Squalane oil has gained a prominent place in the skincare world, celebrated for its power to hydrate, protect, and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering a longer shelf life. That said, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its origin plays a crucial role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.
Understanding the Sources of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be obtained from two major categories: animal-based and botanical-based materials. The decision between these sources is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
In the past, squalane oil was frequently extracted from shark liver oil. Sharks are a significant provider of squalene, which is converted into squalane oil. Sadly, this approach has severe ethical problems. Millions of sharks are harvested annually for their livers, leading to the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Moreover, the processes used are inhumane and raise global concerns.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, botanical-based squalane oil is a sustainable and environmentally conscious option. It is produced from plants, eliminating the need on animal harvesting. This option addresses animal welfare concerns but also results in a safe and effective product for skincare use.
Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources
Among plant-derived squalane oils, two sources stand out: squalane oil from olives and squalane oil from sugarcane. While both offer botanical alternatives, their eco-friendliness differs significantly.
The Benefits of Olive-Derived Squalane Oil
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered the superior choice for ethical considerations. Olives are a sustainable resource that are minimally wasteful. What’s more, olive squalane oil offers equally excellent hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is responsible for notable eco-concerns. Sugarcane cultivation consumes large quantities of water and often results in environmental degradation. As a result, it becomes environmentally taxing than squalane oil from olives.
Why Squalane Oil is Good for Your Skin
Squalane oil offers a plethora of benefits for all skin types. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane squalane oil comedogenic oil penetrates efficiently into the skin, providing effective hydration without causing breakouts.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture ensures it’s ideal for even the oiliest skin.
Reduces Fine Lines: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while shielding against free radicals.
Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its pure formulation eases irritation, making it great for reactive skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have dry, normal skin, squalane oil delivers unparalleled advantages. By choosing plant-based options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you support ethical practices but also ensure your beauty routine includes a highly effective solutions available.