Extra Virgin Olive Oil with a High Squalene Content – Health and Cosmetics – Introduction

Squalene is a natural lipid (triterpene) found, among others, in olive oil, known for its health-promoting and cosmetic properties. It is the main hydrocarbon in virgin olive oil, accounting for over 50% of the unsaponifiable fraction. This compound is also present in human sebum – in humans, squalene makes up about 12% of skin surface lipids, which suggests its important protective role against external factors (e.g., UV radiation). The name “squalene” comes from the Latin squalus (shark) – historically, it was obtained from shark liver, where it occurs in exceptionally high concentrations. In the dietary and cosmetic context, plant sources of squalene are gaining increasing importance, especially extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Importantly, the squalene content in olive oil depends on the olive variety and production method – extra virgin olive oils are particularly high in squalene (typically 200–7500 mg/kg, and in certain varieties up to 12,000 mg/kg). The following sections discuss the health benefits of squalene, its cosmetic properties (especially in skin care), scientific research findings, practical methods of using squalene-rich olive oil, and a comparison with other sources of this compound. Finally, potential side effects and contraindications are presented.

Health Benefits of Squalene (in a Dietary Context)

Research suggests that squalene contributes to many of the health benefits associated with consuming olive oil (a pillar of the Mediterranean diet). Extra virgin olive oil with a high squalene content may positively affect the body in several ways:

Strong Antioxidant Effect: Squalene has the ability to neutralize reactive oxygen radicals, protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage. Together with the polyphenols in olive oil, it acts like a “knight in shining armor,” defending cells against aging and chronic diseases caused by free radicals. Its presence gives olive oil additional antioxidant power – olive oil contains exceptionally high squalene compared to other plant fats, which translates into better protection against damage caused, for example, by UV radiation.
Anti-inflammatory Action: Consuming squalene may help reduce inflammation in the body. Current research indicates that regularly taking a small dose of EVOO with a high squalene content may alleviate inflammatory states and bring relief to people suffering from inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, and even support the therapy of chronic diseases (including heart disease, diabetes, or liver inflammation). Squalene indirectly affects inflammatory pathways – for instance, in in vitro and in vivo studies, it reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, NF-κB) while increasing anti-inflammatory interleukins (IL-10, IL-4, IL-13), suggesting its role in inhibiting excessive inflammation.
Immune System Support: Squalene is known to have a positive effect on immunity. Its addition to the diet can stimulate immune responses – e.g., animal model studies have shown an increase in immune cell activity with squalene supplementation. Moreover, squalene has been used as a component of vaccine adjuvants (e.g., the emulsified MF59 adjuvant in flu vaccines contains squalene), which boosts the body’s immune response to the antigen. This indirectly confirms that squalene can “turbocharge” the immune system. Anecdotally, it is also indicated that squalene-rich olive oil “strengthens the body” – in Mediterranean tradition, it was considered a health elixir. In the pandemic era, attention has been drawn to the fact that regular consumption of high-quality olive oil may support immunity.
Benefits for the Cardiovascular System: As an intermediate metabolite in cholesterol synthesis, squalene can influence lipid balance. Studies suggest that a high level of dietary squalene lowers cholesterol – the likely mechanism is inhibition of the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme (similar to statins), which reduces cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver. Experimental models have demonstrated the hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic effects of squalene. This may partly explain why the Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil is associated with a better lipid profile and lower risk of heart disease. Additionally, squalene promotes vascular elasticity and may protect against atherosclerosis (anti-atherogenic effect).
Potential Anti-cancer Action: Although more research is needed, there are indications that squalene helps protect against cancer development. Its strong antioxidant properties reduce DNA damage caused by free radicals, which may lower the risk of malignant transformation. Laboratory models have noted an anti-tumor effect of squalene – for example, it inhibited the development of some lines of cancer cells. Another interesting experiment involved mice exposed to UV radiation, where topical application of olive oil (after sun exposure) significantly reduced the incidence of skin tumors – suggesting that the antioxidants (including squalene) in olive oil combated UV-initiated cancer cells. Although this was demonstrated in an animal model, it points to the protective potential of squalene against skin cancer and the need for further research.

