Squalane oil has earned a vital place in the skincare industry, praised for its capacity to nourish, defend, and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering a longer shelf life. Still, not all squalane oil is the same. Its derivation plays a significant role in determining its ethics and eco-friendliness.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be derived from two major origins: sourced from animals and vegetable-sourced materials. The choice between these categories is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
The Controversy of Animal-Based Squalane Oil
Traditionally, squalane oil was commonly derived from the livers of sharks. Sharks are known to be natural source of squalene, which is converted into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this practice has severe ethical issues. Millions of sharks are harvested every year for their livers, leading to the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the practices used are highly unethical and are environmentally destructive.
Botanical-Based Squalane oil squalane Oil
In contrast, botanical-based squalane oil is an ethical and eco-friendly option. It is extracted from plants, eliminating the need on animal slaughter. This option not only aligns with ethical practices but also results in a high-quality product for skincare use.
Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane
Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, two primary categories stand out: olive-based squalane oil and sugarcane-derived squalane oil. While both offer plant-based alternatives, their environmental impact is not the same.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered the superior choice for environmental reasons. Olives are a plentiful resource that generate fewer emissions. Additionally, olive squalane oil retains the same hydrating and skin-rejuvenating qualities as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
The Environmental Downside of Sugarcane-Derived Squalane Oil
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is associated with significant environmental challenges. Sugarcane production requires excessive volumes of water and often results in environmental degradation. This makes it environmentally taxing than olive-derived options.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers countless advantages for every skin type. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Skin-Quenching Properties: Squalane oil penetrates efficiently into the skin, offering profound hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Balancing for Oily Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for those with combination skin.
Reduces Fine Lines: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while shielding against free radicals.
Calming for Irritated Skin: Its pure formulation eases irritation, keeping it ideal for delicate skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have dry, mature skin, squalane oil delivers unparalleled benefits. By choosing botanical options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace sustainability but also ensure your beauty routine includes one of the best products available.