Squalane oil has gained a important place in the skincare market, admired for its power to hydrate, shield, and renew the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering improved longevity. Still, not all squalane oil is the same. Its origin plays a significant role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.
Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be derived from a pair of primary sources: animal-based and vegetable-sourced materials. The choice between these categories has serious ethical ramifications.
Animal-Based Squalane Oil
Traditionally, squalane oil was commonly derived from the livers of sharks. Sharks are known to be provider of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this approach has serious ethical problems. Millions of sharks are harvested every year for their livers, leading to the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. Moreover, the processes used are highly unethical and are environmentally destructive.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, plant-derived squalane oil is an ethical and planet-friendly alternative. It is sourced from plants, avoiding reliance on animal sacrifice. This option ensures humane sourcing but also results in a high-quality product for skincare routines.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, two types stand out: squalane oil from olives and sugarcane-derived squalane oil. While these two offer vegan options, their eco-friendliness varies greatly.
The Benefits of Olive-Derived Squalane Oil
Olive-derived squalane oil is viewed as the superior choice for sustainable reasons. Olives are a sustainable resource that are minimally wasteful. On top of that, olive squalane oil offers equally excellent hydrating and skin-rejuvenating benefits as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
By comparison, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to significant environmental challenges. Sugarcane farming requires excessive volumes of water and often causes waste. As a result, it becomes environmentally taxing than olive-derived options.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers numerous advantages for all skin types. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil seeps thoroughly into the skin, offering profound hydration without causing breakouts.
Non-Comedogenic Benefits: Its lightweight texture ensures it’s ideal for those with combination skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while guarding against free radicals.
Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its pure formulation reduces redness, making it perfect for reactive skin.
Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you have oily, normal skin, squalane oil provides incredible benefits. By choosing botanical options, squalane oil pregnancy most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you support sustainability but also treat your skin to a superior ingredients available.