Cosmetic Properties of Squalene (Skin Care)

Squalene is a valued cosmetic ingredient due to its biocompatibility with the skin and its multi-directional care effect. Since it is a natural component of human sebum, our skin tolerates it very well. Extra virgin olive oil with a high squalene content has the following beneficial properties when applied externally (to the skin):

Intense Hydration and Skin Barrier Protection: Squalene is an excellent emollient – it helps prevent water loss through the epidermis, supporting the skin’s hydration and softness. Applied to the skin, it helps retain moisture in the stratum corneum. Olive oil rich in squalene “locks in” moisture in the skin, preventing dryness. In addition, these lipids replenish the natural protective layer, strengthening the barrier against external factors and pollutants. As a result, the skin becomes more elastic and less prone to irritation.
Anti-Aging Effect: Thanks to its antioxidant properties, squalene protects the skin from premature aging. It neutralizes free radicals produced by UV radiation and environmental pollutants, reducing oxidative stress in the skin. In turn, this helps prevent the formation of wrinkles, loss of firmness, and sun-induced discolorations. In other words, squalene acts as an antioxidant shield that slows down the skin’s aging process and supports a youthful appearance. Studies indicate that people who follow an olive oil-rich diet have healthier, more radiant skin, which is partly attributed to the presence of squalene and vitamin E.
Soothing Inflammation and Calming Effect: Squalene also exerts anti-inflammatory properties topically on the skin. It can help reduce redness, irritation, or swelling of inflamed skin. Studies have shown that squalene inhibits inflammatory mediators – for instance, it reduces NF-κB activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines – which translates into alleviating the symptoms of skin inflammation. As such, it is a valuable ingredient for sensitive skin prone to redness or acne lesions. Notably, olive oil (containing squalene and polyphenols) also has some antibacterial activity – it may inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes, thereby indirectly aiding in acne therapy. Some dermatological soaps with olive oil are recommended for acne because they help limit bacterial colonies while not drying out the skin.
Skin Regeneration and Healing: Extra virgin olive oil accelerates the regeneration of damaged skin, aided by the presence of squalene and accompanying compounds (vitamin E, polyphenols). Traditionally, olive oil was used for minor wounds or irritations – modern research confirms that squalene supports the wound healing process. It exerts an immunomodulatory effect on M1 macrophages (“repair” cells), increasing the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines and tissue remodeling factors, which facilitates faster tissue repair. Additionally, olive oil can help soothe sunburn – applying it to the skin after sun exposure reduces the inflammatory response and supports epidermal regeneration. Clinical studies have also found that olive-based preparations may speed up the healing of chronic ulcers (e.g., diabetic foot, bedsores) thanks to their anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.

Scientific Research on the Effects of Squalene

Squalene has been the subject of numerous studies due to its unique biological properties. Below are selected research findings illustrating squalene’s impact on the skin and the body:

Skin Protection against UV and Cancer:
In an experiment published in Carcinogenesis, scientists irradiated mice with UV rays and then applied olive oil (rich in squalene) to their skin. The result was significant – mice treated with olive oil had far fewer skin tumors compared to the control group. This suggests that olive oil’s components (antioxidants, including squalene) can counteract sun-induced damage and the initiation of skin cancers. This animal study reinforces the belief in squalene’s photoprotective role. It is worth adding that the very presence of squalene in human sebum is considered an adaptation that protects against UV – humans have more squalene in their skin than fur-bearing animals, enabling the neutralization of free radicals generated by sunlight.
Healing and Anti-inflammatory Properties:
In 2018, a team of Spanish researchers (Sánchez-Quesada et al.) described the immunomodulatory effects of squalene on wound healing. In an in vitro study on immune cells, they showed that adding squalene stimulated macrophages to secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10) and inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α). They also observed increased production of tissue remodeling factors, translating into faster repair of damage. These results confirm squalene’s anti-inflammatory nature and explain the mechanism of its beneficial impact on skin regeneration and healing. Other dermatological studies suggest that squalene may be relevant in treating inflammatory skin diseases – for example, there are reports of its positive effect on psoriasis symptoms (reducing inflammation in skin lesions).
Anti-atherosclerotic and Metabolic Effects:
Numerous epidemiological studies highlight the beneficial impact of the Mediterranean diet (rich in olive oil) on the cardiovascular system. Part of this effect is attributed to squalene. Scientific reviews (including publications in Antioxidants, 2020) emphasize that squalene has a hypolipidemic effect – it lowers total cholesterol and atherogenic fractions (LDL, VLDL). Animal studies have shown an effect comparable to statins in inhibiting cholesterol synthesis (via regulation of HMG-CoA reductase) with squalene supplementation. Improvement in vascular function (greater arterial elasticity) has also been observed in older individuals consuming diets enriched with high-squalene oil (e.g., shark liver oil). In the metabolic context, squalene is also being studied for potential benefits in diabetes and obesity – its antioxidant action may protect pancreatic cells and improve insulin sensitivity (though these effects require further confirmation).
Safety and Immunological Effects:
The use of squalene as a vaccine adjuvant has provided valuable data on its safety in humans. The MF59 adjuvant (containing squalene) has already been administered to millions of people in flu vaccines – it has been shown to be well-tolerated and effectively stimulates the immune response, increasing the production of immune memory cells. No significant negative side effects of squalene itself have been observed, confirming its safety in controlled doses. It is also worth mentioning that shark liver oil (rich in squalene) has long been used as a “strengthening” supplement – it was believed to speed recovery and protect against infections. Although many of these folk uses lack solid clinical evidence, modern immunological research does indeed point to the immunostimulating properties of squalene (e.g., increased NK cell and macrophage activity).

Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil (High in Squalene) in Skin Care

Extra virgin olive oil with a high squalene content can be used in many ways in home cosmetics and professional skin care. Here are some methods of application:

As a Serum/Moisturizing Oil: Pure extra virgin olive oil can be applied directly to the facial or body skin as a natural moisturizing oil. It is best to apply a few drops to slightly damp, cleansed skin – this will facilitate absorption. The olive oil then acts as an emollient serum that nourishes the complexion and retains moisture. Thanks to its richness in squalene and vitamin E, this treatment is particularly effective at night, helping the skin regenerate during sleep. After applying, gently pat in the oil and wait a few minutes, then remove any excess with a tissue or towel (the skin should feel slightly satiny, not greasy). This method can also be used after sun exposure or tanning – the olive oil soothes post-sun irritation and moisturizes the skin, acting like a calming after-sun balm.
Addition to Face Masks: Extra virgin olive oil works great as an ingredient in homemade face and body masks. It can be combined with other natural products, for example: a mask of honey and olive oil provides a strong dose of hydration and antioxidants to the skin. A sample recipe: 1 tablespoon of olive oil + 1 teaspoon of honey – apply for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Such a mixture deeply hydrates the skin, while the antioxidants in the olive oil fight free radicals, supporting a healthy glow. Another variant is an exfoliating mask of olive oil and sugar – mix olive oil with fine sugar and massage your face in circular motions. The sugar exfoliates dead skin cells, while the olive oil lubricates and smooths the skin. You can also prepare a brightening mask with olive oil and lemon juice (use caution, avoiding the eye area) – the lemon gently exfoliates and brightens discolorations, while the olive oil prevents irritation and excessive dryness. In DIY cosmetics, olive oil is valued for increasing skin elasticity, supplying vitamins, and offering protection during treatments.
For Facial and Body Massage: High-quality extra virgin olive oil can serve as a natural massage oil. Thanks to its high squalene content, it provides good glide during massage and intensively nourishes the skin. A facial massage with a few drops of olive oil (e.g., using the Kobido or Gua Sha technique) improves skin blood circulation, facilitates lymphatic drainage, and supplies valuable lipids, resulting in a radiant appearance. Meanwhile, a body massage (e.g., after a bath) with warm olive oil makes the skin more supple, may help prevent stretch marks, and alleviates muscle tension. Olive oil is also a popular base for aromatherapy massage oils – just add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Keep in mind that extra virgin olive oil retains the natural olive aroma; if you find it unpleasant, you can opt for squalane (the hydrogenated derivative of olive squalene, odorless and lighter) as an alternative for facial massage.
Cleansing and Makeup Removal (OCM Method): Due to the principle of “like dissolves like,” olive oil is excellent at dissolving sebum and makeup. It can be used in the oil cleansing method (OCM) – apply a few milliliters of olive oil to the dry facial skin and massage in circular motions (including the eyelids to dissolve mascara and eye shadow). Then place a warm, damp towel on your face to open the pores, and gently remove the oil along with impurities. The olive oil dissolves accumulated fats (e.g., waterproof makeup) and dirt in the pores without disturbing the skin’s natural hydrolipid barrier. After this cleansing, the complexion is clean but not “tight.” However, it is important to thoroughly remove excess olive oil from the skin’s surface and optionally wash your face with a mild gel, so as not to leave a greasy film. This method works especially well for those with dry or normal skin; people with oily or acne-prone skin should monitor whether this type of cleansing suits them.
Other Uses: Extra virgin olive oil is often added to commercial cosmetics – creams, lotions, soaps – precisely because of its squalene, vitamins, and polyphenols. At home, you can also rub a small amount of olive oil into the ends of your hair (as a moisturizing and anti-breakage serum) or use it on nails and cuticles (for strengthening and nourishment). Although this is not directly facial skin care, it showcases olive oil’s versatility. However, it is worth remembering to choose extra virgin olive oil from a reliable source – low-quality or adulterated “olive oil” may not provide the same benefits and may potentially contain less squalene. For those concerned about the comedogenic potential of pure olive oil on the face, an alternative can be olive-derived squalane (a product created by hydrogenating olive squalene); it retains moisturizing properties, is lighter, odorless, and more stable (it does not go rancid as quickly).

