Squalane oil has earned a prominent place in the skincare world, praised for its ability to moisturize, defend, and renew the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering a longer shelf life. That said, not all squalane oil is created equal. Its source plays a crucial role in determining its ethics and effect on the planet.
Understanding the Sources of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be derived from multiple primary sources: animal-derived and botanical-based materials. The preference between these sources is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
Historically, squalane oil was commonly sourced from the livers of sharks. Sharks are a significant repository of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this approach has major ethical issues. Millions of sharks are killed on a massive scale for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. Moreover, the processes used are highly unethical and are environmentally destructive.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, plant-derived squalane oil is a more responsible and planet-friendly option. It is produced from plants, removing dependency on animal sacrifice. This method not only aligns with ethical practices but also produces a high-quality product for skincare routines.
Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources
Among plant-derived squalane oils, a pair of categories stand out: squalane oil from olives and squalane oil from sugarcane. While both offer vegan choices, their eco-friendliness varies greatly.
The Benefits of Olive-Derived Squalane Oil
Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as the superior choice for environmental reasons. Olives are a plentiful resource that are minimally wasteful. What’s more, olive squalane oil offers comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as squalane oil from sugarcane.
The Environmental Downside of Sugarcane-Derived Squalane Oil
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is responsible for substantial issues. Sugarcane cultivation consumes large quantities of water and often causes environmental degradation. Thus, it is less eco-friendly than squalane oil from olives.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers a plethora of advantages for all skin types. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Deep Hydration: Squalane oil seeps efficiently into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration without causing breakouts.
Non-Comedogenic Benefits: Its lightweight texture makes it a great choice for those with combination skin.
Reduces Fine Lines: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine priceline squalane oil lines while protecting against free radicals.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its pure formulation reduces redness, keeping it ideal for reactive skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have oily, combination skin, squalane oil offers unparalleled benefits. By choosing botanical options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you support sustainability but also give your complexion a superior ingredients available.