Squalene
What it is
A natural triterpene hydrocarbon abundant in shark liver oil, olive oil, and amaranth, and a major component of human sebum. Oral squalene (and its saturated form, squalane) supports skin barrier lipid synthesis and may modestly reduce LDL oxidation. Phytosqualene (plant-derived, olive or amaranth) is environmentally preferable to shark-derived products. Clinical evidence is limited but mechanistically plausible for dry skin, sebum balance, and as a cholesterol synthesis intermediate precursor.
Dose
500–1000 mg olive- or amaranth-derived squalene daily
Time of day & tips
Prefer plant-sourced squalene to shark-derived for sustainability; take with meals; skin effects typically take 6-8 weeks
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