Squalane oil has secured a vital place in the skincare industry, praised for its power to moisturize, defend, and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a refined version of squalene, offering a longer shelf life. Still, not all squalane oil is created equal. Its source plays a key role in determining its sustainability and environmental impact.
Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be obtained from a pair of major categories: animal-derived and botanical-based materials. The choice between these options has serious ethical ramifications.
The Controversy of Animal-Based Squalane Oil
Traditionally, squalane oil was often sourced from shark liver oil. Sharks are known to be provider of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Sadly, this practice has severe ethical problems. Millions of sharks are harvested annually for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and destabilizing marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the practices used are inhumane and have been widely criticized.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, plant-derived squalane oil is an ethical and eco-friendly solution. It is extracted from plants, avoiding reliance on animal slaughter. This approach ensures humane sourcing but also delivers a safe and effective product for skincare use.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, a pair of categories stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While each offer botanical options, their environmental impact varies greatly.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is viewed as the superior choice for ethical considerations. Olives are a sustainable resource that generate fewer emissions. What’s more, olive squalane oil provides the same 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 responsible for notable issues. Sugarcane production requires large quantities of water and often results in environmental degradation. As a result, it becomes less eco-friendly than olive-derived options.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers countless skin-enhancing qualities for every skin type. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil seeps deeply into the skin, providing profound hydration without clogging pores.
Non-Comedogenic Benefits: Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for even the oiliest skin.
Fights Signs of Aging: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while protecting against free radicals.
Calming for Irritated Skin: Its mild formulation eases irritation, rendering it great for delicate skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have oily, combination skin, squalane oil provides remarkable advantages. By choosing plant-based options, specifically olive-derived squalane oil, you support ethical practices but also treat your skin to a highly effective ingredients available.