Squalane oil has earned a important place in the skincare industry, celebrated for its ability to hydrate, protect, and revitalize the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid organically created in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering improved longevity. 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 sourced from a pair of key sources: sourced from animals and plant-derived materials. The decision between these sources has serious ethical ramifications.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
Historically, squalane oil was frequently sourced from shark liver oil. Sharks are known to be provider of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Regrettably, this method has major ethical consequences. Millions of sharks are killed every year for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the processes used are unsustainable and have been widely criticized.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, plant-derived squalane oil is a sustainable and planet-friendly solution. It is sourced from plants, removing dependency on animal slaughter. This option addresses animal welfare concerns but also produces a premium-grade product for skincare routines.
Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane
Among botanical-based squalane oils, two primary sources stand out: olive-based squalane oil and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While each offer squalane oil for sensitive skin plant-based choices, their sustainability is not the same.
The Benefits of Olive-Derived Squalane Oil
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered preferable for sustainable reasons. Olives are a sustainable resource that require less water. Additionally, olive squalane oil provides comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
By comparison, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to notable issues. Sugarcane cultivation requires excessive volumes of water and often causes pollution. Thus, it is unsustainable than the olive alternative.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers a plethora of skin-enhancing qualities for all skin types. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Deep Hydration: Squalane oil seeps deeply into the skin, offering profound hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Non-Comedogenic Benefits: Its lightweight texture ensures it’s suitable for those with combination skin.
Fights Signs of Aging: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while shielding against free radicals.
Calming for Irritated Skin: Its mild formulation reduces redness, making it perfect for easily irritated skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have oily, normal skin, squalane oil provides unparalleled benefits. By choosing ethical options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace sustainability but also give your complexion a superior ingredients available.