Squalane oil has earned a prominent place in the skincare industry, praised for its power to moisturize, defend, and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid organically created in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering improved longevity. That said, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its derivation plays a crucial role in determining its moral standing and environmental impact.
Understanding the Sources of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be derived from multiple key categories: animal-based and botanical-based materials. The choice between these sources has serious ethical ramifications.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
In the past, squalane oil was commonly derived from shark liver oil. Sharks are known to be natural source of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this practice has serious ethical consequences. Millions of sharks are harvested on a massive scale for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. Moreover, the processes used are inhumane and have been widely criticized.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a sustainable and eco-friendly solution. It is extracted from plants, removing dependency on animal sacrifice. This option addresses animal welfare concerns but also delivers a premium-grade product for skincare applications.
Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources
Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, two primary categories stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and squalane oil from sugarcane. While both offer botanical options, their environmental impact is not the same.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as the superior choice for ethical purposes. Olives are a renewable resource that generate fewer emissions. What’s more, olive squalane oil offers equally excellent hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Environmental Concerns with Sugarcane Squalane Oil
On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is associated with substantial eco-concerns. Sugarcane farming requires excessive volumes of water and often produces waste. As a result, it becomes environmentally taxing than the olive alternative.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers numerous advantages for every skin type. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil penetrates thoroughly into the skin, providing profound hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Balancing for Oily Skin: Its lightweight texture ensures it’s a great choice for all skin types, including oily skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while protecting against free radicals.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its pure formulation reduces redness, making it great for easily irritated skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have sensitive, combination skin, squalane oil provides incredible results. By choosing ethical options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you not only prioritize sustainability but also treat your skin to a highly effective solutions available.