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

The eye cream targets the most sensitive area of the face using star ingredients like peptides, squalene, hyaluronic acid, turmeric, hibiscus, and of course, Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee. —Essence, 11 Feb. 2025

The face cream comes with a rich texture containing 4 percent niacinamide and rice oil, while the lightweight eye cream features daisy and hawkweed extracts, in addition to arginine and squalene. —Sandra Salibian, WWD, 4 Feb. 2025

It is suggested that the absence of the squalene in the polar bear hair was critical from an anti-icing perspective. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 Jan. 2025

Key ingredients: Aqua, squalene, glycerin, wild rose berry extract, plankton extract, rosa canina fruit extract Shades: 32 Finish: Natural Coverage: Light to medium Size: 1 oz. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025

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)