Deepwater sharks are killed to make cosmetics—but a CITES decision could save these species from extinction

These sharks were once caught as bycatch, but in recent years, they've been targeted for their livers. Their liver oil is rich in a chemical compound known as squalene-a substance used in cosmetics, health supplements, and pharmaceuticals. Squalene is also found naturally in human skin sebum, which is what makes it so popular for these products.

It can be found in a wide array of products, from makeup and aftershave to sunscreen, face cream, nicotine and travel sickness patches, fish oil supplements, and hemorrhoid treatments. It's considered by manufacturers to be liquid gold. The demand for these products spurs deep-sea shark fishing and threatens the survival of gulper shark species. But of all the industries, cosmetics are thought to be the top driver.

The demand for cosmetics fuels unsustainable levels of shark fishing, often in deep and poorly regulated waters. While some cosmetics companies have publicly declared that they will not use shark liver oil in their products, it's difficult to know which products contain shark squalene as labelling laws don't require this level of detail.