening experimental uses, from drug carriers to tissue engineering scaffolds.

5. Industrial & Other Users

Industrial end-users, including lubricant and agrochemical producers, employ plant based squalene in specialty formulations where its chemical stability is crucial.

Insight: Demand here is niche but reliable, as industries transition to green chemistry principles, balancing cost with performance in non-pharma applications.
Trend: Circular economy initiatives in South America and the Middle East are promoting bio-based ingredients, with potential spillover into emerging fields like sustainable packaging.

The Global Plant Based Squalene market is best understood through its segmentation landscape. By product type, liquid forms lead due to their broad applicability, but powder variants are rising in supplement innovations. By application, personal care and cosmetics dominate, yet pharmaceuticals and food supplements offer robust growth trajectories. By end-user, pharmaceutical manufacturers spearhead demand, complemented by cosmetics firms and research institutions driving forward-thinking advancements.