Squalane oil has gained a important place in the skincare industry, celebrated for its capacity to moisturize, defend, and revitalize the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found in human skin cells, squalane oil is a refined version of squalene, offering enhanced stability. However, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its source plays a significant role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.
Understanding the Sources of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be obtained from a pair of major categories: animal-based and plant-derived materials. The preference between these categories has serious ethical ramifications.
The Controversy of Animal-Based Squalane Oil
Traditionally, squalane oil was commonly derived from the livers of sharks. Sharks are a significant provider of squalene, which is converted into squalane oil. Regrettably, this practice has severe ethical issues. Millions of sharks are harvested every year for their livers, leading to the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the processes used are inhumane and are environmentally destructive.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a more responsible and planet-friendly alternative. It is sourced from plants, removing dependency on animal sacrifice. This method addresses animal welfare concerns but also delivers a high-quality product for skincare use.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, a pair of categories stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While each offer botanical alternatives, their environmental impact is not the same.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is viewed as the superior choice for sustainable considerations. Olives are a sustainable resource that require less water. What’s more, olive squalane oil retains equally excellent hydrating and skin-rejuvenating qualities as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
By comparison, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is associated with substantial environmental challenges. Sugarcane production consumes massive amounts of water and often causes environmental degradation. This makes it unsustainable than squalane oil from olives.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers numerous advantages for varied complexions. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil seeps efficiently into the skin, delivering effective hydration without causing breakouts.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture ensures it’s ideal for all skin types, including oily skin.
Reduces Fine Lines: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while protecting against free radicals.
Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its mild formulation reduces redness, rendering it perfect for delicate skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have dry, mature skin, squalane oil offers remarkable results. By choosing plant-based options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you support ethical practices but also give your complexion a superior products available.