Squalane oil has secured a prominent place in the skincare world, admired for its ability to moisturize, shield, and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering a longer shelf life. That said, not all squalane oil is created equal. Its origin plays a crucial role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.
Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be obtained from multiple primary sources: animal-derived and plant-derived materials. The preference between these options carries significant ethical implications.
Animal-Based Squalane Oil
Traditionally, squalane oil was frequently sourced from shark-derived squalene. Sharks are a significant natural source of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Regrettably, this method has serious ethical issues. Millions of sharks are slaughtered every year for their livers, leading to the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. In addition, the processes used are highly unethical and raise global concerns.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a sustainable and environmentally conscious alternative. It is extracted from plants, avoiding reliance on animal sacrifice. This approach not only aligns with ethical practices but also produces a high-quality product for skincare applications.
Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane
Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, two categories stand out: olive-based squalane oil and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While both offer botanical choices, their environmental impact varies greatly.
Why Olive-Derived Squalane Oil Stands Out
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered the superior choice for ethical purposes. Olives are a renewable resource that are minimally wasteful. Additionally, olive squalane oil offers the same hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as squalane oil from sugarcane.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to notable eco-concerns. Sugarcane production uses excessive volumes of water and often causes environmental degradation. As a result, it becomes unsustainable than squalane oil from olives.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers a plethora of skin-enhancing qualities for every skin type. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil penetrates deeply into the skin, delivering profound hydration without causing breakouts.
Balancing for Oily Skin: Its lightweight texture ensures it’s suitable for those with combination skin.
Fights Signs of Aging: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while guarding against free radicals.
Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its mild formulation reduces redness, keeping it perfect for delicate skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have sensitive, normal skin, squalane oil provides remarkable advantages. By choosing plant-based options, specifically olive-derived squalane oil, you support sustainability but also ordinary squalane oil treat your skin to a superior solutions available.