GCC squalene market Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends, Opportunities & Forecast 2025–2030

GCC Squalene Market Overview

The GCC Squalene Market is valued at USD 15 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for squalene in cosmetics and personal care products, as well as its applications in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. The rising awareness of the health benefits associated with squalene, such as its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, has further fueled market expansion. Recent trends highlight a strong shift toward sustainable, plant-derived and biosynthetic squalene, as consumers and manufacturers prioritize ethical sourcing and environmental impact.

Key players in this market include the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which dominate due to their advanced extraction technologies and established cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. These countries leverage local and imported resources to meet growing consumer demand, with a notable increase in investment towards plant-based and biosynthetic squalene production to align with global sustainability standards.

In 2023, the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) issued the “GSO 2574:2023 Requirements for Sustainable Squalene Sourcing,” mandating that all squalene used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals must be derived from environmentally responsible practices. This regulation requires traceability of raw materials, certification of non-endangered marine sources, and compliance with international sustainability standards to protect marine ecosystems and ensure product quality.

GCC Squalene Market Segmentation

By Type:

The market is segmented into three main types: Shark Squalene, Plant-derived Squalene (e.g., Olive, Amaranth, Sugarcane), and Synthetic Squalene (Biosynthetic, Fermentation-based). Shark Squalene is traditionally favored for its high purity and effectiveness, but its market share is declining due to ethical and regulatory concerns. Plant-derived Squalene is gaining traction as consumers increasingly prefer sustainable and vegan products, and regulatory bodies encourage plant-based sourcing. Synthetic Squalene, produced via biosynthetic and fermentation-based processes, is emerging as a viable alternative, especially in pharmaceutical applications where purity and scalability are critical.

By Application:

The applications of squalene are diverse, including Cosmetics & Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals (Vaccines, Drug Delivery, Supplements), and Food & Beverage (Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods). The cosmetics sector is the largest consumer of squalene, driven by its moisturizing, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties. The pharmaceutical industry is also a significant user, particularly for drug delivery systems and vaccine formulations, with growing adoption of plant-based and synthetic squalene for safety and sustainability. Food & Beverage applications are expanding as squalene is increasingly incorporated into nutraceuticals and functional foods for its health benefits.

GCC Squalene Market Competitive Landscape

The GCC Squalene Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Amyris, Inc., Seppic S.A., Nucelis, LLC, Kewpie Corporation, Sophim S.A., Maruha Nichiro Corporation, Omegavia, Aker BioMarine, Croda International Plc, Evonik Industries AG, Olvea Group, Squalene International, Biochemica International, Axiom Foods, Inc., Givaudan S.A., DSM Nutritional Products, Arista Industries, Inc., Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd., EFP Biotek, Gracefruit Limited contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Amyris, Inc.

2003

Emeryville, California, USA

Seppic S.A.

1942

Paris, France

Nucelis, LLC

2010

San Diego, California, USA

Kewpie Corporation

1919

Tokyo, Japan

Sophim S.A.

1988

Peyruis, France

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Group Size (Large, Medium, Small)

Revenue Growth Rate (YoY %)

Market Penetration Rate (GCC Share %)

Customer Retention Rate (%)

Pricing Strategy (Premium, Value, Budget)

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GCC Squalene Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

Increasing Demand for Natural Ingredients:

The GCC region has witnessed a significant shift towards natural ingredients, with the market for natural cosmetics projected to reach $3.9 billion in future. This trend is driven by consumer preferences for organic and sustainably sourced products, as 75% of consumers in the region express a preference for natural over synthetic ingredients. This growing demand is expected to bolster the squalene market, as it is a key natural ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products.

Rising Awareness of Health Benefits:

The health benefits of squalene, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are becoming increasingly recognized. In future, the GCC health and wellness market is projected to reach $75 billion, with consumers actively seeking products that enhance health. This awareness is driving demand for squalene in dietary supplements and nutraceuticals, as consumers prioritize health and wellness in their purchasing decisions, further propelling market growth.

Expansion of Cosmetic and Personal Care Industries:

The GCC cosmetic industry is expected to grow to $22 billion in future, fueled by a young population and increasing disposable incomes. This expansion is creating a robust demand for squalene, which is widely used in skincare formulations. With over 65% of consumers in the region willing to pay a premium for high-quality cosmetic products, the demand for squalene as a key ingredient is anticipated to rise significantly, supporting market growth.

Market Challenges

High Production Costs:

The production of squalene is often associated with high costs due to the extraction process from shark liver oil or olives. In future, the average production cost is estimated to be around $1,600 per kilogram, which poses a challenge for manufacturers. This high cost can limit the accessibility of squalene in various applications, making it less competitive against synthetic alternatives that are cheaper to produce.

Regulatory Compliance Issues:

The squalene market faces stringent regulatory compliance challenges, particularly concerning safety and quality standards. In future, the GCC region is expected to implement new regulations that require extensive testing and certification for natural ingredients. This could increase operational costs for manufacturers and slow down the time-to-market for new products, hindering overall market growth and innovation.

GCC Squalene Market Future Outlook

The GCC squalene market is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for natural and health-oriented products. As the cosmetic and personal care industries expand, manufacturers are likely to invest in sustainable sourcing and innovative extraction technologies. Additionally, the rising popularity of clean label products will further enhance market dynamics. Companies that adapt to these trends and focus on quality and sustainability will likely capture a larger share of the market in the coming years.

Market Opportunities

Emerging Markets in the GCC Region:

The growing middle class in the GCC countries presents a lucrative opportunity for squalene producers. With an estimated 60% increase in disposable income in future, there is a rising demand for premium personal care products, which can significantly boost squalene sales in the region.

Innovations in Extraction Technologies:

Advances in extraction technologies are creating opportunities for more efficient and cost-effective production of squalene. Techniques such as supercritical CO2 extraction are gaining traction, potentially reducing production costs by up to 35%, making squalene more accessible for various applications in cosmetics and nutraceuticals.

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