Shark Allies Launches Shark-Free Label for Consumer Products
Courtesy Shark AlliesShark Allies "is working with cosmetic companies to flaunt their use of sustainable squalene," said Laurel Irvine, the organization's development and communications director.
In an effort to reduce stress on global shark populations, Shark Allies recently launched a “Shark Free” label to help consumers identify products created without using shark liver oil.
Squalene, a common moisturizing oil, is frequently derived in shark livers as a cheaper alternative to oils derived from olives, sugarcane, amaranth, rice, algae and wheat germ.
“The problem is that vegetarian squalene is more expensive than shark squalene, so manufacturers will continue to use it unless their customers demand otherwise,” says Stefanie Brendl, founder and executive director of Shark Allies, in a press release. According to the conservation nonprofit, more than three million sharks are killed annually primarily for this oil.
In order to tout the “Shark Free” seal, a brand, product or manufacturer will either need to use a plant-derived squalene — and include the source of the oil on its ingredient list — or be squalene-free. There is no government regulation on disclosing the source of squalene on product packaging. If a product contains squalene with no identified source, it’s likely made from shark liver oil than a more expensive alternative, Blum said.
“We want consumers to think of sharks in their cosmetics, just as they do with seeking out vegan products, ones free of parabens or a Leaping Bunny certification,” says Laurel Irvine, Shark Allies’ development and communications director.
Courtesy Stream2Sea20 percent of revenue from of Stream2Sea's shark-free Super Hydration Squalene will be contributed to Shark Allies' educational initiatives.
Stream2Sea recently became the first company to earn the Shark Free seal on its packaging.
“We joined the Shark Free Products Campaign because we want our customers to know that we aren’t part of an industry that kills three million animals every year,” says Autumn Blum, founder of Stream2Sea, in the release. The company has always used squalene made from olive oil in its reef-safe sunscreens and other skincare products.
Although the shark deaths contributed to the cosmetic industry are diminutive compared to the fin trade — which kills an estimated 100 million sharks per year — it’s a much easier sector for individuals to impact.
“It is something we feel we can change with public perception and education,” said Irvine.
Shark Allies is currently working to grant Shark Free seals to other manufacturers, as well as “educating manufacturers who are obviously looking for the least-expensive ingredient and may not even be aware of the long-term implications,” said Brendl.