Other Sources of Squalene – A Comparison

Although olive oil is one of the most popular plant sources of squalene, there are other products high in this valuable compound. It is worth knowing how olive oil compares to them, as well as the pros and cons of each source:

Shark Liver Oil:
Historically, it was the main source of squalene in the industry (e.g., for cosmetics and supplements). Some deep-sea shark species have livers containing 60–80% squalene, which makes them extremely rich in this lipid. In the past, shark oil was used as a folk remedy (for wounds, respiratory problems) and is still sold today as an “immune-boosting” supplement. However, obtaining squalene from sharks has serious ecological consequences – it has led to overfishing and a decline in populations of these slow-reproducing species. Many are now endangered. Therefore, the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries are moving away from animal-based squalene in favor of plant-derived squalene. Despite the high squalene content, shark oil is not preferred due to ethical concerns and the risk of contamination (environmental toxins can accumulate in fish fat).
Amaranth Oil (from Amaranth Seeds):
This is one of the richest plant-based oils in terms of squalene content. It is estimated that cold-pressed amaranth oil contains about 5–8% squalene (depending on the variety). By comparison, the best olive oil usually contains less than 1%. Such a high concentration makes amaranth an attractive source of squalene, both for consumption and cosmetic purposes. Amaranth oil is used in preparations for very dry, sensitive, and mature skin, because its unique composition (high squalene, omega-6 fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and tocopherols) resembles natural skin lipids. Research confirms its excellent absorbability and tolerance – it is non-allergenic and helps rebuild the lipid barrier in people with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. The downside is the high cost and limited availability – amaranth seeds contain only about 6% oil, so obtaining large quantities is expensive. Nevertheless, squalene production from amaranth on an industrial scale is becoming more common (as an alternative to shark-derived sources).
Other Vegetable Oils:
Smaller but noteworthy amounts of squalene are also found in: rice bran, wheat germ, rice germ oil, and pumpkin seed oil. For example, rice bran oil may contain about 0.3–0.7% squalene, and wheat germ oil a similar range. These values are lower than in extra virgin olive oil, but such oils are sometimes used as additives in cosmetics because of their squalene and other unsaponifiable components. Their advantages include plant-based origin and additional components (e.g., oryzanol in rice oil). However, in practical terms, olive oil surpasses them in availability and versatility.
Squalene from Fermentation (Biotechnological Sources):
In recent years, the technology to obtain squalene from microorganisms (e.g., yeast, bacteria) via genetic engineering has been developing. By fermenting sugars, plant-derived squalene can be produced on a large scale, easing the burden on natural sources. The resulting squalene is chemically identical and avoids issues related to cultivating amaranth or fishing for sharks. A commercial example is squalane (hydrogenated squalene) from Biossance, obtained by fermenting sugarcane – this saves hundreds of thousands of sharks each year that would otherwise have to be killed for such an amount of squalene. For the consumer, it is important to note that most high-quality squalene-based cosmetics now use plant/biotechnological forms rather than animal sources.

