When I started to investigate great natural ingredients for body & hand cream, one kept popping up over and over... that ingredient was squalene. Bet you've never heard of it before. Throughout my search, I found so many beauty, wellness, science and health resources touting squalene as a miracle skin care extract.

Characteristics associated with squalene include everything from, reducing wrinkle appearance, to being highly moisturizing and anti-aging. It has also been known an effective medicinal treatment for eczema and psoriasis, sun-damage repairing, scar healing, relieving of arthritic pain, and several sources even plug squalene as a substance that helps prevent cancer.

So, where does squalene come from?

There are two sources: a renewable source - olives, and also deep sea shark liver, caught as a byproduct of fishing nets, I was only interested in the olive oil derivative, because of its sustainability.

More interesting points: squalene is produced in human livers. Have a deficiency and you could get dry and early-aged skin. Several websites sell squalene jell tablets as dietary supplements. There's even an FDA web page noting that squalene is an ingredient in pharmaceutical company lotions approved for topical use, to help maintain a moist wound during healing. Sounds like the best lotions for great skin should have squalene as an ingredient.

I won't go as far as to agree with all the sources that hype squalene as a "miracle in a bottle." But I will say, that when my friends, family and customers ask me what is the one of the best skin care ingredients in skin cream, my answer is a cream containing squalene.

This information has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a medical cure for any illness. It is suggested that you consult with your physician regarding medical interactions.