Squalane oil has gained a prominent place in the skincare industry, praised for its power to moisturize, defend, and renew the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering improved longevity. That said, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its origin plays a crucial role in determining its moral standing and eco-friendliness.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be sourced from a pair of primary origins: animal-based and plant-derived materials. The preference between these options is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
Animal-Based Squalane Oil
In the past, squalane oil was often extracted from shark-derived squalene. Sharks are an abundant natural source of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Regrettably, this practice has severe ethical problems. Millions of sharks are killed on a massive scale for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. In addition, the practices used are highly unethical and are environmentally destructive.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a more responsible and environmentally conscious alternative. It is produced from plants, removing dependency on animal harvesting. This approach not only aligns with ethical practices but also produces a high-quality product for skincare use.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among plant-derived squalane oils, two categories stand out: squalane oil from olives and squalane oil from sugarcane. While each offer vegan alternatives, their sustainability is not the same.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as better for environmental considerations. Olives are a sustainable resource that are minimally wasteful. On top of that, olive squalane oil retains comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating benefits as other plant-based oils.
The Environmental Downside of Sugarcane-Derived Squalane Oil
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is responsible for significant environmental challenges. Sugarcane cultivation consumes excessive volumes of water and often produces pollution. Thus, it is unsustainable than squalane oil from olives.
Why Squalane Oil is Good for Your Skin
Squalane oil offers numerous skin-enhancing qualities for varied complexions. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Skin-Quenching Properties: Squalane oil absorbs efficiently into the skin, delivering profound hydration without causing breakouts.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for those with combination skin.
Reduces Fine Lines: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while protecting against free radicals.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its mild formulation eases irritation, rendering it perfect for reactive skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have sensitive, mature skin, squalane oil provides incredible results. By choosing ethical options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you not only prioritize sustainability but also ensure your beauty routine includes a highly effective ingredients available.