Squalene market seen reaching $241.6 million by 2030

Allied Market Research projects the global squalene market will grow from $114.5 million in 2020 to $241.6 million by 2030 as demand rises across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. Europe led the market in 2020, while Asia-Pacific is expected to post the fastest growth through 2030.

Why it matters: - The squalene market is expanding as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements use the ingredient for moisturizing, anti-aging, antioxidant and immune-support applications. - The market’s projected growth suggests stronger demand for natural and sustainable inputs across personal care and healthcare products.

What happened: - Allied Market Research said the global squalene market generated $114.5 million in 2020 and is expected to reach $241.6 million by 2030. - The report projects a compound annual growth rate of 7.8% from 2021 to 2030. - The firm published the report, "Squalene Market by Source (Animal, Vegetable, and Synthetic Biotechnology), End Use Industry (Cosmetics, Nutraceuticals, and Healthcare): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021–2030." - Allied Market Research also published a sample PDF, a full summary report and a purchase enquiry page.

The details: - Squalene is a colorless, oily triterpene hydrocarbon found in animals and plants, including sharks, olives and sugarcane. - The animal source segment held more than two-thirds of global revenue in 2020 and is projected to keep its dominant share through 2030. - The vegetable source segment is projected to post the fastest growth, with a 9.5% CAGR from 2021 to 2030, as producers shift away from animal sources amid regulatory pressure. - The cosmetics segment held more than four-fifths of the market in 2020 and is expected to remain the largest end-use category through 2030. - The cosmetics segment is forecast to grow at a 7.7% CAGR from 2021 to 2030. - The healthcare segment is expected to grow fastest among end users, with an 8.2% CAGR, as squalene is used as a pharmaceutical ingredient. - Europe held 37.5% of revenue in 2020 and is expected to retain the top regional position through 2030. - Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region, with an 8.7% CAGR, helped by lower labor costs, lower manufacturing setup costs and lower squalene prices.

Between the lines: - The report points to a broader shift toward vegetable and biotech-based inputs as governments tighten restrictions on some animal-derived sources. - Growth in cosmetics remains the main engine, but healthcare and nutraceutical uses are becoming more important as additional demand drivers. - The market’s regional split suggests Europe remains the current center of demand, while Asia-Pacific is building momentum as a lower-cost production base.

What's next: - Allied Market Research expects animal-based squalene to remain dominant in revenue during the forecast period, even as vegetable-based supply grows faster. - The report says new opportunities are emerging from squalene’s use as an antioxidant and immune-system support ingredient. - Key market players include Amyris, Arista Industries, Empresa Figueirense De Pesca, Gracefruit, Kshimoto Special Liver Oil, New Zealand Green Health, Nucelis, Otto Chemie, Seadragon Marine Oils and Sophim Iberia.

The bottom line: - Squalene demand is forecast to nearly double by 2030, led by cosmetics and a steady shift toward plant-based sourcing.