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 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

Shades: 30 Key ingredients: Niacinamide, allantoin, aloe, jojoba seed oil, rice hull powder, squalene Size: 1 oz. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Jan. 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

However, the team was surprised to see that a fatty metabolite called squalene was missing. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 Jan. 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)