Shark-free Squalene

In honor of Shark Week 2020, we wanted to emphasize our commitment to cruelty-free squalene sources, and educate about how plant-derived squalene benefits not only your skin, but our friends in the sea.

Squalene (which you will notice is the base of all Tritera products) has been historically sourced from the oil rich livers of various shark species, many of which are at risk of becoming extinct. These sharks depend on oil in their livers to regulate their buoyancy. Unfortunately, millions of sharks are killed each year to be used in products ranging from pet food to fertilizer and even to beauty and skin products. Approximately three million sharks are still killed annually just to harvest squalene to be used in cosmetic products. Squalene, however, is not found only in sharks. It is found in many other animal species (including humans!), but most importantly it is found and naturally produced in many other plant species. The squalene produced by sharks, humans, and plants is all the same molecule, with the same amazing antioxidant benefits. The difference in plant-based and shark-based squalene is not in the squalene itself, but rather in the price and purification efforts that go into producing a clean and safe product. Plant-derived squalene is more typically more expensive often has a potent bitter smell, or is impure. Purification processes (like Tritera uses) can allow plant-derived squalene to be safely extracted and used in skincare products, therefore providing a sustainable and cruelty-free option for those who love the benefits of squalene and want to do their part in sustaining the ecosystems of our oceans.

Popular Press References:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2018/07/sharks-news-cosmetics-squalene-health/#close

https://usa.oceana.org/shark-squalene