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J. Cosmet. Sci., 64, 59–65 (January/February 2013) 59 The importance and perspective of plant-based squalene in cosmetology KATARZYNA WOLOSIK, MALGORZATA KNAŚ, ANNA ZALEWSKA, MAREK NICZYPORUK, and ADRIAN WOJCIECH PRZYSTUPA, Laboratory of Cosmetology, The Faculty of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine (K.W., M.K.), Department of Pediatric Dentistry (A.Z.), Laboratory of Esthetic Medicine, The Faculty of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine (M.N.), Medical University of Bialystok, and Gynecological and Obstetrical Private Clinic in Bialystok (A.W.P.), Bialystok, Poland. Accepted for publication June 6, 2012. Synopsis Squalene is a highly unsaturated hydrocarbon from triterpenoid family, discovered as a major component of the liver oil of certain varieties of deep sea sharks. In the interest of protecting biodiversity, raw materials of animal origin must be replaced by alternative sources that respect our environment. Squalene is widely pres- ent as a component of the unsaponifi able fraction of vegetable oils (i.e., olive oil, amaranth oil). Amaranth oil seems to be the key source of squalene. Amaranth grains contains 7–7.7% lipids, and these lipids are ex- tremely valuable because of the presence of ingredients like squalene, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E as tocopherols, tocotrienols, and phytosterols, which are not seen together in other common oils. In human skin physiology, squalene is not only used as an antioxidant, moisturizer, and material for topically applied vehi- cle, but is also used in treating skin disorders like seborrheic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, or atopic dermatitis. Further studies on alternative sources are needed to explore the utility of squalene for treating skin. INTRODUCTION In Japan, a rich source of squalene is shark liver oil. Many Japanese people believe the shark liver oil contains powerful healing agents. Another rich source of herbal squalene is the amaranth plant, a type of grain plant that can survive in both scorching heat and ex- tremely dry soil. It produces 6-foot stalks with feathery red or magenta plumes. The Greek word “amarantus” means “never withering.” In India, the amaranth herb has been used for thousands of years. It is as rich in squalene and is as common in that region as the olive tree is in the Mediterranean basin. In the great epics of the ancient Indian cultures, Address all correspondence to Katarzyna Wolosik at katarzyna.wolosik@umb.edu.pl.