squalene

noun

squa·​lene ˈskwā-ˌlēn 

: an acyclic hydrocarbon C₃₀H₅₀ that is widely distributed in nature (such as a major component of sebum and in shark-liver oils) and is a precursor of sterols (such as cholesterol)

Examples of squalene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This makeup remover helps maintain hydration, thanks to tangerine peel extract, squalene, and a blend of traditional Korean oils such as pine nut oil, camellia seed oil, and plum seed oil. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2025

Unfortunately, that notorious fabric yellowing is often unavoidable due to the combination of oleic acid, squalene, and other organic compounds found in your skin oil and sweat. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025

This one is also formulated with hyaluronic acid, squalene and sunflower seed and rosehip oils to be nourishing on the skin while also protecting from UVA and UVB rays. —Hedy Phillips, People.com, 19 May 2025

Rimmel London Mega Matte Liquid Lip Color Rimmel London's Mega Matte liquid lipstick is super hydrating and contains lip-loving ingredients like squalene, coconut oil and Mega Flex pigments that provide 16-hour wear and comes with a drip-tip applicator. —Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin squalus, a sea fish — more at whale

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

squalene

noun

squa·​lene ˈskwā-ˌlēn 

: an acyclic hydrocarbon C₃₀H₅₀ that is widely distributed in nature (as a major component of sebum and in shark-liver oils) and is a precursor of sterols (as cholesterol)