Squalane oil has secured a important place in the skincare world, praised for its power to hydrate, defend, and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found 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 significant role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.
Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be derived from multiple primary categories: animal-derived and botanical-based materials. The choice between these options has serious ethical ramifications.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
In the past, squalane oil was commonly extracted from shark-derived squalene. Sharks are known to be natural source of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Sadly, this method has major ethical consequences. Millions of sharks are harvested on a massive scale for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. In addition, the practices used are inhumane and have been widely criticized.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is an ethical and environmentally conscious alternative. It is produced from plants, eliminating the need on animal slaughter. This method addresses animal welfare concerns but also results in a premium-grade product for skincare use.
Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources
Among botanical-based squalane oils, two primary categories stand out: olive-based squalane oil and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While both offer vegan choices, their eco-friendliness is not the same.
The Benefits of Olive-Derived Squalane Oil
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered the superior choice for environmental considerations. Olives are a plentiful resource that are minimally wasteful. What’s more, olive squalane oil retains comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating benefits as other plant-based oils.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is responsible for substantial environmental challenges. Sugarcane farming uses excessive volumes of water and often causes environmental degradation. This makes it unsustainable than the olive alternative.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers countless benefits for varied complexions. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil penetrates efficiently into the skin, delivering profound hydration without causing breakouts.
Balancing for Oily Skin: Its lightweight texture ensures it’s a great choice for all skin types, including oily skin.
Reduces Fine Lines: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while shielding against free radicals.
Calming for Irritated Skin: Its mild formulation reduces redness, rendering it ideal for delicate skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have sensitive, normal skin, squalane oil provides remarkable benefits. By choosing plant-based options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you support sustainability but also give your complexion one of the best ingredients available.