BLOOM is a non-profit organization founded in 2005 that works to preserve the marine environment and species from unnecessary destruction and to increase social benefits in the fishing sector.
Here BLOOM investigates the presence of shark liver derived squalene in cosmetic products. Squalene is used to obtain a moisturiser effect and is driving deep sea sharks to extinction.
Bloom tested several large and small brands all over the world and its results are astonishing. About 80% of brands tested had at least 50% of shark derived squalene. What is even more shocking is that squalene can be made from vegetables. Usually produced with olives, vegetable squalene is sometimes used instead. Products which include squalene range from omega 3 supplements, to lipsticks, face creams, sunscreens, foundations. Which brands? Most of the top brands have been found to use shark squalene.. IOMA, Haba, Bliss, Swiss Methode.
shark liver
Currently there is no regulation asking for companies to unveil and specify exactly which variant of squalene they use. Be it shark or olive derived.
Sadly the shark extract is CHEAPER than its oil counterpart, and the majority use a mix of both.
Bloom reveals that even Swiss companies with “strong sustainable commitments” were found to have squalene in their products.
