Squalane oil has gained a important place in the skincare market, celebrated for its capacity to moisturize, shield, and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering improved longevity. However, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its source plays a crucial role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.
Understanding the Sources of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be sourced from a pair of key sources: sourced from animals and botanical-based materials. The choice between these options is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
The Controversy of Animal-Based Squalane Oil
Traditionally, squalane oil was commonly extracted from shark liver oil. Sharks are known to be provider of squalene, which is converted into squalane oil. Sadly, this approach has severe ethical problems. Millions of sharks are killed every year for their livers, leading to the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the processes used are highly unethical and have been widely criticized.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a sustainable and environmentally conscious solution. It is extracted from plants, eliminating the need on animal sacrifice. This approach not only aligns with ethical practices but also produces a safe and effective product for skincare applications.
Two plant squalane oil Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among plant-derived squalane oils, two primary categories stand out: squalane oil from olives and sugarcane-derived squalane oil. While both offer vegan options, their sustainability is not the same.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is viewed as preferable for ethical 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.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
By comparison, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to substantial environmental challenges. Sugarcane production requires excessive volumes of water and often results in environmental degradation. This makes it less eco-friendly than the olive alternative.
Squalane Oil: A Skin Savior
Squalane oil offers countless skin-enhancing qualities for varied complexions. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Deep Hydration: Squalane oil penetrates efficiently into the skin, offering effective hydration without clogging pores.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture keeps it a great choice for even the oiliest skin.
Fights Signs of Aging: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while guarding against free radicals.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its mild formulation reduces redness, keeping it perfect for reactive skin.
Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you have dry, combination skin, squalane oil delivers remarkable advantages. By choosing plant-based options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you not only prioritize sustainability but also give your complexion one of the best solutions available.