An improved method for preparing squalene from a squalene-containing composition, said method comprising the steps of (a) a purification distillation carried out at a temperature T 1 ; (b) a denaturing distillation carried out at a temperature T 2; wherein steps (a) and (b) may be performed in either order; T 1 and T 2 are sufficient to cause squalene to boil; T 2 > T 1 ; and T 2 > 200°C.