Squalane oil has gained a prominent place in the skincare world, celebrated for its power to hydrate, protect, and revitalize the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering improved longevity. However, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its source plays a key role in determining its moral standing and environmental impact.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be sourced from a pair of primary origins: sourced from animals and vegetable-sourced materials. The decision between these sources has serious ethical ramifications.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
Historically, squalane oil was commonly extracted from the livers of sharks. Sharks are known to be repository of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this method has serious ethical consequences. Millions of sharks are slaughtered squalane oil to buy on a massive scale for their livers, leading to the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. In addition, the practices used are unsustainable and are environmentally destructive.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, plant-derived squalane oil is an ethical and planet-friendly solution. It is extracted from plants, avoiding reliance on animal harvesting. This method ensures humane sourcing but also produces a high-quality product for skincare use.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, two sources stand out: squalane oil from olives and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While each offer botanical choices, their sustainability is not the same.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered preferable for environmental considerations. Olives are a plentiful resource that require less water. What’s more, olive squalane oil offers comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating benefits as squalane oil from sugarcane.
The Environmental Downside of Sugarcane-Derived Squalane Oil
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is associated with significant environmental challenges. Sugarcane farming uses large quantities of water and often causes pollution. This makes it unsustainable than squalane oil from olives.
Why Squalane Oil is Good for Your Skin
Squalane oil offers a plethora of skin-enhancing qualities for every skin type. Here’s why it stands out in skincare:
Deep Hydration: Squalane oil seeps deeply into the skin, delivering effective hydration without causing breakouts.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture keeps it ideal for those with combination skin.
Reduces Fine Lines: 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 perfect for delicate skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have sensitive, mature skin, squalane oil provides incredible advantages. By choosing ethical options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace ethical practices but also ensure your beauty routine includes a superior ingredients available.