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

It’s made up of a collection of fat molecules, waxes and squalene, an oil compound. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2024

There’s a difference between squalene and squalane—aside from the spelling. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 9 Feb. 2024

Unlike many cleansers that strip the skin, this one 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, 4 Apr. 2024

It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and squalene to deeply nourish and fortify the skin barrier. —Sam Peters, ELLE, 28 Feb. 2023

Similarly, the production of many medicinal and cosmetic products containing squalene, which is commonly derived from sharks, may have also encouraged fishing efforts. —Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Jan. 2024

It’s also formulated with antioxidant-rich squalene, so that power couple teams up to smooth and calm skin. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023

This jelly treatment is infused with squalene and Japanese peach to bring your lips back to a supple, hydrated state. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2023

It’s infused with colloidal oatmeal, squalene, and tangerine peel oil to soothe the skin and replenish hydration. —Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 1 Dec. 2023

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)