Squalane oil has gained a vital place in the skincare industry, admired for its power to hydrate, shield, and renew the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found in human skin cells, squalane oil is a refined version of squalene, offering enhanced stability. Still, not all squalane oil is created equal. Its source plays a key role in determining its sustainability and environmental impact.
Understanding the Sources of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be sourced from a pair of primary sources: animal-derived and botanical-based materials. The preference between these categories carries significant ethical implications.
Animal-Based Squalane Oil
Traditionally, squalane oil was often derived from shark liver oil. Sharks are known to be repository of squalene, which is converted into squalane oil. Sadly, this method has major ethical issues. Millions of sharks are harvested on a massive scale for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and destabilizing marine ecosystems. Moreover, the practices used squalane oil are inhumane and raise global concerns.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a more responsible and eco-friendly solution. It is sourced from plants, removing dependency on animal slaughter. This option addresses animal welfare concerns but also produces a safe and effective product for skincare applications.
Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources
Among plant-derived squalane oils, a pair of sources stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and squalane oil from sugarcane. While these two offer botanical alternatives, their sustainability varies greatly.
Why Olive-Derived Squalane Oil Stands Out
Olive-derived squalane oil is viewed as the superior choice for ethical purposes. Olives are a renewable resource that require less water. What’s more, olive squalane oil provides comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating benefits as other plant-based oils.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
By comparison, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to notable issues. Sugarcane farming consumes excessive volumes of water and often causes environmental degradation. Thus, it is environmentally taxing than the olive alternative.
Squalane Oil: A Skin Savior
Squalane oil offers a plethora of skin-enhancing qualities for all skin types. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Deep Hydration: Squalane oil absorbs deeply into the skin, delivering long-lasting hydration without causing breakouts.
Non-Comedogenic Benefits: Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for those with combination skin.
Fights Signs of Aging: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while protecting against free radicals.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its natural formulation soothes sensitivity, rendering it great for reactive skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have dry, mature skin, squalane oil provides unparalleled benefits. By choosing ethical options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace ethical practices but also ensure your beauty routine includes a highly effective ingredients available.