Squalane oil has secured a vital place in the skincare industry, celebrated for its ability to hydrate, defend, and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid organically created in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering improved longevity. However, not all squalane oil is the same. Its source plays a key role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.
Understanding the Sources of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be obtained from two primary categories: animal-based and vegetable-sourced materials. The preference between these options carries significant ethical implications.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
Traditionally, squalane oil was often extracted from shark liver oil. Sharks are known to be provider of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this method has serious ethical issues. Millions of sharks are harvested annually for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. In addition, the practices used are inhumane and have been widely criticized.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a more responsible and environmentally conscious alternative. It is produced from plants, removing dependency on animal slaughter. This approach not only aligns with ethical practices but also produces a high-quality product for skincare applications.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, two sources stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While these two offer plant-based options, their sustainability varies greatly.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as better for environmental purposes. Olives are a plentiful resource that are minimally wasteful. Additionally, olive squalane oil provides comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as squalane oil from sugarcane.
Environmental Concerns with Sugarcane Squalane Oil
On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is responsible for notable environmental challenges. Sugarcane cultivation requires excessive volumes of water and often produces environmental degradation. Thus, it is environmentally taxing than squalane oil from olives.
Squalane Oil: A Skin Savior
Squalane oil offers countless skin-enhancing qualities for every skin type. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Deep Hydration: Squalane oil seeps deeply into the skin, offering profound hydration without clogging pores.
Non-Comedogenic Benefits: Its lightweight texture keeps it ideal for all skin types, including oily skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while shielding against free radicals.
Calming for Irritated Skin: Its mild formulation eases irritation, rendering it ideal for reactive skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have sensitive, mature skin, squalane oil delivers unparalleled benefits. By choosing plant-based options, specifically olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace ethical practices but also give your complexion a highly effective ingredients available.