Squalane oil has earned a important place in the skincare industry, admired for its ability to nourish, defend, and revitalize the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering enhanced stability. Still, not all squalane oil is the same. Its origin plays a key role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be derived from a pair of primary sources: animal-based and vegetable-sourced materials. The decision between these categories has serious ethical ramifications.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
Historically, squalane oil was commonly derived from the livers of sharks. Sharks are an abundant provider of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this approach has severe ethical issues. Millions of sharks are slaughtered annually for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the practices used are unsustainable and raise global concerns.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, plant-derived squalane oil is an ethical and planet-friendly alternative. It is extracted from plants, eliminating the need on animal sacrifice. This method addresses animal welfare concerns but also delivers a premium-grade product for skincare applications.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among plant-derived squalane oils, a pair of sources stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and squalane oil from sugarcane. While both offer plant-based choices, their environmental impact is not the same.
The Benefits of Olive-Derived Squalane Oil
Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as better for sustainable reasons. Olives are a renewable resource that generate fewer emissions. What’s more, olive squalane oil retains equally excellent hydrating and skin-rejuvenating benefits as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
The Environmental Downside of Sugarcane-Derived Squalane Oil
By comparison, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to substantial environmental challenges. Sugarcane cultivation requires excessive volumes of water and often causes waste. As a result, it becomes less eco-friendly than squalane oil from olives.
Squalane Oil: A Skin Savior
Squalane oil offers numerous advantages for all skin types. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil seeps deeply into the skin, offering effective hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Balancing for Oily Skin: Its lightweight texture ensures it’s suitable for all skin types, including oily skin.
Reduces Fine Lines: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while protecting against free radicals.
Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its natural formulation eases irritation, rendering it great for delicate skin.
Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you have oily, combination skin, squalane oil offers remarkable results. By choosing ethical options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you support sustainability but also give your complexion a highly effective solutions available.