Supplement Scholar
Fatty Acid

Squalene

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Squalene. Olive oil/shark liver lipid antioxidant.

How it works. Acts as singlet oxygen quencher; precursor to cholesterol.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Skin moisturization (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 500–1000 mg.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Collagen peptides, Vitamin C, Omega-3.

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Squalene. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Squalene. Olive oil/shark liver lipid antioxidant.

Molecular structureC30H50 · 410.7 g/mol

What it is

Olive oil/shark liver lipid antioxidant.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

Skin, Hair & NailsCardiovascular Health

How it works

Acts as singlet oxygen quencher; precursor to cholesterol.

Pathways

  • Acts as singlet oxygen quencher
  • precursor to cholesterol

Effects

  • +Skin moisturization supports

What the research supports

Skin moisturizationmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
500–1000 mg
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Acne if comedogenic

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Squalene use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Collagen peptidesProvides amino acid substrate for connective tissue synthesis.
  • Vitamin CRequired cofactor for collagen hydroxylation.
  • Omega-3Anti-inflammatory cardiovascular synergy.

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Squalene — Skin moisturization ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Squalene and "Skin moisturization". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Squalene — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Squalene and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Squalene — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Squalene and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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