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Is Squalene halal?

Squalene is classified uncertain for halal use with Medium confidence. A natural oil used as an emulsion adjuvant in some influenza vaccines (e.g., MF59) to boost immune response. Historically purified from shark liver oil; plant-derived squalene exists but vaccine-grade supply is often animal/fish sourced — verify product insert.

Vaccine adjuvant · Confidence: Medium

Also known as: MF59 adjuvant component, shark liver oil squalene

Uncertain Ask pharmacist
Find medicines containing Squalene

Related excipients

Ranked by co-formulation in our medicine catalog, shared concern codes, and compare guides.

Shark Cartilage Extract Uncertain

Supplement (joint)

Shared concern code: fishDerived, animalDerived

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Chondroitin Sulfate Uncertain

Supplement (joint)

Shared concern code: animalDerived

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Fish Gelatin Looks Halal

Capsule material

Shared concern code: fishDerived

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Isinglass Uncertain

Clarifying agent

Shared concern code: fishDerived

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Pancreatin / Pepsin Concern Detected

Active enzyme

Shared concern code: animalDerived

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What it is

A natural oil used as an emulsion adjuvant in some influenza vaccines (e.g., MF59) to boost immune response.

Source:FDA — Fluad (MF59-adjuvanted flu vaccine)CDC — Vaccine excipient table

Why it's here

Forms the oil phase of adjuvant emulsions in specific vaccine formulations.

See:FDA — Fluad (MF59-adjuvanted flu vaccine)CDC — Vaccine excipient table

Why it may matter

Historically purified from shark liver oil; plant-derived squalene exists but vaccine-grade supply is often animal/fish sourced — verify product insert.

Source:FDA — Fluad (MF59-adjuvanted flu vaccine)CDC — Vaccine excipient table

Common sources
  • Shark liver oil
  • Plant (olive) squalene in cosmetics

Questions to ask

  • Does this vaccine use an MF59 or squalene-based adjuvant?
  • Is a non-adjuvanted formulation available for me?

Reason codes

fishDerivedanimalDerived

Evidence & citations2

Audit

Common questions

Is Squalene halal?
RxHalal currently classifies Squalene as UNCERTAIN (Medium confidence). Historically purified from shark liver oil; plant-derived squalene exists but vaccine-grade supply is often animal/fish sourced — verify product insert. This is information only — not a fatwa or medical advice.
What is Squalene used for in medicines?
A natural oil used as an emulsion adjuvant in some influenza vaccines (e.g., MF59) to boost immune response. Forms the oil phase of adjuvant emulsions in specific vaccine formulations.
What are common sources of Squalene?
Common sources include: Shark liver oil; Plant (olive) squalene in cosmetics. Manufacturers often do not disclose which source is used.
Does this vaccine use an MF59 or squalene-based adjuvant?
Ask your pharmacist or prescriber. RxHalal lists this because Squalene is uncertain in our cited database.
Is a non-adjuvanted formulation available for me?
Ask your pharmacist or prescriber. RxHalal lists this because Squalene is uncertain in our cited database.

Smallest set of questions to ask

AI suggests the fewest questions that would resolve the uncertainty.

Offline: the questions listed above are available without AI.