Squalane oil has earned a prominent place in the skincare industry, praised 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 stabilized version of squalene, offering improved longevity. That said, not all squalane oil is the same. Its source plays a significant role in determining its ethics and eco-friendliness.
Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be derived from two primary sources: sourced from animals and vegetable-sourced materials. The decision between these categories is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
Traditionally, squalane oil was commonly sourced from the livers of sharks. Sharks are an abundant natural source of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this approach has major ethical issues. Millions of sharks are harvested annually for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and destabilizing marine ecosystems. Moreover, the processes used are unsustainable and raise global concerns.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a sustainable and planet-friendly solution. It is sourced from plants, eliminating the need on animal slaughter. This method addresses animal welfare concerns but also delivers a high-quality product for skincare routines.
Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane
Among botanical-based squalane oils, two primary categories stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-derived squalane oil. While both offer vegan options, their eco-friendliness differs significantly.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered preferable for ethical reasons. Olives are a plentiful resource that require less water. What’s more, olive squalane oil retains equally excellent hydrating and skin-rejuvenating qualities as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Environmental Concerns with Sugarcane Squalane Oil
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is responsible for significant environmental challenges. Sugarcane farming requires excessive volumes of water and often results in environmental degradation. Thus, it is less eco-friendly than olive-derived options.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers countless advantages for all skin types. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Skin-Quenching Properties: Squalane oil seeps deeply into the skin, offering long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.
Balancing for Oily Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it a great squalane oil for hair side effects choice for even the oiliest skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while shielding against free radicals.
Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its mild formulation reduces redness, keeping it great for delicate skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have oily, combination skin, squalane oil provides remarkable benefits. By choosing ethical options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you support ethical practices but also ensure your beauty routine includes a highly effective products available.