Squalane oil has secured a prominent place in the skincare world, celebrated for its power to nourish, protect, and renew the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering improved longevity. Still, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its source plays a key role in determining its ethics and eco-friendliness.
Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be obtained from a pair of major sources: sourced from animals and vegetable-sourced materials. The decision between these sources has serious ethical ramifications.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
Historically, squalane oil was often derived from the livers of sharks. Sharks are a significant natural source of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Regrettably, this practice has serious ethical problems. Millions of sharks are killed annually for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the processes used are inhumane and are environmentally destructive.
The Rise of Plant-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, botanical-based squalane oil is a more responsible and environmentally conscious option. It is extracted from plants, avoiding reliance on animal slaughter. This approach ensures humane sourcing but also delivers a premium-grade product for skincare applications.
Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane
Among botanical-based squalane oils, two types stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-derived squalane oil. While these two offer plant-based alternatives, their sustainability varies greatly.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered the superior choice for sustainable purposes. Olives are a plentiful resource that generate fewer emissions. On top of that, olive squalane oil retains comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Environmental Concerns with Sugarcane Squalane Oil
On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to notable issues. Sugarcane production requires excessive volumes of water and often results in environmental degradation. As a result, it becomes unsustainable than squalane oil from olives.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers a plethora of benefits for varied complexions. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil seeps efficiently into the skin, delivering profound hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture keeps it ideal for all skin types, including oily skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while guarding against free radicals.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its pure formulation reduces redness, keeping it perfect for easily irritated skin.
Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you have oily, combination skin, squalane oil delivers unparalleled advantages. By choosing plant-based options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace sustainability but also give your complexion a highly effective products available.