What Is Hydrogenated Shark Liver Oil?
Hydrogenated shark liver oil is a refined oil obtained from the livers of certain deep sea sharks that has been treated with hydrogen to make it fully saturated. Before hydrogenation the raw oil is rich in squalene, a delicate compound that oxidizes easily. Adding hydrogen converts most of the squalene into squalane and other stable hydrocarbons, giving the ingredient a long shelf life and a non-greasy feel.
People have used shark liver oil for skin relief since fishing communities first discovered its soothing qualities. In modern cosmetics it gained popularity after researchers in the 1950s learned that hydrogenating the oil reduces its odor and boosts stability, making it easier to blend into creams and lotions.
Production starts with carefully sourced shark livers that are cleaned, heated and pressed to release the raw oil. The oil is then purified, filtered and passed through a hydrogenation unit where it meets hydrogen gas under controlled temperature and pressure. This process saturates the carbon bonds, followed by further filtration and deodorization to create a clear, nearly odorless liquid ready for cosmetic use.
You will most often find hydrogenated shark liver oil in rich moisturizers, night creams, anti aging serums, facial oils, masks, lip balms, foundations and after-sun treatments, where it lends a silky finish and supports skin softness.
Hydrogenated Shark Liver Oil’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skincare formulas hydrogenated shark liver oil performs a couple of key roles that focus on keeping skin smooth and comfortable.
- Skin conditioning: Forms a light protective layer that helps skin hold water, leaving it feeling supple and less prone to rough patches
- Emollient: Fills in tiny gaps between skin cells to create a softer surface which can improve the spreadability of a cream or makeup product
Who Can Use Hydrogenated Shark Liver Oil
Thanks to its lightweight emollient nature hydrogenated shark liver oil can work for normal, dry and mature skin that needs extra softness. Oily or acne prone skin may find it a bit heavy because the ingredient sits on top of the skin to seal in moisture which could feel greasy or clog pores for those already producing excess oil.
The oil is sourced from sharks so it is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians who avoid animal derived ingredients. Anyone following a strictly plant based routine will want to skip products containing it.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women can generally use cosmetics that include hydrogenated shark liver oil because it stays on the surface of the skin and is not known to pose systemic risks. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the product label to a doctor before using just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it will not increase the chance of sunburn. It also does not interfere with common actives like retinol or vitamin C though it can help buffer their potential dryness by adding an occlusive layer.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical hydrogenated shark liver oil differ from person to person. The points below outline possible side effects but most users will not notice any problems when the ingredient is used at typical cosmetic levels.
- Mild pore congestion or breakouts in oily or acne prone skin if the formula is too rich
- Allergic contact dermatitis such as redness itching or small bumps if someone is sensitive to marine derived ingredients
- Rare irritation around the eyes or lips in people with very reactive skin
If you notice any of the above reactions stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
2 / 5. Hydrogenated shark liver oil is mostly composed of saturated hydrocarbons that lie on the skin surface to seal in moisture. The molecules are lighter than those in heavy plant butters yet still form an occlusive film that can slow sebum flow. Most users will not notice clogged pores but very oily or acne-prone skin might experience minor congestion if the overall formula is rich.
Suitability for acne-prone skin: generally acceptable for balanced to dry complexions, less ideal for those who break out easily.
The final pore-clogging risk depends on concentration and the other ingredients so its position on an ingredient list can help gauge how much is present.
Summary
Hydrogenated shark liver oil conditions skin and acts as an emollient. By filling tiny gaps between skin cells it smooths texture, boosts softness and slows water loss while giving creams and makeup a silky glide.
It is no longer a headline ingredient because many brands now choose plant or lab-made alternatives, yet it still appears in some moisturizers, lip balms and after-sun products that value its stable non-greasy feel.
The ingredient is generally safe with only rare irritation or mild congestion reported. As with any new product a quick patch test is a smart step before regular use.