Squalane oil has earned a vital place in the skincare market, praised for its capacity to hydrate, defend, and renew the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering enhanced stability. However, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its origin plays a significant role in determining its moral standing and effect on the planet.
Understanding the Sources of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be obtained from multiple primary sources: animal-derived and plant-derived materials. The preference between these options is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
Animal-Based Squalane Oil
In the past, squalane oil was commonly extracted from shark-derived squalene. Sharks are an abundant repository of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Regrettably, this practice has major ethical issues. Millions of sharks are killed every year for their livers, leading to the depletion of shark populations and destabilizing marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the processes used are unsustainable and have been widely criticized.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, plant-derived squalane oil is a sustainable and eco-friendly option. It is sourced from plants, removing dependency on animal sacrifice. This approach addresses animal welfare concerns but also produces a premium-grade product for skincare applications.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, two categories stand out: olive-based squalane oil and squalane oil from sugarcane. While both offer plant-based options, their eco-friendliness differs significantly.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as the superior choice for environmental considerations. Olives are a plentiful resource that generate fewer emissions. Additionally, olive squalane oil offers comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as squalane oil from sugarcane.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is responsible for notable environmental challenges. Sugarcane production uses large quantities of water and often produces waste. This makes it unsustainable than the olive alternative.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers countless skin-enhancing qualities for varied complexions. Here’s why it stands out in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil absorbs deeply into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture keeps it a great choice for those with combination skin.
Fights Signs of Aging: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while protecting against free radicals.
Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its pure formulation reduces redness, making it ideal for reactive skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have sensitive, normal skin, squalane oil offers remarkable benefits. By choosing ethical options, specifically olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace sustainability but also ensure your beauty routine includes one of the best products available.