Squalane oil has gained a vital place in the skincare industry, admired for its power to hydrate, protect, and revitalize the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a refined version of squalene, offering improved longevity. That said, not all squalane oil is created equal. Its derivation plays a crucial role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be sourced from multiple primary sources: animal-derived and botanical-based materials. The preference between these sources 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 an abundant natural source of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Regrettably, this approach has serious ethical consequences. Millions of sharks are slaughtered annually for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the practices used are highly unethical and are environmentally destructive.
The Rise of Plant-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, botanical-based squalane oil is a more responsible and planet-friendly solution. It is sourced from plants, removing dependency on animal sacrifice. This approach ensures humane sourcing but also delivers a high-quality product for skincare routines.
Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane
Among botanical-based squalane oils, two primary categories stand out: olive-based squalane oil and sugarcane-derived squalane oil. While these two offer botanical choices, their eco-friendliness varies greatly.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as preferable for ethical purposes. Olives are a sustainable resource that are minimally wasteful. On top of that, olive squalane oil offers comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating qualities as other plant-based oils.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to significant issues. Sugarcane production consumes excessive volumes of squalane oil for scalp water and often causes pollution. Thus, it is unsustainable than olive-derived options.
Why Squalane Oil is Good for Your Skin
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, delivering profound hydration without clogging pores.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it ideal for all skin types, including oily skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while guarding against free radicals.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its pure formulation eases irritation, keeping it perfect for reactive skin.
Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you have sensitive, normal skin, squalane oil offers incredible results. By choosing botanical options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace ethical practices but also ensure your beauty routine includes a highly effective solutions available.