Possible Side Effects and Contraindications

When using extra virgin olive oil (or squalene) for health and beauty, keep a few precautions in mind:

Comedogenicity and Acne:
Despite its many advantages, pure olive oil does not suit everyone when applied to the face. In people prone to pore clogging, an excess of heavy oils can lead to the formation of blackheads and breakouts. Olive oil is rich in oleic acid, which can be comedogenic for some individuals. According to dermatologists, an excess of oily substances on the skin may block pores and cause acne. Therefore, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, use olive oil sparingly – ideally as a small addition to lighter oils (e.g., jojoba) or opt for squalane, which is lighter and should not clog pores.
Irritations and Allergies:
While squalene itself is a component of human skin and usually does not cause allergies, olive oil can sometimes be irritating, especially to sensitive skin. This is rare, but there have been cases of allergic reactions to olive oil. Additionally, preliminary research suggests that long-term application of olive oil to the skin may weaken the skin barrier in some individuals, leading to sensitization and dryness. Therefore, people with very sensitive, atopic skin should perform a patch test before regular use – for example, apply it to a small area and observe for redness or rash. If the skin reacts badly (burning or redness), it is better to avoid using pure olive oil.
Use on Infants:
Pediatricians discourage using olive oil for infant skin care (e.g., for massage or treating cradle cap), especially for children at risk of atopy. There are reports that applying olive oil to an infant’s skin may disrupt the developing skin barrier and promote the appearance of atopic lesions. A baby’s skin is very delicate, and other oils (e.g., sunflower oil or special baby emollients) may be safer. Hence, olive oil is not recommended for infant skin unless advised otherwise by a dermatologist.
Excessive Intake:
Regarding oral squalene intake (e.g., in the form of large amounts of olive oil or squalene supplements), it is generally well tolerated, but an excess of oil can cause side effects typical of fats. Very high doses (far exceeding typical Mediterranean diet consumption) may lead to digestive issues (diarrhea, indigestion). It’s also worth remembering that olive oil is caloric – in moderation (e.g., one tablespoon a day), it certainly benefits health, but drinking whole glasses of olive oil is not advisable. The squalene doses used in studies (about 100–600 mg per day) are considered safe. With reasonable intake as part of the diet, no squalene toxicity has been reported.
As a Sunscreen Substitute:
Although olive oil (and the squalene in it) exhibits certain protective properties against UV, it should not be treated as a substitute for sunscreen. Its effect is incomparably weaker than products with SPF. Olive oil can support protection (e.g., by strengthening the lipid barrier and providing antioxidants, thus reducing sun damage), but it does not sufficiently block UVA/UVB radiation. Therefore, proper SPF sunscreen is essential before sun exposure, and olive oil can be applied afterward to soothe the skin.

Summary

Extra virgin olive oil with an extremely high squalene content is a valuable product both in the diet and in cosmetics. Squalene in olive oil provides strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects. Incorporating such olive oil into your daily menu can support heart health, immunity, and protect against chronic diseases. In turn, external application to the skin helps maintain hydration, elasticity, and a youthful appearance, while also soothing irritations and speeding up regeneration. Numerous scientific studies confirm these benefits – from anti-aging effects and wound healing to beneficial impacts on blood parameters. Nevertheless, like any product, olive oil has its limitations: it is not suitable for every skin type and cannot replace full sun protection. Used wisely and regularly, however, squalene-rich olive oil allows us to draw from the Mediterranean tradition what is best – health and beauty flowing from nature.

Sources:

Scientific and industry literature on squalene and extra virgin olive oil, including research findings published in journals such as Antioxidants (PMC.NCBI.NLM.NIH.GOV) (PMC.NCBI.NLM.NIH.GOV), Carcinogenesis (HEALTHLINE.COM), International Journal of Molecular Sciences (reviews on MDPI) and popular science materials (Healthline, Verywell Health) (VERYWELLHEALTH.COM) (VERYWELLHEALTH.COM). All cited information is supported by references in the text.

Prepared by: Tadeusz Gruszczyński, certified olive oil sommelier. Copying without the author’s permission is prohibited.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil with a High Squalene Content – Health and Cosmetics